When the chill of evening begins to creep in, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of soup to lift your spirits and satisfy your hunger. That’s exactly what I found myself craving one busy weeknight when I threw together this Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup. The moment the smoky aroma of poblanos filled my kitchen, I knew I had stumbled upon something special. With tender shredded chicken, hearty black beans, and a luscious creaminess that envelops each spoonful, this little gem delivers comfort in a small batch.
In just a short time, you’ll have a delightful meal ready to serve—a quick and easy answer to the monotony of takeout. It’s the perfect dish for those evenings when you need something delicious and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. So grab your favorite bowl and let’s dive into a recipe that’s about to become a staple in your home!
Why Love Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup?
Craving warmth? This creamy soup is a hug in a bowl, perfect for chilly evenings.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Small Batch: Ideal for one or two, reducing food waste without compromising flavor.
- Flavor Explosion: Smoky poblano and zesty lime complement hearty black beans beautifully.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable—swap chicken for shrimp or keep it vegetarian with extra veggies.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Loved by kids and adults alike, this soup is destined for repeat requests!
Dive in and discover your new favorite comforting dish!
Ingredients for Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup
Here’s everything you need to create this creamy comfort food at home:
For the Base
- Unsalted Butter or Olive Oil – Adds richness and flavor; use olive oil for a dairy-free option.
- Chopped Yellow Onion (1/2 cup) – Provides an aromatic base and sweetness.
- Poblano Pepper (1) – Offers a mild, smoky flavor; remove seeds for less heat.
- Shredded Chicken (2 cups) – Acts as the main protein; use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Canned Black Beans (15 oz) – Adds fiber and creaminess; drain but do not rinse to maintain flavor.
- Frozen Corn (1/2 cup) – Provides sweetness and texture; fresh corn can be used if available.
- Chicken Broth (3 cups) – Liquid base for the soup; can substitute with vegetable broth or stock.
For Creaminess
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup) – Ensures a rich texture; half-and-half or whole milk can be used in a pinch.
- Shredded Cheese (1/2 cup) – Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or Mexican blend for added creaminess; freshly shredded melts better.
For Flavor
- Fresh Lime Juice (2 tsp) – Brightens flavor and adds acidity.
- Finely Chopped Cilantro – Enhances freshness and adds a pop of color.
For the Seasoning Blend
- Chicken Taco or Fajita Seasoning Blend – Seasoning to enhance flavor; substitute with traditional spices if unavailable.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp)
- Onion Powder (1/2 tsp)
- Chili Powder (1/2 tsp)
- Dried Oregano (1/2 tsp)
- Kosher Salt (1/2 tsp)
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper (1/2 tsp)
- Cumin (1/4 tsp)
How to Make Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup
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Melt Butter: In a medium pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter or olive oil over medium heat. This will create a rich base for our flavorful soup.
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Sauté Aromatics: Add ½ cup chopped yellow onion and 1 diced poblano pepper, along with half of your seasoning blend. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
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Incorporate Main Ingredients: Stir in 2 cups of shredded chicken, 15 ounces of canned black beans, ½ cup of frozen corn, and 3 cups of chicken broth. Bring the mixture to medium-high heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing those flavors to marry beautifully.
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Add Creaminess: Gently fold in ½ cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of shredded cheese. Allow the soup to come back to a gentle simmer, ensuring the cheese melts into that delightful creamy texture.
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Simmer for Flavor: Let the soup simmer for an additional 15 minutes for enhanced flavor. Don’t forget to add 2 teaspoons of fresh lime juice and season to taste with salt and pepper before serving.
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Serve Warm: Ladle the warm soup into bowls, garnishing with finely chopped cilantro and any desired extras, like avocado or a dollop of sour cream.
Optional: Serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips for a delightful crunch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup
- Fridge: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore creaminess.
- Freezer: It is not recommended to freeze this soup due to its creamy texture, which may separate upon thawing.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.
- Airtight Storage: If you do freeze, be sure to use a freezer-safe container and leave some headspace for expansion, but note that the creaminess may be compromised.
What to Serve with Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup?
Looking to create a well-rounded meal that delights all the senses?
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup, its chewy exterior adds a satisfying crunch.
- Tortilla Chips: Crispy, salty chips that contrast brilliantly with the soup’s richness and are perfect for scooping.
- Avocado Salad: Fresh, creamy avocado mixed with lime, cilantro, and some tomatoes brightens up the meal beautifully.
- Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with cumin and garlic pairs perfectly, providing a hearty base to accompany the soup.
- Cornbread Muffins: Sweet and moist cornbread complements the spicy flavors of the soup, creating a delightful combination.
- Cilantro-Lime Rice: This zesty rice dish adds a fragrant touch, enhancing the Southwestern vibes of your soup.
