How to Make Chicken Poblano Soup

Rich, creamy, and packed with flavor—Chicken Poblano Soup is a perfect dish for cozy nights or a weekend lunch treat. If you’re looking for a hearty and healthy recipe, this soup delivers on all fronts. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook, a health-conscious eater, or just someone craving a delicious bowl of comforting goodness, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.

Read on to learn how to craft this mouthwatering Chicken Poblano Soup, the ingredients you'll need, step-by-step instructions, and tips to take your recipe to the next level.

What Makes Chicken Poblano Soup Unique?

Chicken Poblano Soup isn’t your average chicken soup. Its distinct flavor comes from roasted poblano peppers, which add a smoky, mildly spicy kick. Combined with tender chicken, vegetables, and a creamy broth, the result is both rich and refreshing. Poblano peppers are mild compared to jalapeños, which makes this soup perfect for those who enjoy a subtle spice without overwhelming heat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthy and Nutritious: The soup is loaded with lean protein, fiber, and vitamins from the chicken and vegetables.
• Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknights.
• Customizable: Adjust spice levels and toppings based on your preferences.
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

Now, roll up your sleeves and get ready to create your next favorite dish!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking experience:

Main Ingredients

• 2 poblano peppers (roasted, skinned, and chopped)
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (shredded)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 ribs of celery (diced)
• 2 carrots (sliced thinly)
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Optional Toppings

• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced avocado
• A dollop of sour cream
• Shredded cheese (cheddar works perfectly)
• Tortilla strips for a crunchy finish

Pro Tip

Roasting the poblano peppers brings out their smoky flavor, giving the soup its signature taste. If you’ve never roasted poblano peppers before, don’t worry—step-by-step instructions are included below.

Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Poblano Peppers

• Set your oven to broil.
• Place the poblano peppers on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Broil for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until the skin is charred and blistered.
• Transfer the peppers to a resealable plastic bag or a bowl covered with plastic wrap for 10 minutes. This allows them to steam, making the skin easier to remove.
• Once cooled, peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and chop the peppers into small pieces.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Vegetables

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the diced onion, garlic, celery, and carrots. Sauté for 5 minutes or until the onions become translucent.

Step 3: Add Chicken and Spices

• Stir in the cumin and smoked paprika to coat the vegetables.
• Place the chicken breasts or thighs into the pot.
• Season with salt and pepper as desired.

Step 4: Simmer the Soup

• Pour the chicken broth into the pot, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged.
• Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

• Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks.
• Return the shredded chicken to the pot.

Step 6: Incorporate the Cream and Poblano Peppers

• Stir in the roasted poblano peppers and heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version).
• Simmer for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

• Ladle the soup into bowls, and top with your favorite garnishes such as cilantro, avocado, or tortilla strips.
• Serve warm, and enjoy your homemade Chicken Poblano Soup!

Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Poblano Soup

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh poblano peppers and high-quality chicken broth make all the difference.
• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier soup, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Make it Vegetarian: Swap out the chicken for black beans or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Thicken the Broth: For a thicker soup, blend one cup of the broth with some of the vegetables using an immersion blender, then stir it back into the pot.

The Health Benefits of This Soup

Not only is Chicken Poblano Soup delicious, but it’s also packed with nutrients:

• Poblano Peppers provide vitamin C and antioxidants that boost your immune system.
• Chicken delivers lean protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Carrots and Celery are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, aiding digestion.
• Cumin and Paprika add flavor while offering anti-inflammatory properties.

Share Your Creation with Us!

We’d love to see your version of this Chicken Poblano Soup! Share a photo on social media, and tag us with #PoblanoPerfection. You just might inspire others to try this recipe too.

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