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Chile Relleno Soup Recipe

4.9 from 134 reviews

This hearty Chile Relleno Soup recipe features roasted poblano peppers, tender chicken, and a creamy cheese blend to create a comforting, flavorful dish inspired by the classic Mexican chile relleno. The smoky peppers are charred to perfection, blended into a savory broth with melted cheddar cheeses, and topped with broiled cheese slices for a deliciously melty finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Peppers and Vegetables

  • 4 medium poblano peppers
  • ¼ cup chopped onion (about 40 g)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Soups and Broth

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 4 cups chicken bone broth (about 946 g)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Protein and Cheese

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken (thighs or breasts), cut into ½-inch pieces (about 453 g)
  • 8 oz cream cheese (about 226 g)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 395 g)
  • 8 slices cheddar or pepper jack cheese (thin sandwich slices, ¾ oz each)

Instructions

  1. Roast the Poblano Peppers: Char the poblano peppers over an open flame or under a broiler, rotating to evenly blacken all sides until the skin is blistered and blackened.
  2. Peel the Peppers: Place the hot peppers in a bowl covered with plastic wrap to steam for a few minutes. Once cooled, peel off as much skin as possible, remove seeds, and finely chop the peppers in a food processor or blender. Set aside.
  3. Sauté Onion and Garlic: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and cumin, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Add the processed poblano peppers and stir to combine.
  4. Simmer the Soup: Pour in chicken broth and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Add chicken pieces and cook for about 10 minutes or until fully cooked through.
  5. Blend the Creamy Base: In a blender or food processor, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and about 1 cup of hot broth (without chicken). Blend until smooth and stir the creamy mixture back into the simmering soup.
  6. Broil the Cheese Topping: Preheat the broiler. Ladle the soup into individual ovenproof bowls and float a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese atop each bowl. Place under the broiler about 6 inches from heat, broiling until cheese is melted and bubbly, approximately 2-3 minutes.

Notes

  • Roasting the poblano peppers over an open flame adds a smoky depth; alternatively, broil in the oven if you don’t have a gas stove.
  • Removing the skins and seeds from the poblanos prevents bitterness and enhances texture.
  • Use bone broth for richness, but you can substitute with regular chicken broth if needed.
  • Adjust the amount of shredded cheese in the creamy base to your desired richness and thickness.
  • Serve immediately after broiling to enjoy the cheese in its melty, bubbly state.
  • This soup pairs well with warm tortillas or crusty bread.

Keywords: Chile Relleno Soup, Poblano Pepper Soup, Mexican Chicken Soup, Creamy Chicken Soup, Roasted Poblano Recipe