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Cozy Slow Cooker Chicken Poblano Soup – Easy & Healthy

cozy slow cooker chicken poblano soup - featured image

A smoky, creamy, and healthy slow cooker soup made with roasted poblano peppers and tender chicken thighs. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large poblano peppers
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups (960 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
  • Fresh lime juice (from 2 limes)
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
  • Optional toppings: diced avocado, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, extra lime wedges

Instructions

  1. Roast the poblano peppers: Preheat oven broiler to high. Place peppers on a foil-lined baking sheet. Broil 5-7 minutes per side until skin is charred and blistered. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let steam for 10 minutes.
  2. Peel and prep the peppers: After steaming, rub off the blackened skin. Remove stems and seeds, then roughly chop the peppers. Set aside.
  3. Build the base: In a slow cooker, combine diced onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Place chicken thighs on top. Pour in chicken broth.
  4. Add the poblanos: Add chopped roasted poblanos to the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours, until chicken is fork-tender.
  6. Shred the chicken: Transfer chicken to a bowl, let cool slightly, then shred with two forks.
  7. Blend the soup base: Using an immersion blender, puree the soup base (broth, onions, poblanos) directly in the slow cooker until smooth. If using a regular blender, blend in batches, being careful with hot liquid.
  8. Return the chicken: Add shredded chicken back to the blended soup. Stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  9. Finish with freshness: Stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro just before serving.
  10. Serve and enjoy: Ladle into bowls and top with desired garnishes.

Notes

Roasting the poblanos is essential for smoky depth. For a thinner soup, add extra broth. For a creamier version, stir in ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk at the end. Leftovers keep for up to 5 days in the fridge or 3 months in the freezer.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chicken poblano soup, healthy chicken soup, poblano pepper soup, easy slow cooker soup, gluten-free soup, dairy-free soup, meal prep soup