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+ servings

Spicy Creamy Poblano Chicken Soup

This Creamy Poblano Chicken Soup is luxuriously creamy with tender shredded chicken and poblano peppers for a slightly spicy kick. Garnish with crunchy tortilla chips, sliced radishes, and fresh cilantro.
David Murphy
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Serving Size 6 Bowls

Ingredients

  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large white onion
  • 3 celery stalks diced
  • 2 large carrots peeled and diced
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 medium poblano peppers seeded and diced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 4 raw boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Tortilla chips and sliced radishes for garnish

Instructions

  • Melt butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chopped onions, celery, carrots, garlic, and poblanos, saute until tender, about 15 minutes. Add the salt, pepper, cumin, and thyme. Saute 5 minutes longer.
  • Add the broth and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, add raw chicken. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
  • Remove the cooked chicken to a plate and shred. Set aside.
  • Add heavy cream to the soup pot, stir until blended.
  • Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth. (You may use a blender instead, but working in small batches. Blend the soup until smooth).
  • Add the shredded chicken back to the pot. Stir in cilantro. Let simmer for an additional 10 minutes to bring the flavors together.
  •  Serve with tortilla strips, sliced radishes and cilantro.

Notes

David's Tips for Success

You can Control the heat:
  • Milder: Remove all poblano seeds and ribs.
  • Spicier: Add 1 diced jalapeño with the poblanos.
Juicier chicken: Swap breasts for bone-in thighs (simmer 25 mins, then shred).
Herb swap: Use 1 tbsp fresh oregano instead of thyme for a Mexican twist.

Mix It Up!

Top with: Crumbled queso fresco or avocado slices
Pair with: Warm cornbread or cheesy quesadillas
Brighten it up: A squeeze of lime before serving
Calories: 422kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 44g | Saturated Fat: 28g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 134mg | Sodium: 1479mg | Potassium: 141mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1657IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 76mg | Iron: 1mg