Hey there, fellow food lovers! Anna here, your go-to for simple, unbelievably tasty chicken recipes that make everyday cooking feel like a joy, not a chore. You know how sometimes you just crave something warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor? That’s exactly the feeling I chase in my kitchen, and today, I’ve got a real gem for you: Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup! This isn’t just any soup; it’s a hug in a bowl, packed with those amazing Mexican-inspired flavors that just make everything feel a little brighter. It’s one of those dishes that feels special enough for guests but is so easy, you’ll want to whip it up on a Tuesday night. Trust me, this Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup is about to become your new favorite way to enjoy chicken!
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Why You’ll Love This Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup
Seriously, this soup is a winner! It’s one of those delicious, healthy Mexican recipes that just hits all the right notes. You’re going to adore how simple it is to make, how amazing it tastes, and how it just warms you up from the inside out. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or even a fun game day spread!
Quick and Easy Preparation
You know me, I’m all about making your life easier in the kitchen! This soup comes together in about 40 minutes total, meaning you get maximum flavor with minimal fuss. It’s totally doable even on a busy weeknight, which is a big win in my book!
Packed with Flavor
Get ready for a flavor explosion! The roasted poblano peppers bring this wonderful smoky depth, while the taco seasoning adds just the right amount of kick. It’s savory, a little spicy, and oh-so-delicious – a truly authentic Mexican taste without being complicated.
Comforting and Hearty Meal
This isn’t just soup; it’s a full-on meal! The tender chicken, rich broth, and all those yummy toppings make it incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of hearty soup that truly fills you up and makes you feel all cozy and content, just like a good stew should.
Gathering Your Ingredients for Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup
Alright, let’s get everything lined up for this amazing Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup! It’s really not complicated, and having all your ingredients prepped makes the actual cooking process a breeze. Think of it like setting up your little cooking station – everything ready to go! We’re grabbing some fresh veggies, good quality chicken, and a couple of sauces that give this soup its incredible Mexican flair. It’s so satisfying to have it all laid out, ready to transform into something truly special.

| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Extra virgin olive oil | 1 tablespoon | |
| Yellow onion | 1 | chopped |
| Poblano peppers | 3 | seeded and chopped |
| Garlic cloves | 2 | chopped |
| Boneless, skinless chicken breasts | 1 pound | |
| Spicy taco seasoning | 1 tablespoon | |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Black pepper | To taste | |
| Red enchilada sauce | 3 cups | |
| Salsa verde | 2 cups | |
| Broth (chicken or vegetable) | 3-4 cups | Adjust for desired consistency |
| Salted butter | 4 tablespoons | |
| Fresh cilantro | 1/2 cup | chopped |
| Yogurt | For serving | |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | For serving | |
| Avocado | For serving | sliced or diced |
| Limes | For serving | cut into wedges |
| Green onions | For serving | chopped |
| Tortilla chips | For serving |
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
A quick note on the poblanos: while you can use them raw, roasting them first deepens their flavor beautifully! If you can’t find red enchilada sauce, a good quality tomato sauce with a bit of extra chili powder can work in a pinch. For the broth, chicken broth is my favorite here, but vegetable broth is totally fine if you want to keep it vegetarian-friendly. And if you like things extra spicy, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño when you sauté the veggies!
Crafting Your Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, let’s get cooking this amazing Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup! It really comes together so nicely, and I promise it’s not intimidating at all. Think of it as building layers of flavor, starting with those lovely aromatic veggies. We’re going to make a truly delicious Mexican soup with chicken that will warm you right up.
Sautéing the Aromatics
First things first, grab a big soup pot and set it over medium heat. Toss in that tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering a bit, add your chopped yellow onion, the seeded and chopped poblano peppers, and the minced garlic. Let them cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re nice and fragrant. You’ll start to smell that wonderful aroma filling your kitchen – that’s the good stuff!
Adding the Chicken and Seasoning
Now, it’s time for the star: the chicken! Add your pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts right into the pot with the veggies. Sprinkle over the spicy taco seasoning, and don’t forget to season generously with salt and black pepper. Give everything a good stir to coat the chicken and veggies. This really starts to build that depth of flavor that makes this soup so special.
Simmering the Soup Base
Here comes the liquid magic! Pour in the red enchilada sauce and the salsa verde. Then, add about 3 cups of your broth – you can always add more later if you like a thinner soup. Stir it all together really well. Now, stir in those 4 tablespoons of salted butter. It might seem like a lot, but trust me, it adds such a lovely richness! Bring the whole pot to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat a little and let it cook for about 15 minutes. You want to make sure that chicken is cooked all the way through.
Shredding the Chicken and Finishing Touches
Once the chicken is cooked, carefully take the chicken breasts out of the pot and set them on a plate or cutting board. Let them cool just enough so you can handle them. Then, using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It’s so satisfying to see it all shredded! Pop the shredded chicken back into the soup pot. Stir in the chopped fresh cilantro and a handful of shredded cheddar cheese – watch it melt into the soup! Give it one last good stir. This is where it really transforms into that perfect, comforting Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup.

