Here’s a rich, flavorful, and comforting recipe for Creamy Poblano Chicken Rellenos Soup — inspired by the bold, roasted flavors of chile rellenos, but transformed into a creamy, hearty soup with tender chicken, roasted poblanos, cheese, and just the right amount of spice.
🥣 Creamy Poblano Chicken Rellenos Soup
Ingredients:
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2 tbsp olive oil or butter
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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2–3 poblano peppers, roasted, peeled, seeded, and chopped
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2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
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1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles (optional, for extra flavor)
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1 tsp cumin
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½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
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Salt & pepper to taste
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3 cups chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
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4 oz cream cheese, softened
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1 ½ cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or cheddar work well)
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Fresh cilantro, for garnish
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Optional toppings: tortilla strips, avocado, lime wedges, sour cream
🔥 How to Roast Poblanos (if needed):
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Char whole poblanos over an open flame or under the broiler until blackened on all sides.
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Place in a covered bowl or bag to steam for 10 minutes.
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Peel skins, remove stems/seeds, and chop.
🧑🍳 Instructions:
1. Sauté aromatics:
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In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat.
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Add onion and cook until soft (about 5 min).
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Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
2. Add poblanos and chicken:
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Stir in chopped roasted poblanos, shredded chicken, diced green chiles (if using), cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
3. Simmer with broth:
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Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Let cook 10–15 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Make it creamy:
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Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth.
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Add heavy cream and shredded cheese, stirring gently until fully melted and creamy.
5. Taste & serve:
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Adjust salt and spice as needed.
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Serve hot with toppings like cilantro, tortilla strips, avocado, or a squeeze of lime.
💡 Tips & Variations:
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Want more heat? Add jalapeños or use Pepper Jack cheese.
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For a thicker soup, blend 1 cup of the soup and stir it back in.
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Make it low carb by skipping tortilla toppings or using keto thickeners.