Name: Chile Relleno Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 4 medium poblano peppers; 2 tbsp butter; 1/4 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 4 cups chicken bone broth; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces; 8 ounces cream cheese; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 8 slices cheddar or pepper jack cheese (thin sandwich slices, about 3/4 ounce each)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 24 reviews

If you are craving an unforgettable bowl of comfort with a touch of zest, this Chile Relleno Soup Recipe will quickly become your go-to. With smoky roasted poblano peppers, tender chicken, and a luscious blend of cream cheese and cheddar, this soup offers an irresistible balance of bold flavors and creamy texture. Every spoonful wraps you in warmth and satisfaction, making it a perfect dish to share with loved ones or to savor on a cozy night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows four roasted green peppers placed on a white baking tray covered with aluminum foil. Each pepper has a dark, wrinkled, and slightly charred skin with patches of deep brown and black indicating they have been roasted well. The peppers maintain their green color under the charred parts, and their stems are intact, adding a touch of green. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Chile Relleno Soup Recipe uses simple, yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich and flavorful experience. Each component plays a key role—whether it’s the smoky depth from the poblano peppers or the melt-in-your-mouth creaminess from the cheeses, every bite is a celebration of taste and texture.

4 medium poblano peppers: These provide a signature smoky heat that defines the soup’s unique flavor.
2 tbsp butter: Adds a silky richness to sauté the onions and garlic.
1/4 cup chopped onion: Offers a subtle sweetness and depth to the broth.
2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a gentle pungency that complements the peppers.
1 tsp ground cumin: Brings warmth and a touch of earthiness that rounds out the spice.
4 cups chicken bone broth: Creates a hearty, flavorful base full of body and nutrition.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing and enhancing all other flavors.
1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken (thighs or breasts, cut into 1/2 inch pieces): Provides tender protein that soaks up the savory broth beautifully.
8 ounces cream cheese: Adds luxurious creaminess and smooth texture.
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts throughout the soup, boosting the savory richness.
8 slices cheddar or pepper jack cheese (thin sandwich slices, 3/4 ounce each): For broiling on top, giving each serving a bubbly, golden finish.

How to Make Chile Relleno Soup Recipe

Step 1: Roast and Prepare the Poblanos

Start by roasting the poblano peppers until their skins are charred and blistered. You can do this over an open flame or under a hot broiler. This step is crucial as it unlocks the smoky flavor that breathes life into the soup. Once roasted, cover the peppers to steam and loosen the skin, then peel as much as possible, remove seeds, and finely chop. This preparation ensures a smooth, intense pepper flavor throughout the soup.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Combine Flavors

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and gently cook the chopped onion until translucent. This brings out the natural sweetness of the onions. Add minced garlic, cumin, and your chopped roasted poblanos next, stirring until fragrant. This aromatic base layers in complex flavors that form the heart of the soup.

Step 3: Build the Broth and Cook the Chicken

Pour in your chicken bone broth, seasoning with salt and pepper to your liking. Bring the mixture to a boil before lowering the heat to a gentle simmer, then add the chicken pieces. Cooking the chicken slowly in this flavorful broth allows the meat to become tender and infuse the soup with even more depth.

Step 4: Blend the Creamy Cheese Mixture

In a blender or food processor, combine the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and about one cup of hot broth from your soup, careful to avoid any chicken pieces. Blend until smooth and velvety. Stir this luscious cheese mixture back into the soup to create an indulgently creamy texture that balances the smoky and savory notes perfectly.

Step 5: Broil the Soup Toppings

To finish your Chile Relleno Soup Recipe with a flourish, preheat your broiler. Ladle the soup into ovenproof bowls and float a slice of cheddar or pepper jack cheese on top. Place the bowls under the broiler for a minute or two, just until the cheese melts into bubbly, golden perfection. This final touch adds a delightful texture contrast that makes each serving feel special.

How to Serve Chile Relleno Soup Recipe

Two round, deep white ceramic bowls with a shiny dark brown outer glaze hold a creamy dish with a golden, bubbly top layer of melted cheese. The cheese layer is the top one, slightly browned and melted unevenly, with tiny crispy edges where it spills slightly over the bowl rims. The bowls sit on a metallic ridged tray on top of a white marbled surface. Near the bowls, three shiny metal spoons are placed together on the surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your soup even further, try adding fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, a sprinkle of diced white onion, or a squeeze of lime juice. Each adds brightness and fresh contrast to the rich and smoky base, ensuring every spoonful feels vibrant and well-rounded.

Side Dishes

This soup pairs wonderfully with warm, crusty bread or toasted tortillas to dip and scoop. A crisp green salad or charred corn salad on the side will add refreshing crunch and color to complement the warmth and creaminess of the soup.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, serve the soup in rustic ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets placed on small trays with slices of avocado, sliced radishes, or even a dollop of sour cream. These thoughtful touches make it a feast for both the eyes and palate, perfect for entertaining or a cozy dinner ritual.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can refrigerate any leftover Chile Relleno Soup Recipe in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day!

Freezing

This soup freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Keep in mind that fresh garnishes or broiled cheese should be added fresh after reheating rather than frozen with the soup.

Reheating

Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If it thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth or water. Just before serving, add fresh cheese slices and broil as directed to recreate that golden cheesy top.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pepper instead of poblanos?

While poblano peppers give the signature smoky flavor to this soup, you can experiment with Anaheim or sweet green peppers for a milder taste. Just remember the final flavor will be less smoky and slightly sweeter.

Is this soup spicy?

This Chile Relleno Soup Recipe has a gentle, approachable heat from the poblano peppers, which tend to be mild. If you prefer it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños during sautéing.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add hearty veggies like mushrooms or zucchini to keep the soup satisfying and delicious.

What cheese works best for broiling on top?

Cheddar and pepper jack cheese slices are ideal for melting beautifully under the broiler, creating that irresistible bubbly and slightly crispy layer. Feel free to mix them for a bit of added spice and flavor.

How thick is this soup? Is it creamy or chunky?

The soup is wonderfully creamy from the cheese blend, with tender chunks of chicken and bits of roasted peppers adding texture—not too thick, but hearty enough to feel satisfying with every spoonful.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Chile Relleno Soup Recipe, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a cherished favorite. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl—comforting, flavorful, and packed with layers of smoky, cheesy goodness that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this soup brings joy and warmth to the table. So go ahead, give it a try and let those cozy vibes take over!