Go Back

Chili Relleno Soup

This creamy Chili Relleno Soup is loaded with roasted poblano peppers, tender chicken, and melted cheese. A cozy, flavorful twist on the classic Mexican favorite.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 5
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients
  

  • 5 poblano peppers
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium sweet onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups cooked chopped or shredded chicken breast
  • 8 ounces cream cheese softened and cubed
  • 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
  • Fresh chopped cilantro for garnish

Method
 

Step 1:
  1. Roast poblano peppers under the broiler or over an open flame until blackened and blistered. Transfer to a plastic bag or covered bowl to steam. Once cooled, peel off the skins, remove seeds, and finely chop.
Step 2:
  1. In a large pot, melt butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cumin; cook for 20 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chopped roasted poblanos.
Step 3:
  1. Pour in chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Step 4:
  1. Add chicken and cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Slowly whisk in 2 cups of cheddar cheese until fully incorporated.
Step 5:
  1. Divide soup into oven-safe bowls. Top each with remaining 1/4 cup cheddar and pepper jack cheese. Broil until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Step 6:
  1. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

Roast poblanos until skins are deeply blistered for maximum flavor.
Let the soup rest for 5–10 minutes after cooking for a thicker, deeper flavor.
Use room-temperature, cubed cream cheese for smooth melting.
Broil cheese topping just before serving for that classic chile relleno finish.