Description
This Chicken & Poblano and Black Bean Soup combines smoky roasted poblanos, tender chicken thighs, creamy black beans, and vibrant fresh veggies with rich spices for a comforting and hearty meal. Perfect for chilly evenings or any time you want a flavorful and filling bowl of warmth and nourishment.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 3 roasted poblanos, peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped
- 1.5 pounds boneless chicken thighs
- 2 cups cooked black beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
Optional Variations and Garnishes
- Chopped jalapeños or pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat
- Extra black beans or sautéed mushrooms (for vegetarian version)
- Chicken breast instead of thighs
- Plant-based sour cream (for creaminess)
- Avocado slices
- Cooked quinoa, brown rice, or corn
- Extra chopped cilantro
- Crunchy tortilla strips or pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Roast and prep the poblanos: Roast the poblanos in the oven or on a gas flame until their skins are charred and blistered. Place them in a sealed bowl covered with a clean towel to steam for a few minutes. Peel off the skins, remove seeds, and roughly chop the poblanos.
- Sauté aromatics and spices: In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent. Stir in the smoked paprika and cumin to let their aromas develop and blend with the onions and garlic.
- Brown the chicken: Add the boneless chicken thighs to the pot and cook until browned on all sides. This caramelization seals in the juices and builds savory depth of flavor.
- Add liquids and beans: Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), and the black beans. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Incorporate poblanos and natural gelling agent: Stir in the roasted poblanos along with a small amount of natural gelling agent to provide a smooth and comforting texture throughout the soup.
- Simmer and finish: Let the soup simmer gently for at least 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and develop. Finish by stirring in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro just before serving to add a bright, fresh note.
Notes
- Roast the poblanos evenly for maximum smoky flavor and easy peeling.
- Use chicken thighs to ensure tender and juicy meat during simmering.
- Simmer the soup gently and slowly for the best flavor development.
- Add salt and spices gradually, tasting as you go to avoid over-seasoning.
- Add cilantro and lime juice right before serving to preserve freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: chicken soup, poblano, black beans, smoky soup, healthy soup, gluten free, comforting meal
