Chicken Poblano Smoky Soup

Featured in: Hearty Soups & Stews

This creamy chicken and poblano soup combines tender shredded chicken with smoky poblano peppers and hearty black beans. Sweet corn adds a subtle bite while the blend of spices enhances its rich flavor. Finished with cheese, cream, and a splash of lime, this warm and satisfying dish is perfect for cozy evenings or quick weeknight meals. Garnished with fresh cilantro, it offers a delicious balance of smoky, savory, and bright flavors.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 08:19:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Chicken Poblano Soup, garnished with cilantro, ready for a comforting meal. Save
Steaming bowl of Chicken Poblano Soup, garnished with cilantro, ready for a comforting meal. | forkina.com

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

This recipe quickly became a family favorite because of its rich flavor and simple preparation.

Ingredients

  • Unsalted butter: 1 tbsp
  • Chopped yellow onion: ½ cup
  • 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 (rotisserie or cooked breast thigh): 2 cups
  • Black beans, drained: 1 can (15 oz)
  • Frozen corn: ½ cup
  • Chicken broth: 3 cups
  • Heavy cream: ½ cup
  • Shredded cheese (cheddar Mexican blend or Colby Jack): ½ cup
  • Fresh lime juice (from 1 lime): 1–2 tsp
  • Fresh chopped cilantro: 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 5–6 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 10–15 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.
Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup: a close-up shows tender chicken, peppers, and beans in a rich broth. Pin it
Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup: a close-up shows tender chicken, peppers, and beans in a rich broth. | forkina.com

We often gather around the table sharing this soup on chilly evenings creating cherished memories.

Notes

For a thicker soup mash some of the beans in the pot or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water). Substitute heavy cream with half & half or full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free alternative.

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 always 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.

A hearty spoonful of Chicken Poblano Soup, perfect for a cozy, Mexican-inspired weeknight dinner. Pin it
A hearty spoonful of Chicken Poblano Soup, perfect for a cozy, Mexican-inspired weeknight dinner. | forkina.com

This soup is perfect for quick wholesome meals that warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make the soup thicker?

To thicken the soup, mash some of the black beans in the pot or stir in a cornstarch slurry made from 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water.

What dairy alternatives work well in this dish?

Try using plant-based butter, coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and dairy-free cheese to create a creamy texture without dairy.

Can I prepare this soup ahead of time?

Yes, the soup keeps refrigerated for up to 4 days. When freezing, omit the cream and cheese and add them fresh when reheating.

What garnishes complement the flavors?

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

Is this dish gluten-free?

The soup is gluten-free as prepared, but always check broth and cheese labels to ensure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.

Chicken Poblano Smoky Soup

Comforting bowl with shredded chicken, poblano, black beans, corn, and creamy cheese for cozy meals.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

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 oz) 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 1–2 teaspoons fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)

Garnish

01 Fresh chopped cilantro

Instructions

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add chopped onion, poblano pepper, and half the seasoning blend; sauté for 5 to 6 minutes until softened and lightly browned.

Step 02

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

Step 03

Simmer Flavors: Maintain a gentle simmer uncovered for 15 minutes to blend the flavors thoroughly.

Step 04

Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese. Mix until cheese is fully melted, then keep at a gentle simmer.

Step 05

Thicken Soup: Continue cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the mixture becomes creamy and slightly thickened.

Step 06

Add Finishing Touches: Stir in lime juice, taste, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 07

Serve: Ladle hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, heavy cream, cheese)
  • Contains legumes (black beans)
  • Gluten-free as prepared; verify broth and cheese labels to ensure gluten-free status

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 360
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 18 g
  • Protein: 25 g