Chile Relleno Soup Recipe
A comforting and flavorful Chile Relleno Soup that combines charred poblano peppers, tender chicken, and creamy cheese for a deliciously rich and hearty meal, finished with a broiled cheese topping.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Poblano Peppers
Sauté Base
- 2 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup chopped onion (about 40 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
Soup
- 4 cups chicken bone broth (about 946 g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into ½-inch pieces (about 453 g)
Creamy Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz cream cheese (about 226 g)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 395 g)
Topping
- 8 slices cheddar or pepper jack cheese (thin sandwich slices, ¾ oz each)
- Roast the Poblano Peppers: Char the poblano peppers until the skin is blistered and blackened, either over an open flame on a gas stove or under a broiler on high heat, rotating the peppers to ensure an even char on all sides.
- Peel the Peppers: Place the charred peppers in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap; let them cool, then peel off as much of the skin as possible. Remove the seeds and finely chop the peppers using a food processor or blender, then set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until translucent. Stir in the garlic and ground cumin, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant, then add the chopped poblano peppers and stir to combine.
- Simmer the Soup: Pour in the chicken bone broth and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Add the chicken pieces and cook for about 10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Blend the Creamy Base: In a food processor or blender, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and about 1 cup of the hot broth (without chicken). Blend until smooth, then stir the creamy cheese mixture back into the soup to create a rich and velvety texture.
- Broil the Cheese: Preheat your broiler. Divide the soup into individual ovenproof bowls and place a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top of each bowl. Place the bowls under the broiler about 6 inches from the heat and broil until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly browned.
Notes
- Charring the poblanos adds a smoky depth; ensure to peel thoroughly for a smooth texture.
- You can substitute chicken thighs or breasts depending on preference; thighs provide more moisture.
- If you prefer a spicier soup, keep some seeds when chopping the poblanos.
- Use ovenproof soup bowls that can withstand the broiler heat safely.
- Leftover soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- For extra garnishing, you may add fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime before serving.
Keywords: Chile Relleno Soup, Poblano Pepper Soup, Chicken Cheese Soup, Mexican Soup, Comfort Food