Chicken Poblano Creamy Soup

Featured in: Warm Family Dinners

This dish features tender shredded chicken combined with smoky poblano peppers, black beans, and sweet corn simmered in a savory broth. It’s enriched with cream and melted cheese to create a smooth and hearty texture. Bright lime juice and fresh cilantro add a vibrant finish, perfectly balancing the rich flavors. Ideal for quick weeknight cooking, it offers both comfort and depth in every spoonful.

Start by sautéing aromatics with poblano peppers, then add proteins, beans, and corn along with spices for a robust base. After simmering, stir in cream and cheese until melted and creamy, finishing with a squeeze of lime and fresh herbs for brightness and garnish.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:32:00 GMT
Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup, garnished with cilantro, ready to be enjoyed with a warm, comforting aroma. Save
Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup, garnished with cilantro, ready to be enjoyed with a warm, comforting aroma. | birchplate.com

A creamy and comforting soup featuring shredded chicken, smoky poblano peppers, black beans, sweet corn, and a touch of lime&mdashperfect for cozy dinners and quick weeknight meals.

This soup quickly became a go-to in my household for busy weeknights because it is both delicious and easy to prepare. I love how the creamy finish contrasts with the smoky chili notes.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 1 tbsp
  • Yellow onion: ½ cup chopped
  • Poblano pepper: 1, seeded and chopped
  • Garlic powder: ½ tsp
  • Onion powder: ½ tsp
  • Chili powder: ½ tsp
  • Dried oregano: ½ tsp
  • Kosher salt: ½ tsp
  • Freshly cracked black pepper: ½ tsp
  • Ground cumin: ¼ tsp
  • Shredded chicken: 2 cups (rotisserie or cooked breast/thighs)
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained
  • Frozen corn: ½ cup
  • Chicken broth: 3 cups
  • Heavy cream: ½ cup
  • Shredded cheese: ½ cup (cheddar, Mexican blend, or Colby Jack)
  • Fresh lime juice: 1–2 tsp (from 1 lime)
  • Fresh chopped cilantro: for garnish

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, poblano pepper, and half of the seasoning blend. Sauté for 56 minutes, until vegetables are soft and lightly browned.
Step 2:
Stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, corn, chicken broth, and the remaining seasoning blend. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
Step 3:
Simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Step 4:
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted, then return to a gentle simmer.
Step 5:
Cook for another 1015 minutes until the soup is creamy and slightly thickened.
Step 6:
Stir in lime juice, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7:
Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
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We always enjoy this soup together as a family, especially on chilly evenings where the warmth and flavors bring everyone closer at the table.

Required Tools

Large pot or Dutch oven, chefs knife, cutting board, measuring cups and spoons, wooden spoon or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains dairy (butter, heavy cream, cheese). Contains legumes (black beans). Gluten-free as written&mdashalways check broth and cheese labels to ensure gluten-free status. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and cheese alternatives and coconut milk instead of cream.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 360. Total Fat: 22 g. Carbohydrates: 18 g. Protein: 25 g

A steaming bowl of Chicken Poblano Soup, featuring visible black beans and corn, perfect for a cozy supper. Save
A steaming bowl of Chicken Poblano Soup, featuring visible black beans and corn, perfect for a cozy supper. | birchplate.com

This Chicken Poblano Soup is the perfect blend of comforting and vibrant, sure to become a family favorite with its rich and creamy texture.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of peppers are used for flavor?

Shredded chicken is combined with smoky poblano peppers that add gentle heat and depth without overpowering the dish.

Can I substitute the cream for a dairy-free option?

Yes, you can use coconut milk or a plant-based cream alternative to maintain creaminess while keeping it dairy-free.

How can I thicken the dish if desired?

For a thicker texture, mash some black beans into the base or add a cornstarch slurry mixed with water during cooking.

What garnishes complement this soup best?

Fresh cilantro is traditional, but sliced jalapeños, avocado, or crunchy tortilla strips also enhance texture and flavor.

Is this suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free, but always verify broth and cheese labels to ensure no gluten additives.

How long does this dish keep when stored?

Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days. For freezing, omit cream and cheese, then add them fresh when reheating.

Chicken Poblano Creamy Soup

Comforting blend of chicken, poblano peppers, black beans, corn, and creamy cheese for cozy dinners.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Overall Time
40 minutes
Created by Elena Hart


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type Mexican-inspired

Servings produced 4 Serving Size

Diet Details Wheat-Free

What You'll Need

Vegetables & Aromatics

01 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
02 ½ cup chopped yellow onion
03 1 poblano pepper, seeded and chopped

Seasoning Blend

01 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
02 ½ teaspoon onion powder
03 ½ teaspoon chili powder
04 ½ teaspoon dried oregano
05 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
06 ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
07 ¼ teaspoon ground cumin

Proteins & Soup Base

01 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or cooked breast/thighs)
02 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained
03 ½ cup frozen corn
04 3 cups chicken broth

Creamy Finish

01 ½ cup heavy cream
02 ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or Colby Jack)
03 1 to 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)

Garnish

01 Fresh chopped cilantro

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Sauté Vegetables and Aromatics: Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, poblano pepper, and half of the seasoning blend; cook for 5 to 6 minutes until vegetables soften and become lightly browned.

Step 02

Combine Main Ingredients: Add shredded chicken, black beans, corn, chicken broth, and remaining seasoning blend to the pot. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer.

Step 03

Simmer Soup: Allow soup to simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to develop flavors.

Step 04

Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese until cheese melts completely, then return to a gentle simmer.

Step 05

Finish Cooking: Simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and becomes creamy.

Step 06

Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Stir in lime juice, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot topped with fresh cilantro.

Tools Needed

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Details

Review all components to spot allergies and check with a doctor if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (butter, heavy cream, cheese)
  • Contains legumes (black beans)
  • Gluten-free as prepared—verify broth and cheese labels for gluten content

Nutrition Breakdown (each serving)

Nutritional info is for reference. Please consult your doctor for specifics.
  • Energy (Calories): 360
  • Fats: 22 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Proteins: 25 g