If you’re looking for a cozy dinner that warms the soul and fills the belly, you’ve come to the right place! This Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup (Small Batch) is a gem in my recipe collection. It’s creamy, flavorful, and oh-so-comforting—a perfect fit for busy weeknights or family gatherings when you want something delicious without a fuss. The combination of tender chicken, sweet corn, and zesty poblano pepper creates a harmony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What I love most about this soup is how simple it is to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a bowl of happiness ready in no time. Plus, it makes just the right amount—enough for a small family or for meal prepping throughout the week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: This soup comes together in about 55 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings.
Family-friendly: The mild flavors appeal to both kids and adults alike; it’s a dish everyone can enjoy!
Make-ahead convenience: Prepare this soup in advance and enjoy it later; it tastes even better the next day!
Nutritious goodness: Packed with protein from chicken and fiber from black beans, this soup is as healthy as it is delicious.
Customizable: Feel free to adjust the spices or add your favorite toppings to make it your own!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delightful soup, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find at your local grocery store. Gather these up so you can get cooking!

1 tbsp. Unsalted Butter (or Olive Oil)
1/2 cup chopped Yellow Onion
1 Poblano Pepper (chopped, stems and seeds removed)
Seasoning Blend (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 of Kosher Salt + freshly cracked Black Pepper
1/4 tsp. Cumin

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Swap the protein: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey for an even quicker option.
Add more veggies: Toss in some diced zucchini or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
Spice it up: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
Creamy alternative: For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream.

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

Step 1: Cook the Onions and Poblano Pepper

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 for about 5–6 minutes until everything becomes tender and lightly browned. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the onions while adding depth from the roasted flavor of the poblano.

Step 2: Stir in the Hearty Ingredients

Next, stir in your shredded chicken, black beans, frozen corn, and chicken broth along with the remaining seasoning blend. Give everything a good mix! Increase the heat to medium-high until it reaches a simmer; let it cook uncovered for about 15 minutes so all those delicious flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 3: Make It Creamy

Now comes my favorite part—adding creaminess! Stir in the heavy cream and shredded cheese until fully melted into that warm soup base. Let it come back to a gentle simmer again; this will ensure all those creamy elements are perfectly blended into each luscious bite.

Step 4: Simmer for Flavor!

Let your soup simmer for at least another 15 minutes to deepen those incredible flavors even further. Just before serving, stir in fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper to taste—this little touch makes all the difference!

Step 5: Serve

Divide your hot soup among warmed bowls. Garnish generously with cilantro and any other toppings you love—maybe some crispy tortilla strips or extra cheese—and enjoy every comforting spoonful!

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

Creating a delicious soup is all about the little details, and I’m here to help you make this recipe shine!

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs can significantly enhance the flavor of your soup. Opting for fresh cilantro or vibrant poblanos will make your dish pop with freshness.
Adjust the spice level: If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. This can boost the flavor profile and give your soup a delightful kick!
Let it simmer longer: Don’t rush the simmering stage! Allowing the soup to simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes helps meld all those wonderful flavors together, creating a richer taste.
Experiment with cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, try using pepper jack for extra spice or a Mexican blend for more depth. Different cheeses can offer unique flavors that elevate your soup.
Make it ahead of time: Soups often taste even better the next day! Prepare it in advance and let the flavors develop overnight in the fridge for an even more delicious meal.

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

Serving your soup in style can transform your meal into something special! Here are some ideas to make your presentation as delightful as the soup itself.

Garnishes

Chopped Avocado: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances out the spice while providing a lovely contrast in texture.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can add creaminess and tanginess that complements the flavors beautifully.
Crushed Tortilla Chips: For a bit of crunch, sprinkle some crushed tortilla chips on top! They add texture and an extra layer of flavor.

Side Dishes

Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy cornbread pairs wonderfully with spicy soups, soaking up every last drop while providing a comforting side option.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette creates a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
Quinoa or Rice: Serving your soup over quinoa or rice not only adds heartiness but also makes for a complete meal that’s filling and nutritious.
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Classic grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect for dipping into your creamy soup—who can resist that gooey goodness?

Enjoy making this cozy Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup (Small Batch)! It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup is perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week or store it for future meals.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the soup to cool completely before storing.
Transfer to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

Let the soup cool before freezing.
Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
For microwave reheating, transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

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

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. Just store it properly in the fridge or freezer as mentioned above.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup (Small Batch)?

If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version or use half-and-half for a similar creamy texture without being as rich.

How long does Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup (Small Batch) last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this soup will last about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Can I add more vegetables to Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup (Small Batch)?

Definitely! Feel free to add additional veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find great joy in making this Easy Chicken, Poblano, and Black Bean Soup! It’s not just comforting; it’s also versatile and quick to prepare. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or packing it for lunch at work, I’m sure it’ll warm your heart. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience with me!