Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
This Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful and comforting Mexican-inspired dish featuring roasted poblano peppers, tender chicken breasts, and a medley of vegetables simmered in a spiced chicken broth. Finished with creamy richness and garnished with crispy tortilla strips, fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and lime wedges, this hearty soup is perfect for a cozy meal with a delightful kick.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Soup Ingredients
- 2 large poblano peppers
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Garnishes
- Tortilla strips, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Avocado, sliced, for serving
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Roast Poblano Peppers: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the poblano peppers on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until the skins are charred all over. Remove them from the oven, let cool, peel off the skins, deseed, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot. Season with salt, pepper, ground cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly browned.
- Add Chicken Broth and Vegetables: Pour in the chicken broth and add the diced tomatoes, roasted poblano pieces, corn kernels, and black beans. Stir everything together and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Simmer the Soup: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup pot.
- Stir in Cream: Add the heavy cream to the pot and stir well. Heat through for a few minutes to combine flavors.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Sample the soup and add more salt, pepper, or spices if needed to suit your taste preferences.
- Prepare Tortilla Strips: While the soup simmers, cut corn tortillas into strips and either pan-fry them in a little oil or bake them in the oven until crispy. Use these as a garnish just before serving.
Notes
- Roasting the poblanos adds a smoky depth to the soup that is essential for authentic flavor.
- You can make tortilla strips in advance and store in an airtight container to keep crispy.
- For a lighter soup, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or omit altogether.
- Use canned black beans and corn for convenience or fresh/frozen if available.
- This soup pairs beautifully with a squeeze of fresh lime and sliced avocado for creaminess and brightness.
Keywords: Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup, Mexican Chicken Soup, Roasted Poblano Soup, Chicken and Bean Soup, Spicy Chicken Soup, Comfort Food, Tortilla Strips