When it comes to hearty, comforting soups, there’s nothing quite like a flavorful and creamy bowl that can warm you up from the inside out. One of the standout choices that you might have come across, especially if you’re a fan of Southern-inspired comfort food, is the Chicken Poblano Soup from Chicken Salad Chick. This soup offers a delightful combination of rich, smoky, and spicy flavors, with the tender chicken and roasted poblanos giving it that perfect balance between savory and bold. Whether you’re looking to recreate the deliciousness of this soup at home or simply want to add a new twist to your recipe collection, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive deep into the details of making this sensational soup-step by step, ingredient by ingredient.
Chicken Salad Chick Chicken Poblano Soup Recipe
Chicken Poblano Soup from Chicken Salad Chick is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes-creamy, flavorful, and a little spicy. Here, we’ll break down how to create this soul-satisfying soup at home, using a combination of high-quality ingredients and a straightforward cooking process. You’ll be amazed by how simple it is to whip up, and the depth of flavor you get in return.
Ingredients Needed
Before you start, it’s essential to have everything you need to make this dish from scratch. Here’s a complete list of ingredients, so you won’t find yourself halfway through the recipe wishing you had picked up that one missing item.
- Chicken Breast (boneless and skinless) – The star of the soup, providing that tender, juicy protein base.
- Poblano Peppers – For that distinct smoky, earthy flavor with just the right amount of heat.
- Onion (yellow or white) – Adds a slight sweetness that balances the dish’s spiciness and enhances the flavor.
- Garlic – Fresh garlic for an aromatic punch that’s crucial to any savory soup.
- Chicken Broth – Use a good-quality broth, preferably low-sodium, to avoid overpowering the natural flavors.
- Heavy Cream – For a velvety smooth texture and to lend richness to the soup.
- Cumin – A key spice that adds warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Chili Powder – To kick up the heat and add some earthy spiciness.
- Lime Juice – A touch of citrus to balance the richness and enhance the flavors.
- Olive Oil – For sautéing the vegetables and getting that golden, tender base.
- Salt and Pepper – The most basic of seasonings, but don’t skip them-they’ll tie everything together.
Cooking Instructions
The steps to making Chicken Poblano Soup are pretty straightforward and don’t require too much fuss. With a little patience and attention to detail, you’ll be able to create a bowl of soup that’s rich, smoky, and utterly satisfying.
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Roast The Poblano Peppers
- Begin by roasting the poblanos. You can do this by placing them under the broiler in your oven, on a grill, or over an open flame. Rotate them until the skin becomes charred and blistered.
- Once roasted, place the peppers in a bowl and cover them with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let them steam for about 10 minutes. This will make peeling off the skin much easier.
- Peel off the charred skin, remove the seeds, and chop the peppers into small pieces.
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Cook The Chicken
- While the peppers are roasting, cook your chicken breasts. You can do this by pan-searing them in a little olive oil until golden brown on both sides (about 6-7 minutes per side) or by baking them at 375°F for 25 minutes, depending on your preference.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, shred it using two forks or chop it into small bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
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Sauté The Vegetables
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook them for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
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Combine The Soup Base
- Add the roasted poblano peppers to the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
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Finish The Soup
- Once the broth has simmered, use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup. You don’t need to blend everything-just enough to make it creamy while still keeping some chunks of the roasted peppers.
- Add the heavy cream, shredded chicken, cumin, chili powder, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together, allowing the soup to simmer for another 5-10 minutes until it’s heated through and well-seasoned.
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Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with a squeeze of fresh lime and perhaps a few cilantro leaves if desired, and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Poblano Soup!
Ingredient Insights
- Poblano Peppers: These peppers are not as spicy as some other varieties like jalapeños, but they do pack a distinct smoky flavor. Roasting them intensifies their flavor, adding depth and richness to the soup.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient is essential for giving the soup its signature creamy texture. It’s what turns a simple broth-based soup into something luxurious and smooth. You can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, but it won’t have quite the same richness.
- Cumin & Chili Powder: These spices are not just for heat; they’re central to creating that warm, complex flavor profile that defines this soup. Cumin adds an earthy warmth, while chili powder brings in a mild heat and depth.
Expert Tips
- Shredding the Chicken: If you want the chicken to be extra tender, consider slow-cooking it before shredding. This method will make the chicken more flavorful and easy to pull apart.
- Texture Preference: If you prefer a smoother soup, feel free to blend the soup more thoroughly. On the other hand, leaving it chunky gives you a bit more bite and texture.
- Broth Quality: The type of chicken broth you use will significantly impact the final flavor. If possible, opt for homemade or high-quality store-bought broth. It makes a world of difference.
Recipe Variations
One of the best things about this Chicken Poblano Soup is its versatility. You can switch things up in a few ways to match your preferences or make it more unique:
- Add Cheese: For a cheesy twist, try stirring in some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack just before serving. It will melt into the soup, creating an even richer texture and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: If you like things extra hot, add some diced jalapeños along with the poblanos or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the broth.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add beans, corn, or extra vegetables (like sweet potatoes or zucchini) for a satisfying vegetarian soup.
- Smokier Flavor: If you want an even deeper smoky taste, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
Final Words
This Chicken Poblano Soup is everything you want in a bowl of comfort food. It’s creamy, it’s flavorful, and it’s just the right amount of spicy. Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner or serving it at a gathering, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your tastes, and it pairs wonderfully with cornbread or a fresh salad.