Name: Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter or olive oil; 1/2 cup chopped yellow onion; 1 poblano pepper, chopped; Seasoning blend or 1 tablespoon chicken taco/fajita seasoning; 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained; 1/2 cup frozen corn; 3 cups chicken broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, Colby jack, or Mexican blend); 2 teaspoons fresh lime juice; Cilantro, for garnish; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cumin

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If you’re looking for a cozy, flavor-packed dish that’s simple to throw together but feels just a little special, Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup is a winner you’ll come back to over and over again. This creamy, colorful soup marries tender chicken, sweet corn, hearty black beans, just the right amount of smoky poblano pepper, and a comforting blend of spices. Finished with a touch of cream, melty cheese, and an invigorating squeeze of lime, it’s the perfect meal for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed lunch. There’s so much to love in every spoonful, you’ll want to keep this Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup recipe right at the front of your recipe box.

Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup shines because of its fresh, simple ingredient list. Each one brings a key flavor or texture to the party, and together they create something truly comforting and crave-worthy. Here’s what you’ll need (and why!):

Unsalted butter or olive oil: This forms the base for sautéing, giving your aromatics a luscious start.
Yellow onion: The soft, sweet backbone for the flavor, onions help mellow the spice and brighten the soup.
Poblano pepper: Earthy and just a little smoky, poblanos are milder than jalapeños but add tons of personality.
Seasoning blend (or chicken taco/fajita seasoning): This brings all the savory, zesty flavor notes you expect in a south-of-the-border soup.
Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken is the ultimate time-saver and soaks up the soup flavors beautifully.
Black beans (canned, drained): Hearty, satisfying, and they bring protein and gorgeous color to every bowl.
Frozen corn: Sweet pops of corn add color, texture, and balance to the savory broth.
Chicken broth: The foundation of the soup, broth brings everything together and deepens the flavor.
Heavy cream: The secret to that creamy richness—skip if you want dairy-free, but it’s pure comfort.
Shredded cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, Colby jack, or Mexican blend): Melts right into the soup for gooey pockets of cheesy goodness.
Fresh lime juice: The finishing touch—a splash of lime wakes up all the other flavors.
Cilantro, for garnish: Adds a fresh, herbal kick and instantly makes your bowl feel restaurant-worthy.

How to Make

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating your butter or olive oil in a sturdy soup pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, poblano pepper, and half of your seasoning blend. Sauté gently, stirring often, until everything is softened and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. This is where the magic begins: the onion gets sweet and mellow, the poblano brings its mild warmth, and the spices start to bloom right in the pot.

Step 2: Build the Soup Base

Next, pile in the shredded chicken, drained black beans, and frozen corn. Follow that with your chicken broth and the rest of your seasoning. Stir everything up so that all the good flavors can mingle. Bring the pot just to a simmer, then let it bubble gently for about 15 minutes, giving everything a chance to get cozy and the flavors to deepen.

Step 3: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Once everything’s heated through and smelling utterly delicious, stir in your heavy cream and shredded cheese. You’ll see the soup transform right before your eyes as it becomes creamy, a little thickened, and the cheese melts straight into the broth. Simmer for another 15 minutes, keeping the heat gentle so the cream doesn’t curdle.

Step 4: Add Lime and Taste

When your Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup is creamy, smooth, and ready, take it off the heat. Squeeze in your lime juice and give everything a good stir. Taste and add a little more salt, pepper, or lime if you think it needs it—the soup should taste vibrant and balanced.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle your soup into bowls and top each one with a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. If you want, add extra cheese, a swirl of sour cream, or even sliced avocado. Every bowl is a little celebration of bold, happy flavors!

How to Serve

Garnishes

The right garnish can absolutely elevate your Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup to next-level status. A handful of fresh, chopped cilantro brings brightness, while a dollop of sour cream adds cool creaminess. Extra cheese, thinly sliced jalapeños, crispy tortilla strips, or avocado slices all make fantastic toppings for that finishing flourish.

Side Dishes

This soup is pretty satisfying on its own, but it also loves a good sidekick. Serve with warm corn tortillas, a slab of cheesy quesadilla, or classic tortilla chips for scooping. A simple green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette also lightens things up and rounds out your meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make your Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup extra special, try serving it in mini mug-size portions for a party, or pour it into a bread bowl for an impressive twist! Another fun option: set up a toppings bar so everyone can customize their own bowls to their liking.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let your Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup cool until it’s just warm, then ladle it into airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better as they mingle, making leftovers totally crave-worthy. Just remember garnishes like cilantro and avocado should be added fresh.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze your soup, leave out the dairy and cheese until reheating for best results. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe bags or containers (leaving some room for expansion) and store for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If you made it without dairy, now’s the time to stir in that cream and cheese—let them melt in for that signature velvety texture. A splash of fresh lime before serving will help the flavors pop again.

FAQs

Can I make Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply skip the heavy cream and cheese. If you want a little creaminess without dairy, stir in a bit of coconut milk or a splash of your favorite plant-based creamer at the end.

What if I can’t find poblano peppers?

Mild green bell peppers are a great substitute. You’ll miss a touch of smokiness, but the soup will still be delicious and colorful. If you want a hint of the poblano’s character, add a pinch of smoked paprika to your seasoning blend.

Is this soup spicy?

Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup is generally quite mild, thanks to the gentle heat of poblano peppers. Want it hotter? Add diced jalapeños alongside the poblanos, or toss in a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to taste!

Can I use leftover grilled or roasted chicken?

Yes, definitely! Any cooked chicken you have on hand can find a happy home in this soup. The little charred bits from grilled or roasted chicken will add extra flavor and depth—just shred or chop before adding.

Can I double the recipe?

Go right ahead! Just be sure to use a large enough pot, and you might need a bit more broth or seasoning to taste. It’s perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd, especially since it reheats so well.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something that’s hearty, fresh, and brimming with flavor, this Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup is ready to be your new go-to! From weeknight dinners to weekend lunches, it’s a dish that fills the kitchen with good smells and brings everyone to the table with a smile. Give it a try the next time you need a bowl of comfort with a little spark!