There’s something magical about the combination of tender chicken, smoky poblano peppers, and hearty black beans all coming together in one pot. And let’s be honest—when the day’s been long, your to-do list is a mile long, and dinner still has to happen, you need a recipe that’s warm, easy, and a little bit exciting. That’s where this chicken poblano soup swoops in to save your evening.
It’s creamy, comforting, just the right amount of spicy, and packed with protein and fiber thanks to the chicken, beans, and corn. Basically, it’s your dinner superhero in a Dutch oven.
Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, trying to jazz up leftovers, or just want to curl up with a bowl of something that tastes like a cozy hug—this recipe’s for you.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Poblano Soup
Let’s break it down:
This chicken poblano soup is not your average weeknight meal—it’s flavor-packed comfort that doesn’t ask for much. Made with simple ingredients (hello, rotisserie chicken!) and ready in just about 30–40 minutes, it checks all the boxes:
✔️ One-pot magic = minimal cleanup
✔️ Budget-friendly pantry staples
✔️ A satisfying, healthy-ish option
✔️ Kid-friendly (especially if you tone down the spice)
✔️ A little creamy, a little smoky, a whole lot of yum
Think of it as the Tex-Mex cousin to chicken noodle soup—with a little flair and a lot more flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated—this ingredient list looks long, but most of it is probably already in your pantry:
- 1 tbsp. Unsalted Butter – for that golden veggie sauté
- 1/2 cup chopped Yellow Onion
- 1 Poblano Pepper, chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- Homemade Seasoning Blend (or 1 tbsp. Chicken Taco Seasoning):
- ½ tsp. Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp. Onion Powder
- ½ tsp. Chili Powder
- ½ tsp. Dried Oregano
- ½ tsp. each Kosher Salt + freshly cracked Black Pepper
- ¼ tsp. Cumin
- 2 cups (8 oz.) Shredded Chicken – rotisserie, breast, or thigh
- 1 can (15 oz.) Black Beans, drained (but not rinsed for more flavor)
- 1/2 cup Frozen Corn
- 3 cups Chicken Broth
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream – for creaminess, of course
- 1/2 cup Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Mexican Blend, or Colby Jack)
- 1 Lime Wedge – just a squeeze wakes everything up
- Chopped Cilantro, for garnish
How To Make Chicken Poblano Soup
Pull out your favorite soup pot, and let’s do this.
1. Sauté the Veggies
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt your butter over medium heat. Toss in the onions, poblano peppers, and half the seasoning blend. Stir it all together and cook for about 5–6 minutes, until the veggies are softened and starting to brown a bit.
Pro tip: You’ll know it’s perfect when your kitchen starts smelling like a cozy taco night.
2. Add the Good Stuff
Now it’s time to bring the party together. Add your shredded chicken, black beans, corn, chicken broth, and the rest of your seasoning.
Crank the heat to medium-high and bring everything to a nice simmer. Leave it uncovered and let those flavors mingle for about 15 minutes.
3. Make It Creamy
Stir in your heavy cream and shredded cheese, and keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is looking rich and velvety.
4. Simmer (Again)
Once the cheese is in and happy, let the soup simmer again for at least 15 more minutes. This helps deepen the flavors—and makes your house smell amazing.
5. Taste, Garnish, Serve!
Give it a taste and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Then finish with a little lime juice and fresh cilantro. Serve hot—and don’t be shy with the toppings!
Topping Ideas to Make It Extra
Because let’s be honest, toppings make everything more fun:
- Crushed tortilla chips or strips
- Sliced avocado
- A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Extra shredded cheese
- Diced jalapeños (if you like it spicy!)
- Hot sauce, because… why not?
Quick Cooking Tips
- Don’t skip the lime! It adds just enough brightness to cut through the richness of the cream and cheese.
- Rotisserie chicken is a game-changer. But if you’ve got leftover grilled chicken, it works just as well.
- Want it spicier? Add a diced jalapeño with the onion and poblano in the first step—or a pinch more chili powder.
- Cream swaps: No heavy cream? You can use half & half or even a little cream cheese whisked in.
- Cheese tip: Pre-shredded is fine, but if you have time, shredding fresh cheese makes it melt better and taste richer.
