Chile Relleno Soup

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Creamy, cheesy, roasted-pepper comfort

This Chile Relleno Soup brings all the bold, comforting flavors of classic chile rellenos—without the hassle of stuffing and frying. Roasted peppers, melty cheese, warm spices, and tender chicken come together in a creamy, cozy bowl that’s perfect for weeknights, chilly evenings, or easy entertaining. It’s rich, flavorful, and totally Pinterest-worthy while still being beginner-friendly and fast. With simple ingredients and a one-pot method, this soup delivers big flavor with minimal effort every time.

⏱️ Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Servings: 4

📝 Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, diced
  • 4 roasted poblano peppers, peeled and chopped
  • 1 can (10 oz) diced green chiles
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 ½ cups shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese
  • Optional toppings: cilantro, lime wedges, crushed tortilla chips, avocado

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large soup pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Ladle

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Cook the chicken: Add diced chicken and cook 4–5 minutes until no longer pink.
  3. Add peppers & spices: Stir in roasted poblanos, green chiles, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook 1 minute to bloom the spices. ✨
  4. Simmer the base: Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes to deepen the flavor.
  5. Add creaminess: Stir in heavy cream and shredded cheese. Simmer 2–3 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened. The cheese should be fully melted and silky. 🫕
  6. Taste & adjust: Add more salt, pepper, or spices as desired.
  7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro, lime, tortilla chips, or avocado. 😋

💡 Pro Tips

  • Roast your own poblanos: The smoky flavor is worth it—broil 6–8 minutes, turning until blackened, then peel.
  • Thicker soup: Stir in 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water before adding cream.
  • Make ahead: Flavors deepen beautifully after a night in the fridge.
  • No chicken? Swap in roasted vegetables or beans for a delicious vegetarian version.

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