Chile Relleno Soup

This Chile Relleno Soup transforms the beloved flavors of traditional chile relleno into a creamy, thick soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner with friends or looking for a hearty meal to enjoy on a chilly evening, this dish delivers comfort and satisfaction. With its rich cheese blend and tender chicken, every bite is a delightful experience that will leave you coming back for more!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Soup Base
• To Make it Cheesy
• For Garnish
• How to Make Chile Relleno Soup
• Step 1: Roast the Peppers
• Step 2: Peel and Chop the Peppers
• Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic
• Step 4: Combine Broth and Simmer
• Step 5: Add Chicken
• Step 6: Incorporate Cream Cheese & Cheddar
• Step 7: Broil for Extra Cheesy Goodness
• Step 8: Garnish & Serve
• How to Serve Chile Relleno Soup
• Top with Cheese
• Fresh Herbs
• Crunchy Toppings
• Avocado Slices
• Squeeze of Lime
• Pair with Bread
• How to Perfect Chile Relleno Soup
• Best Side Dishes for Chile Relleno Soup
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Chile Relleno Soup
• Reheating Chile Relleno Soup
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What can I use instead of chicken in Chile Relleno Soup?
• Can I make Chile Relleno Soup spicy?
• How do I thicken Chile Relleno Soup?
• Can I freeze leftover Chile Relleno Soup?
• What should I serve with Chile Relleno Soup?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavor: The combination of roasted poblano peppers, cream cheese, and cheeses creates a depth of flavor that excites the palate.
• Easy to Prepare: In just 45 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready to serve without complicated steps.
• Versatile Meal: This soup can easily be adapted for different diets by swapping out proteins or using plant-based cheeses.
• Complete Comfort Food: Warm, cheesy, and filling—this soup embodies everything you love about comfort food during colder months.
• Garnish Options: Fresh cilantro adds an extra layer of flavor and color, making it visually appealing.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing this Chile Relleno Soup is straightforward with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Food processor (optional)
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly and allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients quick and easy, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
• Food processor: Handy for chopping peppers quickly if you’re looking to save time on prep work.

Ingredients

For the Soup Base

• 5 poblano peppers (also labeled Pasilla peppers, depending on location)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium sweet onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 5 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper

To Make it Cheesy

• 2 cups chopped or shredded cooked chicken breast
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened and cut into very small cubes)
• 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese

For Garnish

• Fresh chopped cilantro (for garnish)

How to Make Chile Relleno Soup

Step 1: Roast the Peppers

Clean and dry the poblano peppers. Roast them until the skin has blackened/charred and blistered. You can do this by:
1. Placing the peppers on a foil-lined cookie sheet under the broiler set to high for about 10 minutes, flipping once.
2. Alternatively, set them over an open flame on a gas burner until charred on all sides.

Step 2: Peel and Chop the Peppers

Transfer the roasted peppers to a plastic bag and seal it to trap in steam. Let cool for a few minutes.
1. Rub off as much of the skin as possible using your fingers or a pairing knife.
2. Cut off the stem, slice in half, remove seeds, and finely chop the peppers or pulse in a food processor.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In a medium pot, warm the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
1. Add in the diced onion and sauté until softened (about 3 minutes).
2. Add minced garlic and cumin; cook until fragrant (about 20 seconds).
3. Stir in chopped poblanos.

Step 4: Combine Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth along with salt and pepper.
1. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Add Chicken

Stir in the cooked, chopped chicken breast until well combined.

Step 6: Incorporate Cream Cheese & Cheddar

Add cream cheese cubes along with 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
1. Whisk until melted and smooth throughout.

Step 7: Broil for Extra Cheesy Goodness

Divide soup into bowls; sprinkle each bowl with remaining cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese.
1. Place under broiler until melted and golden brown (watch closely to prevent burning).

Step 8: Garnish & Serve

Garnish each bowl with fresh chopped cilantro before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious Chile Relleno Soup!

