Table of Contents: Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup

Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup

Remember those chilly evenings when a warm bowl of soup just hit the spot? As we get older, those simple comforts become even more precious. This Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup is exactly that – a hug in a bowl, brimming with flavor and guaranteed to warm you from the inside out. It’s a sophisticated take on classic chicken soup, elevated by the mild heat and rich flavor of poblano peppers.

Perfect for a cozy night in, a festive holiday gathering, or a comforting family dinner, this recipe is a new classic waiting to be discovered.

This isn’t your average chicken soup. The addition of roasted poblano peppers lends a subtle smokiness and a beautiful green hue to the creamy broth. It’s a dish that feels special enough for company, yet simple enough to make on a weeknight. We’ve taken the time to develop a recipe that balances the heat of the poblanos with the richness of the cream and the savory goodness of chicken.

It’s a truly satisfying meal that will leave you feeling nourished and content. This comfort food is a delightful change of pace from traditional recipes, offering a unique and memorable flavor experience.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a delicious and wholesome meal, this Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup is a winner. It’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again, adapting it to your own tastes and making it a part of your family’s traditions.

Alternate Names & Variations

This soup goes by many names! You might also find recipes called Sopa de Pollo con Rajas de Poblano (its traditional Mexican name), Poblano Cream Soup with Chicken, or simply Southwest Chicken Soup. For a spicier kick, you can leave some of the poblano seeds in, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

If you prefer a lighter soup, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, though it will affect the overall richness. A delicious variation is to add a can of drained and rinsed white beans for extra protein and texture – making it a heartier chicken soup option.

Ingredients: Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup

Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavorful masterpiece:

* 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
* 2 cups small-diced yellow onion (about 1 large)
* 4 celery stalks, cut into medium dice
* 3 carrots, cut into medium dice (see Cook’s Note)
* 2 garlic cloves, minced
* 3 medium poblano peppers, seeded and cut into medium dice

* 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
* 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
* 8 cups (2 quarts) chicken broth
* 2 cups heavy cream
* 3 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (home-roasted or rotisserie chicken)
* 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
* Tortilla strips and sliced radishes, for garnish

Cook’s Note: For a more uniform texture, you can use a mandoline to slice the carrots. However, dicing them by hand works perfectly well!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion, celery, and carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Chef Tip: Don’t rush this step! Softening the vegetables properly builds a flavorful base for the soup.

2. Add Garlic & Poblanos: Stir in the minced garlic and diced poblano peppers. Cook for another 3-5 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the poblanos begin to soften.

3. Season & Simmer: Add the kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, and thyme to the pot. Stir well to combine. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

4. Create the Creamy Base: Stir in the heavy cream and heat through gently. Do not boil after adding the cream, as it may curdle. Shortcut: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken and skip the roasting step.

5. Incorporate the Chicken: Add the shredded cooked chicken to the soup and heat through. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

6. Garnish & Serve: Ladle the Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup into bowls. Garnish with chopped cilantro, crispy tortilla strips, and sliced radishes. Enjoy this delightful comfort food!

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4
Approximate Calories: 450 per serving (estimate, varies with ingredients)

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup works because of the layering of flavors. Starting with a slow sauté of the vegetables allows them to develop a natural sweetness. The poblanos, roasted to bring out their smoky notes, add a depth of flavor that’s unique and satisfying. Using a good quality chicken broth is crucial – it’s the backbone of the soup.

The key to a truly creamy texture is to add the heavy cream after the soup has simmered and the flavors have combined. Heating it gently prevents curdling and ensures a velvety smooth finish. This recipe is easy comfort food for family dinners and is sure to become a favorite.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings – a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cotija cheese would also be delicious!

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Leftover Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is a great option. However, be aware that the texture of the soup may change slightly upon thawing, as the cream can sometimes separate.

To freeze, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Leave about an inch of headspace in the containers to allow for expansion. Frozen soup can be stored for up to 2 months.

To reheat, thaw the soup completely in the refrigerator overnight. Then, gently reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid boiling. This chicken soup also reheats well in the microwave, but be sure to use a microwave-safe container and stir frequently.

People Also Ask: Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup

What are poblano peppers and how are they used?

Poblano peppers are a mild chili pepper originating from Mexico. They are typically 4-6 inches long and have a dark green color. While they contain a small amount of heat, it’s generally considered very mild, ranking around 1,000-2,000 Scoville heat units. They are incredibly versatile and commonly used in Mexican cuisine.

Beyond this delicious Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup, they’re often roasted and stuffed (chiles rellenos), used in sauces like mole, or added to stews and casseroles. Their flavor is rich and fruity, adding a unique dimension to any dish.

Can I use roasted poblanos?

Absolutely! In fact, roasting the poblanos enhances their flavor, making this Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup even more delicious. Roasting gives them a slightly smoky taste and makes the skin easier to remove. If you’re using pre-roasted poblanos (often found in jars), make sure to drain them well and adjust the amount based on their intensity.

Using roasted poblanos is a great time-saver and adds a wonderful depth of flavor to this chicken soup.

How do you make creamy chicken poblano soup?

Making this Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup is surprisingly straightforward! The process involves sautéing vegetables, simmering them in chicken broth with spices, adding cooked chicken and heavy cream, and finally garnishing with fresh cilantro and crispy tortilla strips. The key is to build the flavors gradually and to avoid boiling the soup after adding the cream.

The full, detailed recipe with step-by-step instructions is provided above, making it easy for anyone to create this comforting dish.

What kind of chicken is best for this soup?

You can use a variety of chicken for this recipe. Home-roasted chicken is fantastic, as it provides a deep, savory flavor. Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and delicious alternative. If you’re using leftover cooked chicken, make sure it’s fully cooked and shredded before adding it to the soup.

Chicken thighs can also be used for a richer flavor, but chicken breast is the most common and works beautifully in this Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup.

Conclusion: Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup

I truly hope you give this Creamy Chicken Poblano Soup a try. It’s a recipe that’s been tested and perfected, and I know it will become a staple in your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking – a little extra cumin or a pinch of cayenne can make all the difference.

If you make it, please share your photos and comments below! I love hearing from you and seeing your culinary creations. And if you’re looking for more delicious and comforting recipes, be sure to check out the rest of my blog.