Dinner

Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup

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This Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup is a warm, comforting dish packed with southwestern flavors. The mild smokiness of poblano peppers, the richness of heavy cream, and the heartiness of shredded chicken and black beans create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. A touch of fresh lime juice brightens up each spoonful, making this a standout soup for any time of the year. Pair this soup with crunchy tortilla strips, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream for extra indulgence. Whether you’re craving something cozy for a chilly night or looking for a hearty meal to satisfy your taste buds, this creamy, slightly spicy soup is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy it with warm cornbread or a side of avocado slices for the ultimate experience!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter or olive oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 poblano pepper, chopped (stems and seeds removed)
  • 2 cups shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover cooked chicken)
  • 1 can (15 oz.) black beans, drained (not rinsed)
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Mexican blend, or Colby Jack)
  • 2 tsp fresh lime juice
  • Finely chopped cilantro, for garnish

Seasoning Blend:

  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp each kosher salt + freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cumin

Directions:

  1. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions, poblano pepper, and half of the seasoning blend. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
  2. Stir in shredded chicken, black beans, frozen corn, chicken broth, and remaining seasoning. Bring to a simmer and let cook uncovered for 15 minutes.
  3. Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese. Stir well until the cheese is fully melted.
  4. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
  5. Stir in fresh lime juice, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro and your favorite toppings like sour cream, avocado, tortilla chips, or extra cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes

Kcal: 233 kcal | Servings: 6 cups

A Flavorful Southwestern Comfort Dish

Chicken poblano soup is a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish that combines smoky poblano peppers, tender shredded chicken, black beans, and sweet corn in a flavorful broth. This soup is inspired by Southwestern and Mexican flavors, making it a fantastic comfort food for any season. Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter meal or a satisfying dish to serve year-round, this soup is sure to impress with its bold flavors and creamy texture.

What Makes This Soup Special?

The Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup is more than just your average chicken soup. It stands out because of the combination of smoky, slightly spicy poblano peppers and the richness of heavy cream, giving it a depth of flavor that is both unique and satisfying.

Unlike traditional chicken soups that focus on clear broths and simple ingredients, this version leans into heartiness, featuring black beans, sweet corn, and melted cheese. The result is a thick and creamy soup with layers of flavor that come together beautifully. It’s not overly spicy, making it perfect for those who enjoy just a touch of warmth in their food.

The Role of Poblano Peppers

A key ingredient in this dish is the poblano pepper, a mild chili pepper that originates from Mexico. Poblanos are often used in Mexican cuisine for their smoky yet subtle heat. They are much milder than jalapeños but still add a distinctive depth of flavor to dishes.

Poblano peppers can be used fresh, but they are also commonly roasted to enhance their smoky profile. In this soup, the poblano peppers are sautéed with onions to release their natural flavors before being combined with the broth. If you want to intensify the smoky notes, you can roast the peppers beforehand and remove their skin before chopping them up for the soup.

The Perfect Balance of Creaminess and Spice

One of the best things about this soup is how it balances creaminess and spice. The addition of heavy cream makes the soup rich and indulgent, while the seasoning blend featuring chili powder, cumin, and garlic adds warmth and depth. The black beans and corn provide texture and a slightly sweet contrast to the mild spice of the poblanos.

To elevate the flavor even more, fresh lime juice is added at the end of cooking. This brightens up the dish and cuts through the richness of the heavy cream, creating a well-rounded taste in every spoonful. The fresh cilantro garnish enhances the flavors even further, adding a fresh herbal note that ties everything together.

A Versatile and Customizable Dish

One of the great things about Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs:

  • Make It Spicier: If you love heat, add diced jalapeños along with the poblanos, or sprinkle in some cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
  • Make It Dairy-Free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream.
  • Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add extra beans or vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Boost the Protein: Add more shredded chicken, or try using shredded turkey for a slightly different flavor. You can also add a handful of cooked quinoa for a protein-packed variation.

No matter how you customize it, this soup is sure to deliver comfort and satisfaction.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

While this soup is delicious on its own, pairing it with the right side dishes can enhance the overall experience. Here are some great options to serve alongside it:

  • Tortilla Chips or Strips: Add a crunchy texture by topping the soup with crispy tortilla strips or serving it with tortilla chips on the side.
  • Warm Cornbread: A slice of buttery cornbread is the perfect complement to this creamy soup.
  • Avocado Slices: The creamy texture of avocado pairs beautifully with the flavors of the soup.
  • Mexican Rice: Serve a side of Mexican-style rice for a heartier meal.
  • Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a lime vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the soup.

For garnish, consider adding shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, sour cream, or crumbled cotija cheese. Each topping enhances the flavors and textures of the dish in its own way.

Why This Soup Is a Meal Prep Favorite

Another great advantage of this soup is that it’s excellent for meal prep. The flavors deepen over time, making it even better the next day. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days in an airtight container. However, because it contains heavy cream, it is not ideal for freezing as the dairy may separate upon reheating.

To reheat, simply warm it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. If the soup has thickened too much, you can add a splash of broth or cream to bring it back to the desired consistency.

Nutritional Benefits of This Dish

Even though this soup is rich and creamy, it also offers a variety of health benefits:

  • High in Protein: Thanks to the shredded chicken and black beans, this soup provides a good amount of protein to keep you full and satisfied.
  • Loaded with Fiber: Black beans and corn add fiber, which supports digestion and helps with satiety.
  • Nutrient-Rich Peppers: Poblano peppers contain vitamins A and C, both of which support immune function.
  • Calcium and Healthy Fats: The cheese and heavy cream contribute calcium and healthy fats, which are essential for bone health.

While this soup is indulgent, it also provides important nutrients that make it a great balanced meal option.

Conclusion:

If you’re looking for a soup that is creamy, slightly spicy, and bursting with bold flavors, Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup is the perfect choice. With its smoky poblanos, tender shredded chicken, hearty black beans, and a rich, cheesy broth, it delivers everything you could want in a comforting meal.

This soup is perfect for chilly nights, casual family dinners, or when you just want something warm and satisfying. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with flavors that will leave you craving more. Serve it with your favorite toppings and sides, and enjoy a bowl of this delicious Southwestern-inspired dish!

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