How to Serve Chile Relleno Soup

Serving Chile Relleno Soup can be as delightful as making it. This creamy soup is versatile and pairs well with various toppings and sides. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Top with Cheese

• Add extra shredded cheddar on top for a melty finish.
• Sprinkle crumbled queso fresco for a tangy twist.

Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with chopped cilantro to add freshness.
• Try some sliced green onions for a mild onion flavor.

Crunchy Toppings

• Serve with tortilla chips on the side for a crunchy contrast.
• Consider adding crushed tortilla strips directly into the soup for texture.

Avocado Slices

• A few slices of ripe avocado can add creaminess and richness.
• Mash some avocado with lime for a zesty topping.

Squeeze of Lime

• A fresh lime wedge can brighten up the flavors when squeezed over the soup.
• Use lime juice in the broth for an added zing.

Pair with Bread

• Serve with warm crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious broth.
• Garlic bread makes a flavorful option alongside this hearty soup.

How to Perfect Chile Relleno Soup

Perfecting your Chile Relleno Soup is about balancing flavors and achieving the right texture. Here are some tips to elevate your cooking:

• Roast the Peppers Well: Ensure that the poblanos are charred evenly; this enhances their flavor significantly.
• Use Cream Cheese Wisely: Cut it into small cubes for easier melting into the soup, ensuring a smooth texture.
• Adjust Spice Levels: If you like heat, consider adding more spices or using spicier peppers.
• Simmer Gently: Keep the soup at a gentle simmer; this retains the flavors without overcooking ingredients.

Best Side Dishes for Chile Relleno Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Chile Relleno Soup can create a satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Mexican Rice – Fluffy rice flavored with tomato and spices complements the richness of the soup well.
2. Cornbread – Sweet, buttery cornbread adds a lovely contrast in flavor and texture.
3. Guacamole – Creamy guacamole provides freshness and balances out the warmth of the soup.
4. Elote (Mexican Street Corn) – Grilled corn with cheese and chili powder adds a delightful crunch and flavor.
5. Black Bean Salad – A refreshing salad featuring black beans, corn, and tomatoes enhances nutrition and taste.
6. Chips and Salsa – Crunchy tortilla chips paired with fresh salsa make for an easy, flavorful side option.
7. Stuffed Jalapeños – Spicy stuffed jalapeños can add an extra kick to your meal alongside this comforting soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chile Relleno Soup, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Skipping Roasting the Peppers: Not roasting the poblanos can lead to a bland flavor. Always roast them until the skin is charred to enhance their taste.
• Forgetting to Soften Cream Cheese: Using cold cream cheese can create lumps in your soup. Make sure it’s softened before adding it to ensure a smooth texture.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Adding overcooked chicken can make it dry and chewy. Use shredded or chopped cooked chicken that’s just heated through for the best texture.
• Not Tasting for Seasoning: Failing to adjust salt and pepper can make your soup unbalanced. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
• Neglecting Garnishes: Skipping fresh cilantro or cheese toppings can diminish presentation and flavor. Always finish with garnishes for added appeal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the soup to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Chile Relleno Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers, as the soup will expand when frozen.

Reheating Chile Relleno Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power, stirring every minute until heated through.
• Stovetop: Pour soup into a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chile Relleno Soup that may help you in your cooking journey.

What can I use instead of chicken in Chile Relleno Soup?

You can substitute chicken with shredded beef, tofu, or even beans for a vegetarian option. Adjust seasonings accordingly.

Can I make Chile Relleno Soup spicy?

Yes! You can add diced jalapeños or use spicy pepper jack cheese to increase the heat level of your soup.

How do I thicken Chile Relleno Soup?

To thicken, let it simmer longer or add more cream cheese or shredded cheese until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I freeze leftover Chile Relleno Soup?

Absolutely! Store it in freezer-safe containers and enjoy it within three months for best quality.

What should I serve with Chile Relleno Soup?

This soup pairs well with tortilla chips, avocado slices, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Chile Relleno Soup is not only rich and cheesy but also versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite proteins or spices. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, ensuring every bowl is comforting and satisfying. Try this recipe today and enjoy its delightful flavors!