Creamy Chicken Poblano and Black Bean Soup Recipe

Velvety Chicken Poblano & Black Bean Soup Recipe: Cozy Joy

Comfort meets zesty excitement in this creamy chicken poblano and black bean soup that’ll warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Peppers dance with tender chicken in a rich, velvety broth that whispers of Mexican culinary traditions.

Robust black beans add hearty texture and depth to every spoonful.

Delicate cream swirls through the soup, creating a luxurious backdrop for bold poblano flavors.

Vibrant ingredients come together in a symphony of taste that feels both familiar and adventurous.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through layers of carefully balanced seasonings.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this soul-satisfying bowl of pure deliciousness.

Why Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup Shines

  • Craft Bold Flavor Combinations: Poblano peppers and black beans create a rich, complex taste profile that elevates this soup from ordinary to extraordinary, delivering a delightful southwestern-inspired culinary experience.
  • Master Quick and Hearty Meal Prep: This one-pot wonder comes together in minimal steps, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
  • Customize with Endless Toppings: The soup provides a fantastic base for personalization, allowing each family member to add their favorite garnishes like sour cream, extra cheese, or crunchy tortilla strips for a tailored dining experience.

Ingredients For Chicken Poblano Soup

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken: Tender shredded protein that provides the hearty base of the soup.
  • Black Beans: Protein-rich legume that adds texture and depth to the soup.
  • Poblano Pepper: Mild chile pepper that brings a subtle smoky flavor and slight heat.
Dairy and Cream:
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps sauté the vegetables.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth creamy texture for the soup.
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts into the soup, enhancing its richness and cheesy flavor.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onions, Seasoning Blend: Provide foundational flavor and aromatic base for the soup.
  • Frozen Corn: Sweet vegetable that adds texture and brightness to the dish.
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid base that helps build the soup's flavor profile.
  • Lime Juice: Adds a fresh, bright acidic note to balance the creamy soup.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for final flavor adjustment.
  • Cilantro: Fresh herb garnish that adds a vibrant, herbal finish.
Optional Toppings:
  • Sour Cream, Tortilla Strips: Additional garnishes for extra texture and flavor.

How To Make Creamy Poblano Soup

How To Make Creamy Poblano Soup

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Grab a medium pot or Dutch oven and melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions, poblano pepper, and half of the seasoning blend.

Let them dance and sizzle for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables turn tender and develop a beautiful light brown color.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Introduce these ingredients to the pot:
  • Shredded chicken
  • Black beans
  • Frozen corn
  • Chicken broth
  • Remaining seasoning

Crank up the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling simmer.

Let it bubble away uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to get cozy and intertwine.

Step 3: Create Creamy Perfection

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle shredded cheese.

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, transforming the soup into a velvety dream.

Bring the soup back to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Develop Deep Flavors

Let the soup simmer for another 15 minutes, giving the flavors time to become best friends.

Squeeze in fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper until it tastes just right.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Top with freshly chopped cilantro and go wild with additional garnishes.

Tips For Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup

  • Char poblano peppers and onions slightly before adding to enhance their smoky, deep taste profile.
  • Replace chicken with black beans or tofu for a vegetarian version that maintains the soup's rich, creamy texture.
  • Add heavy cream gradually and stir constantly to prevent separation and ensure smooth, silky results.
  • Increase heat by including jalapeño seeds or adding a dash of cayenne pepper for those who enjoy more kick.
  • Store soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days, allowing flavors to intensify overnight in the refrigerator.

Flavor Ideas For Poblano Soup

  • Vegetarian Poblano Soup: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or extra black beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.
  • Low-Carb Mexican Soup: Swap corn and beans with cauliflower and zucchini. Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream to reduce carbohydrates and maintain creamy texture.
  • Dairy-Free Poblano Soup: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for cheese flavor. Keep all other ingredients consistent with original recipe.
  • Spicy Southwest Soup: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers for extra heat. Include additional spices like smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to boost flavor profile. Garnish with extra hot sauce for heat lovers.

Suggested Pairings For Poblano Soup

  • Zesty Garnish Fiesta: Top the soup with crispy tortilla strips, extra shredded cheese, and a dollop of tangy sour cream for a restaurant-style presentation that adds crunch and richness.
  • Cilantro Freshness Boost: Sprinkle generous amounts of chopped fresh cilantro right before serving to introduce a bright, herbal note that cuts through the creamy soup's richness.
  • Mexican-Inspired Side Pairing: Serve alongside warm cornbread, a small side salad with avocado, or crispy quesadilla wedges to transform this soup into a complete and satisfying meal that celebrates southwestern flavors.
  • Spice Level Adventure: Offer sliced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes on the side, allowing guests to customize their heat level and personalize their soup experience.

Storage Recommendations For Poblano Soup

  • Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep the soup in a sealed container to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
  • Pour desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming. Check temperature and add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick.

FAQs

  • What makes poblano peppers special in this soup?

Poblano peppers add a mild, slightly smoky flavor with just a hint of heat, creating a more complex taste profile compared to regular green peppers without overwhelming spiciness.

  • Can I use different types of chicken in this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover roasted chicken work perfectly. Just shred the meat and add it to the soup for a quick and easy protein boost.

  • Is this soup considered a healthy meal option?

Yes, the soup provides a balanced meal with lean protein from chicken, fiber from black beans, and vegetables like poblano peppers and corn, making it nutritious and satisfying.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Chicken Poblano and Black Bean Soup Recipe

Creamy Chicken Poblano and Black Bean Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Comforting chicken poblano and black bean soup delivers authentic Mexican flavors in one hearty bowl. Spicy peppers, tender chicken, and rich broth combine for a soul-warming meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 cups shredded chicken
  • 1 15 ounces (425 grams) can black beans, drained
  • 1/2 cup frozen corn

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
  • 1 poblano pepper, chopped (stems and seeds removed)

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, Colby jack, or Mexican blend)
  • 1 tablespoon chicken taco or chicken fajita seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • Finely chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat butter in a medium pot over medium temperature, sautéing chopped onions, poblano pepper, and half the seasoning blend for 5-6 minutes until vegetables soften and develop light caramelization.
  2. Incorporate shredded chicken, black beans, frozen corn, chicken broth, and remaining seasoning. Elevate heat to medium-high, bringing mixture to a vigorous simmer for 15 minutes to intensify flavor profiles.
  3. Introduce heavy cream and shredded cheese, continuously stirring until cheese dissolves completely and soup achieves a luxurious, velvety consistency. Return to a gentle simmer.
  4. Allow soup to gently bubble for an additional 15 minutes, permitting flavors to harmonize and deepen. Finish with fresh lime juice, then adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to preference.
  5. Ladle steaming soup into serving bowls, embellishing with freshly chopped cilantro. Enhance with optional garnishes like extra cheese, dollop of sour cream, or crispy tortilla strips for textural contrast.

Notes

  • Choose poblano peppers with smooth, unblemished skin for the best flavor and texture in your soup.
  • Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a lighter, dairy-free alternative that maintains creamy consistency.
  • Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra depth to the soup’s flavor profile.
  • If you prefer a spicier version, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper during the vegetable sautéing stage for an extra kick.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 254 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 560 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 13 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 19 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star