“Cheesy Chile Relleno Chicken Soup”

Cheesy Chile Relleno Chicken Soup…Have you eaten Chile Relleno at a Mexican restaurant? Made with poblano peppers stuffed with cheese and deep-fried. Poblanos have a mild heat factor so these peppers lend themselves nicely to many dishes especially soups. Without further ah-do, let me introduce you to Cheesy Chile Relleno Soup. Soup this good is a sin and a shame. When you first taste the creaminess and cheesiness, don’t be ashamed if you feel the need to turn the bowl up and just drink. Chicken is added to this soup for texture and can be omitted.

Cheesy Chile Relleno Soup is a quick and easy weeknight meal. This recipe can be doubled if necessary. You’ll definitely want leftovers.

 

Cheesy Chile Relleno Chicken Soup

5 poblano peppers

2 T. butter

¼ cup onion, chopped

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 ¼ t. ground cumin

4 cups chicken broth

Salt and pepper to taste

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/4 – 1/2 inch pieces

8 oz. cream cheese, cut into cubes

2 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

½ cup heavy cream (whipping cream)

Char and blister poblano peppers over open flame on gas stove or under broiler set to high, a few inches from heating element. Turn peppers until charred on all sides.

Place poblanos in a bowl; cover with plastic wrap. Let cool then rub peppers to remove as much skin as possible. Some char is fine. Split peppers in half to remove seeds and stem. Chop peppers finely and set aside.

In a 5 qt. pot over medium heat, melt butter. Add onions, cook, stirring frequently until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, cumin and poblanos; stir and cook about 1 minute.

Add chicken and sauté for about 1 minute. Stir in chicken broth and bring broth to boil; reduce heat to simmer. Cook for 15 minutes, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste and chicken is tender.

Add cheddar cheese and cream cheese, stirring with wire whisk until smooth. Serve hot in bowls, topped with additional cheddar cheese.

You will make this recipe again and again. Absolutely delicious!

Share the creative ways you use poblano peppers.

Note: Precooked chicken can be used to save on preparation time. If using broiler safe bowls, place bowls under broiler until cheese is bubbly and browned.