A Little Backstory
This chicken poblano soup became a household staple during one of those “what’s in the fridge?” kind of nights. I had leftover rotisserie chicken, a lonely poblano pepper, and a half-used can of beans. The result? My family asked for seconds and packed leftovers for lunch. That’s when I knew I had a winner.
Now, it’s my go-to on chilly weeknights, especially when I need something filling but not fussy.

FAQs: Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup Questions Answered
Can I use fresh corn instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If it’s corn season, go wild. About 1 ear of fresh corn should do the trick.
Can I freeze chicken poblano soup?
Yes—but skip the cream and cheese before freezing. Add those in when reheating so the texture stays smooth.
Is this soup spicy?
It has a gentle kick from the poblano and chili powder, but it’s not overly spicy. You can dial it up or down based on your family’s heat tolerance.
Can I make it vegetarian?
You sure can! Swap the chicken for more beans or even diced sweet potatoes, and use veggie broth instead of chicken broth.
Ready to Cozy Up with a Bowl?
Whether you’re winding down after a busy day or need a quick dinner that feels like you actually tried (even if you didn’t), this chicken poblano soup hits the spot. It’s hearty, flavorful, and just the right kind of comforting.
Grab a bowl, your favorite toppings, and maybe a cozy blanket. This one’s going to be on repeat.
Want more weeknight magic like this? Stick around here at Chicken Magic Recipes—we’ve got plenty more comforting, crowd-pleasing chicken dishes waiting for you.
Explore More Cozy, Flavor-Packed Recipes
If this chicken poblano soup made your dinner table a little warmer and your night a lot easier, you’ll want to dive into these other soul-soothing dishes that carry that same magic combo of comfort, ease, and big flavor. Here are a few related favorites worth bookmarking for your next meal plan:
- Looking for another cozy bowl full of rich, savory flavor? Don’t miss our creamy Cajun chicken soup—a spicy Southern-inspired twist that’ll warm you from the inside out.
- Love the combo of chicken, beans, and Tex-Mex flair? Then you’ll adore our sweet potato, corn, and black bean enchiladas for a hearty, vegetarian-friendly option with loads of flavor.
- Want something just as easy but with a fall twist? Try the autumn harvest chicken skillet for a one-pan meal that’s perfect for chilly nights and busy weeknights alike.
- If rotisserie chicken is your weeknight MVP, make it stretch with this comforting rotisserie chicken and mushroom soup—creamy, earthy, and perfect for leftovers.
These recipes are all crafted with the same love and simplicity that keep Chicken Magic Recipes a favorite kitchen companion. Go ahead, keep that soup pot handy! Happy cooking.
Print
Chicken Poblano Soup
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy chicken poblano soup is the ultimate cozy dinner—filled with shredded chicken, smoky poblano peppers, hearty black beans, corn, and a touch of lime. A flavorful one-pot wonder that comes together fast!
Ingredients
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1 tbsp Unsalted Butter
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½ cup Chopped Yellow Onion
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1 Poblano Pepper, chopped (seeds & stem removed)
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Seasoning Blend:
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½ tsp Garlic Powder
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½ tsp Onion Powder
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½ tsp Chili Powder
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½ tsp Dried Oregano
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½ tsp Kosher Salt
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½ tsp Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
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¼ tsp Cumin
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2 cups Shredded Chicken (rotisserie or cooked chicken breast/thighs)
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1 can (15 oz) Black Beans, drained
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½ cup Frozen Corn
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3 cups Chicken Broth
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½ cup Heavy Cream
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½ cup Shredded Cheese (Cheddar, Mexican Blend, or Colby Jack)
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1–2 tsp Fresh Lime Juice (from 1 lime wedge)
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Fresh Chopped Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
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Sauté veggies: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions, poblano pepper, and half of the seasoning blend. Cook for 5–6 minutes, until veggies are soft and slightly browned.
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Add soup base: Stir in shredded chicken, black beans, corn, chicken broth, and remaining seasoning. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat.
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Simmer: Let the soup cook uncovered for 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
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Make it creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted. Bring to a simmer again.
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Finish & serve: Simmer for another 15 minutes. Add a squeeze of lime juice, season with salt and pepper to taste, and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Notes
For a thicker soup, mash some of the beans or use a cornstarch slurry.
Swap the heavy cream for half & half or full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days. Freeze without the cream and cheese, then add those when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup , Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American , Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Find it online: https://chickenmagicrecipes.com/chicken-poblano-soup/