Tips for the Perfect Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup
You know, even with a super simple recipe like this Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup, a few little tricks can really make it shine. We want that deep flavor and perfect texture every single time, right? It’s all about those little details that turn good into *great*, and make sure this soup is exactly the kind of healthy hearty soup you’re looking for.
Roasting the Poblano Peppers
Okay, so while the recipe works great just chopping the poblanos, if you want to take it to the next level, try roasting them first! You can do this right under the broiler or even on a gas burner until the skin is blackened and blistered. Pop them in a bowl covered with plastic wrap for about 10 minutes, then peel off the skin and chop. It adds this amazing smoky depth that you just can’t get any other way. So worth the extra few minutes!
Achieving the Right Consistency
This soup is pretty forgiving, but sometimes you might want it a little thicker or a little thinner. That’s where the broth comes in! If you like a really thick, stew-like consistency, stick with the 3 cups. If you prefer something a bit more brothy, just add that fourth cup of broth, or even a splash more if you feel like it. Taste as you go, and remember, you can always add more liquid, but you can’t take it away!
Serving Your Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup
Alright, the moment of truth! Ladling this glorious Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup into bowls is always my favorite part. It smells incredible, and it looks so inviting. This is definitely a soup that’s meant to be dressed up! It’s perfect for those chilly evenings or even as a go-to game day soup that everyone will rave about. The toppings are where you can really make it your own and add that extra layer of deliciousness.
Topping Ideas for Your Mexican Soup
Get creative with your toppings! A dollop of cool yogurt or sour cream is fantastic against the warmth of the soup. Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully, and creamy avocado slices add such a lovely richness. Don’t forget those bright green onions and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for that extra pop of color and freshness. And of course, crunchy tortilla chips are a must for scooping up every last drop! You can find more inspiration for delicious recipes like this.
Frequently Asked Questions About Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup
Got questions about this amazing Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup? I’ve got answers! I get asked about making things ahead, spicing things up, and if it’s truly healthy, so let’s dive in!
Can I make this Poblano Soup recipe ahead of time?
Oh, absolutely! This is one of those fantastic healthy hearty soups that actually tastes even better the next day. You can make the soup entirely, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash more broth when reheating if it’s thickened up a bit too much.
How can I make this Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup spicier?
If you love a good kick, you’re in luck! To make this Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup spicier and lean more into those authentic Mexican recipes vibes, there are a few easy ways. You can add a chopped jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the onions and poblanos when you start sautéing. A pinch of cayenne pepper stirred in with the taco seasoning works wonders too. Or, just serve it with your favorite hot sauce on the side for everyone to add as much as they like!
Is this a healthy Mexican recipe?
Yes, it totally is! This Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup is packed with lean protein from the chicken and lots of veggies like onions and poblanos. We use extra virgin olive oil, and you can control the toppings to keep it lighter – think yogurt instead of sour cream, and lots of fresh avocado and cilantro. It’s a really satisfying and nourishing meal that feels indulgent but is actually quite good for you!
Storing and Reheating Your Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup
Leftovers of this delicious Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup are your friend! It keeps beautifully, and honestly, sometimes the flavors meld even more overnight, making it even tastier. Just make sure you let it cool down completely before you pack it away, that’s the golden rule for food safety. When you’re ready for more, reheating is a snap, whether you’re craving it for lunch or another cozy dinner. For more chicken soup ideas, check out this Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup.
| Storage Method | Timeframe | Reheating Method |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 3-4 days | Stovetop or microwave |
| Frozen | Up to 2 months | Thaw in refrigerator, then reheat on stovetop or microwave |
Sharing Your Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup Experience
I absolutely love hearing from you all! Did you try this Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup? I’d be thrilled if you’d share your experience in the comments below. Let me know how it turned out, what toppings you loved, or even if you discovered a new favorite tip! A quick rating would be super helpful too!
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Amazing Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Poblano Chicken Tortilla Soup is a flavorful and hearty Mexican-inspired soup. It features tender chicken, roasted poblano peppers, and a rich broth, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon spicy taco seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- 3 cups red enchilada sauce
- 2 cups salsa verde
- 3–4 cups broth
- 4 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Yogurt, shredded cheddar, avocado, plus lots of limes and green onions for serving
- Tortilla chips, for serving
Instructions
- In a large soup pot over medium heat, cook the olive oil, onion, poblanos, and garlic for 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the chicken, taco seasoning, and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour over the enchilada sauce, salsa verde, and 3 cups of broth.
- Stir in the butter.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the chicken using two forks, then stir in the cilantro and a handful of cheddar cheese.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with tortilla chips.
- Finish with yogurt, extra cheese, green onions, avocado, and cilantro as desired.
Notes
- Serve hot
- Adjust broth quantity for desired consistency
- Add your favorite toppings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg