Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup (Small Batch)

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms the soul and brings everyone together, you’ve found it! This Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup (Small Batch) is one of my all-time favorites. It’s creamy, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering, this soup is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s simple to whip up and makes just the right amount for a small group—no leftover soup sitting in the fridge for days!

What I love most about this recipe is how comforting it feels with each spoonful. The combination of shredded chicken, tender black beans, and vibrant poblano pepper creates a delicious harmony of flavors. You can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes or dietary preferences. So grab your favorite pot, and let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for those hectic evenings when you need a wholesome dinner fast.
• Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture and mild spices, even picky eaters will be asking for seconds!
• Meal Prep Friendly: You can make this soup ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for busy lunches or dinners later in the week.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of poblanos, spices, and creamy goodness creates a delightful taste that will have everyone coming back for more.
• Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand—this recipe is easily adaptable!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup (Small Batch) is made from simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Let’s gather what we need:

• 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

Variations

One of the best things about this soup is how flexible it is! You can easily tweak it to make it your own or to accommodate what you have in your pantry.

• Swap the protein: Use turkey or even tofu instead of chicken for a different twist!
• Add more veggies: Toss in some diced carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to kick things up a notch.
• Make it dairy-free: Substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter option.

How to Make Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup (Small Batch)

Step 1: Cook the vegetables

Start by melting the butter in a large saucepan or medium pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and poblano pepper along with half of your seasoning blend. Sauté these until they are tender and lightly browned—about 5 to 6 minutes. This step releases their natural sweetness and builds the base flavor for our soup.

Step 2: Stir in the hearty ingredients

Next, add in your shredded chicken, black beans, frozen corn, chicken broth, and the remaining seasoning blend. Stir everything together until well combined! Increase the heat to medium-high until it reaches a simmer; then let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes. This helps all those wonderful flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Make it creamy

Now comes the fun part! Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese into your simmering soup. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely—it adds that rich creaminess we love so much! Allow the soup to come back to a gentle simmer again.

Step 4: Simmer for flavor

Let your lovely creation simmer for at least another 15 minutes to deepen all those amazing flavors even further. Before serving, stir in fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste—this brightens everything up!

Step 5: Serve

Finally, ladle your hot soup into warmed bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro or any other toppings you fancy! Enjoy every spoonful surrounded by family or friends on chilly nights—it’s sure to bring warmth to both body and spirit!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup (Small Batch)

Cooking should be a fun and fulfilling experience, and these pro tips will help you create the best soup possible!

• Use fresh ingredients – Fresh veggies and quality chicken enhance the flavors of the soup. Freshness really makes a difference in both taste and nutrition.
• Customize your spice level – If you enjoy a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using spicy cheese. This allows you to tailor the soup to your personal preference.
• Make it ahead – This soup tastes even better the next day! Preparing it in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Experiment with toppings – Adding avocado slices, tortilla strips, or a dollop of sour cream can elevate your soup experience. These toppings not only add flavor but also texture!
• Refrigerate leftovers properly – Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps it fresh for your next meal!

How to Serve Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup (Small Batch)

Presenting your delicious chicken poblano soup is just as important as making it! Here are some creative ways to serve this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped Cilantro – A handful of fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and a refreshing flavor that complements the soup perfectly.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – A spoonful on top adds creaminess and balances out the spices, making each bite richer and more enjoyable.
• Lime Wedges – Serving lime wedges on the side allows everyone to squeeze fresh juice over their bowl, enhancing each spoonful with zesty brightness.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread – Sweet cornbread pairs wonderfully with this hearty soup. Its crumbly texture contrasts nicely with the creamy broth.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips add an element of fun! Use them for dipping or crumbling them into your soup for added crunch.
• Simple Green Salad – A light salad with mixed greens and a zesty vinaigrette complements the richness of the soup while providing refreshing crunch.
• Rice or Quinoa – Serving this soup over rice or quinoa transforms it into an even heartier meal. The grains absorb the flavors beautifully!

Enjoy crafting this comforting dish that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Let’s dive into how to store your delicious creation properly.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Portion the soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Leave some space at the top for expansion during freezing.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. For best quality, label with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe!

Can I make Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup (Small Batch) vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute shredded chicken with cooked quinoa or additional black beans for a hearty vegetarian version that still packs a flavorful punch.

What can I serve with Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup (Small Batch)?

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm tortillas or crusty bread. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal!

How can I adjust the spice level in this soup?

To control the spice level, you can remove all seeds from the poblano pepper or use less chili powder. Alternatively, add diced jalapeños if you prefer more heat!

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can replace heavy cream with coconut milk or half-and-half for a lighter option while still maintaining creaminess.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup! It’s not only comforting but also versatile enough for any night of the week. Enjoy every spoonful and feel free to get creative with toppings – whether it’s avocado slices or crispy tortilla strips. Happy cooking!

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