Pairing these delightful sides with your Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup promises a meal that nourishes both body and soul!
Expert Tips for Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup
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Use Rotisserie Chicken: This saves time while adding maximum flavor. You’ll love the convenience and richness it brings to your soup.
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Check Cream Consistency: For a richer texture, opt for heavy cream. Whole milk will yield a thinner soup; adjust broth accordingly for desired thickness.
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Roast Poblano for Depth: Consider roasting the poblano pepper before adding it to elevate the smoky flavor and enhance the overall tastiness of the soup.
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Customize Spice Levels: If you enjoy a kick, add diced jalapeños or extra chili powder to spice things up, tailoring the soup to your personal heat preference.
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Don’t Skip the Lime Juice: The fresh lime juice is essential in brightening up the flavors, so be sure to add it just before serving for the best taste!
Make Ahead Options
This Creamy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a comforting bowl even on the busiest weeknights! You can chop the onions and poblano peppers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Additionally, shred the chicken and mix the seasoning blend ahead of time. When you’re ready to enjoy the soup, simply sauté the aromatics, add the prepared ingredients, and stir in the cream and cheese. For the best quality, refrigerate leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. With these simple make-ahead steps, you’ll save valuable time while ensuring that every bite remains just as delicious!
Variations & Substitutions for Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup
Customize this comforting soup to suit your taste buds and dietary needs with these delightful variations!
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Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and replace with extra black beans or chickpeas for a hearty, meat-free version that’s just as satisfying.
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Spicy Kick: Toss in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce before simmering for that extra zing. The heat will dance with the smoky poblano, creating a fiery delight!
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Creamy Alternative: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free twist that adds a touch of sweetness and richness to the soup.
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Corn Variation: Substitute frozen corn with fresh corn on the cob for a seasonal burst of flavor. Grilling the corn before adding can enhance the sweetness even more!
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Thinner Consistency: Adjust the amount of chicken broth to create a lighter soup. Perfect if you prefer a brothier soup that still warms your soul!
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Herb Boost: Add fresh oregano or thyme during cooking for an aromatic touch that elevates the flavor. This subtle change can add a delightful freshness to every spoonful.
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Cheese Twist: Play with different cheese blends like crumbled queso fresco or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor profile that complements the smoky ingredients perfectly.
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Citrus Infusion: Swap fresh lime juice with lemon juice for a zesty alternative that brightens up the soup and gives it a unique flair.
Feel free to mix and match these ideas, creating a soup that’s uniquely yours! Enjoy experimenting in your kitchen, and watch as this recipe transforms into different comforting meals.
Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup Recipe FAQs
What’s the best way to select ripe poblanos?
Absolutely! When choosing poblanos, look for peppers that are firm and smooth with a deep green color. Avoid those with dark spots or wrinkles, as they might be overripe. The fresher the poblano, the more flavor it’ll add to your soup!
How should I store leftover soup?
Very simply! Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and refrigerate it. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, stir gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to return its creamy texture.
Can I freeze Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup?
Unfortunately, I don’t recommend freezing this soup due to its creamy ingredients. Freezing could cause the cream to separate upon thawing, impacting both texture and flavor. If you decide to freeze, use a freezer-safe container and allow some space for expansion but keep in mind that the creamy goodness may not hold up.
What should I do if my soup is too thick?
No worries! If your soup turns out thicker than you’d like, simply add a bit of chicken broth or water while gently reheating it on the stove. Stir well until the desired consistency is reached. It’s all about adding a splash of liquid until it feels just right!
Is this soup suitable for people with dairy allergies?
Absolutely! You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. Ensure that your cheese choice is also dairy-free if you decide to include that. This way, you can enjoy a creamy texture without compromising dietary needs.
What if I want to spice up the soup?
The more the merrier! For some heat, you can add diced jalapeños or a bit of cayenne pepper during the cooking process. If you like it spicier, increase the chili powder for a bolder kick. Adjust according to your taste preference!
Creamy Chicken Poblano and Black Bean Soup to Warm Your Soul
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium pot, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter or olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ½ cup chopped yellow onion and 1 diced poblano pepper, along with half of your seasoning blend. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes.
- Stir in 2 cups of shredded chicken, 15 ounces of canned black beans, ½ cup of frozen corn, and 3 cups of chicken broth. Bring to medium-high heat and let it simmer uncovered for 15 minutes.
- Gently fold in ½ cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of shredded cheese, allow to simmer gently until cheese melts.
- Let the soup simmer for another 15 minutes; add 2 teaspoons of fresh lime juice and adjust seasoning.
- Ladle the warm soup into bowls, garnishing with cilantro and any desired extras.