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Bowl of chicken and poblano corn chowder topped with shredded cheese and tortilla strips, served with lime wedges on the side.

Chicken and Poblano Corn Chowder

This chicken and poblano corn chowder is creamy, slightly smoky, and packed with flavor. With tender chicken, sweet corn, and mild heat from poblano peppers, it’s a hearty one-pot soup that’s both comforting and easy to make.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 8
Course: Soup
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts diced
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 1 large poblano pepper diced
  • 1½ pounds Yukon Gold potatoes diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups corn divided
  • 1½ cups half-and-half
  • Shredded Monterey Jack for serving
  • Tortilla strips cilantro, and lime wedges, optional

Method
 

  1. Brown the chicken in half the oil, season lightly, then remove.
  2. Add the remaining oil, then cook the onion, poblano, and potatoes until the onion is softened and the potatoes are just beginning to soften.
  3. Stir in the garlic for 30 seconds, then add the cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and oregano. Stir 30 seconds.
  4. Add the broth and 1½ cups of the corn. Simmer until the potatoes are tender.
  5. Blend the remaining ½ cup corn with a little broth until smooth, then stir it into the soup.
  6. Return the chicken to the pot and simmer until cooked through.
  7. Stir in the half-and-half and heat gently. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Serve with Monterey Jack and optional tortilla strips, cilantro, and lime.

Notes

  • For deeper flavor, char poblanos under broiler before dicing.
  • For thicker chowder, mash a few potatoes against the pot.
  • Freezes best without dairy; add cream after reheating.
  • Adjust spice level with cayenne if desired.