Name: Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp. Unsalted Butter or Olive Oil; 1/2 cup chopped Yellow Onion; 1 Poblano Pepper chopped, stems and seeds removed; Seasoning Blend (see below) or 1 tbsp. Chicken Taco / Chicken Fajita Seasoning; 2 cups Shredded Chicken; 1 can Black Beans (15 oz.; drained – not rinsed); 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 tsp. fresh Lime Juice; Finely chopped Cilantro for garnish; 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder; 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder; 1/2 tsp. Chili Powder; 1/2 tsp. Dried Oregano; 1/2 tsp. (each) Kosher Salt + freshly cracked Black Pepper; 1/4 tsp. Cumin

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 19 reviews

If there’s one hearty, soul-warming meal you’ll keep coming back to all year round, it’s this Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup. Creamy, packed with tender shredded chicken, smoky poblano, sweet pops of corn, and satisfyingly earthy black beans, this soup delivers comfort in every spoonful. With just enough spice and plenty of fuss-free flavor, it’s that perfect “cozy up with a bowl” recipe—versatile enough for quick weeknights, meal prepping, or an impressive dinner with friends.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup is in how each simple ingredient works a little magic on your taste buds. From the mild heat of poblano pepper to the creamy finish of heavy cream and just the right blend of seasonings, each component brings depth, color, and irresistible flavor.

Unsalted Butter or Olive Oil: Sets a rich base and helps the aromatics release their flavor.
Yellow Onion (1/2 cup, chopped): Creates sweetness and natural depth that anchors the soup’s flavor.
Poblano Pepper (1, chopped): Adds a smoky, mild heat that’s essential and distinctive for this soup.
Seasoning Blend: Homemade or a favorite chicken taco/fajita seasoning delivers a zesty, Southwestern backbone.
Shredded Chicken (2 cups): Brings hearty protein and makes the soup filling yet still light.
Black Beans (1 can, 15 oz., drained – not rinsed): Offer beautiful texture, color, and plant-based power.
Frozen Corn (1/2 cup): Tiny bursts of sweetness that balance the savory notes.
Chicken Broth (3 cups): The flavorful liquid foundation that ties every ingredient together.
Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Lends a luscious, creamy finish that feels utterly luxurious.
Shredded Cheese (1/2 cup – Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Colby Jack, or Mexican Blend): Melts into silky ribbons for richness and flavor.
Lime Juice (2 tsp. fresh): Adds zippy brightness to make all the other flavors pop.
Cilantro (finely chopped, for garnish): A fresh herbal touch that brings the whole bowl to life.
Seasoning Blend Notes: Garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and cumin work together for a balanced, homey spiced warmth.

How to Make Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by melting your butter or heating olive oil in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Toss in the chopped onion, poblano pepper, and half of your seasoning blend. As these sizzle together for about 5 to 6 minutes, your kitchen will fill with the most inviting aromas—don’t rush this part! You’re building a savory flavor base that makes this Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup truly shine.

Step 2: Add the Hearty Ingredients

Once your aromatics are soft and lightly golden, it’s time to bulk things up. Stir in the shredded chicken, black beans, frozen corn, chicken broth, and the rest of the seasoning. Give it all a good mix, then crank up the heat to bring it to a lively simmer. You’ll let this simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes so everything can mingle and the flavors start to marry.

Step 3: Make it Creamy

Here’s where the magic happens—carefully stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese. Watch as the cheese melts and the soup transforms into something thick, silky, and luxurious. Once everything is melted and dreamy, let it return to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Simmer for More Flavor

Don’t shortcut this step! Let the soup simmer for at least another 15 minutes. This deepens the flavors and helps the broth become richer. Just before serving, stir in the fresh lime juice and taste for salt and pepper, adjusting as needed. That splash of lime is the hidden hero—it brightens every bite.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup into warm bowls and go wild with your chosen toppings. Cilantro is a must, but you can’t go wrong with avocado slices, crushed tortilla chips, or extra shredded cheese. Every bowl is a masterpiece!

How to Serve Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup

Garnishes

The right garnish transforms a good bowl into a great one! Sprinkle fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. Try sliced jalapeños for heat, avocado chunks for creaminess, or a lime wedge for an extra tangy twist. Crushed tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, or additional shredded cheese give each serving a unique personality.

Side Dishes

Pair your Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup with warm, crusty bread or homemade cornbread for dunking. A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette cuts through the soup’s richness beautifully. If you’re feeling festive, set out a platter of cheese quesadillas or tortilla chips with salsa on the side for a touch of crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the soup in rustic mugs at a casual gathering, letting everyone add toppings buffet-style. Or, offer in small bowls as an appetizer for dinner parties. You can even pour it over a bed of steamed rice or spoon it into baked tortilla bowls for a cool twist—Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup is versatile enough to match any mood or occasion!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once the soup has fully cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors become even deeper and more robust with time, making Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup a superb next-day lunch or quick dinner option. Just be sure to give it a good stir when reheating as ingredients may settle.

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully, which means you can have a comforting bowl ready to go on your busiest days. Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving a little space for expansion. Store for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The texture will remain creamy, especially if you reheat gently!

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm the soup gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen things up. For quick meals, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring halfway through to ensure everything heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I make Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup spicier?

Absolutely! For extra heat, add a minced jalapeño with your onions and poblanos, or sprinkle in a bit of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder when adding the seasoning blend. You can also serve with hot sauce at the table for spicy customization.

What’s the best chicken to use for this soup?

Leftover rotisserie chicken works wonders, but any cooked, shredded chicken breast or thighs are perfect. You can even poach chicken specifically for this recipe. Just be sure it’s tender and easy to pull apart—the flavor absorbs beautifully into the broth.

Is there a dairy-free version of this soup?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for a plant-based alternative like coconut cream or unsweetened cashew cream, and use a dairy-free cheese or skip it altogether. The soup will still be rich, creamy, and packed with flavor.

How do I adjust for a larger batch?

Doubling or even tripling the ingredients for Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup is simple—just make sure your pot is large enough! The cooking times stay about the same, but give it a few extra minutes to come up to a simmer if you’re working with bigger volumes.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Omit the chicken, double the black beans or add another type of bean, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and swap in extra veggies like zucchini or bell pepper. The result is a satisfying, meatless spin that everyone will love.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a one-pot sensation that’s comforting, flavorful, and downright easy, you can’t go wrong with Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup. It’s the kind of recipe that quickly becomes a staple, so grab your ingredients and dive in—you’ll want a big spoon and an even bigger appetite!