1. Introduction
If you love cozy soups with bold flavor, this Chicken Poblano and Black Bean Soup is about to become your new favorite. It’s smoky, a little spicy, creamy without being heavy, and packed with tender chicken, hearty beans, and roasted poblano peppers.
Think: Tex-Mex comfort food meets weeknight ease.
It’s:
✅ High protein
✅ Budget friendly
✅ One-pot simple
✅ Great for meal prep
✅ Family approved
Basically… the kind of soup you make once and then keep craving again and again.
2. Ingredients (Exact Measurements + Smart Picks)
Soup Base
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium yellow Onion, diced
- 4 Cloves garlic, minced
- 3 large poblano peppers, roasted & chopped
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs)
- 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 cup frozen or fresh corn
- 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese (for creaminess)
Seasonings
- 1½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp Salt (adjust later)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
Garnishes (optional but recommended)
- fresh cilantro
- Shredded cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese
- sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Tortilla strips or crushed chips
- Avocado slices
3. Essential Kitchen Tools & Appliances
- Large Dutch oven or heavy soup pot
- Bamboo Cutting Board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Tongs
- Ladle
- Blender or immersion blender (optional for creamy texture)
- Baking sheet (for roasting peppers)
4. Preparation Steps (Barney Style 🐣)
Step 1 – Roast the poblanos
- Place peppers on baking sheet
- Broil 6–8 minutes until charred
- Flip halfway
- Cover with foil 5 minutes
- Peel skin + remove seeds
- Chop
Step 2 – Chop veggies
Dice onion, mince garlic, rinse beans.
Step 3 – Season chicken
Sprinkle lightly with salt, pepper, cumin.
Done. Ready to cook!
5. Cooking Instructions (Temperature + Timing)
Step 1 – Build flavor
Heat pot over medium heat
Add olive oil + onion
Cook 4–5 minutes until soft
Add garlic → cook 30 seconds
Step 2 – Add spices
Stir cumin, paprika, chili powder
Toast 30 seconds (smells amazing!)
Step 3 – Add soup ingredients
Add:
- chicken
- poblanos
- beans
- corn
- tomatoes
- broth
Bring to boil, then reduce to low simmer
Step 4 – Simmer
Cover and cook 20–25 minutes until chicken is tender.
Step 5 – Shred chicken
Remove chicken → shred → return to pot
Step 6 – Make it creamy
Stir in:
- cream cheese
- half-and-half
Simmer 5 more minutes
Step 7 – Finish
Add lime juice
Taste & adjust salt
Secret Tip 🔥
Blend 1–2 cups of soup and return it to the pot for a naturally thicker texture without extra cream.
6. Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with:
- Warm tortillas
- Cornbread
- Rice
- Tortilla chips
- Side salad
Top with:
✔ Cilantro
✔ Cheese
✔ Avocado
✔ Lime squeeze
The toppings make it next level.
7. Additional Tips & Variations
Flavor Boosters
- Add chipotle in adobo for smoky heat
- Stir in salsa verde
- Sprinkle Tajín or chili flakes
Make it lighter
- Use milk instead of cream
- Skip cream cheese
- Add extra beans for thickness
Dairy-free
- Use coconut milk or cashew cream
Low carb
- Skip beans + corn
- Add zucchini or cauliflower
Meal prep tip
Tastes even better next day!
8. Nutrition Details (Per Serving – approx. 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 |
| Protein | 35g |
| Carbs | 28g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Fat | 17g |
| Saturated Fat | 7g |
| Sodium | 540mg |
| Sugar | 4g |
9. FAQ Section
How long does it last?
Fridge: 4 days
Freezer: 3 months
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Add during last 10 minutes.
Too spicy?
Use fewer poblanos or remove seeds.
Can I make it in slow cooker?
Yes. Cook 6–7 hours low or 3–4 hours high.
How to thicken soup?
Blend part of it or add mashed beans.
10. Wrap-Up
This Chicken Poblano & Black Bean Soup is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Smoky peppers, tender chicken, creamy broth — it’s cozy, hearty, and seriously satisfying.
Fun fact: Poblano peppers are traditionally used in Mexican comfort dishes because they add flavor without overpowering heat. That’s why this soup tastes rich and deep instead of just spicy.
Make a big batch… because leftovers disappear fast.
If you try it once, it’ll definitely earn a spot in your weekly rotation. 🌿
