Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup Recipe
This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful bowl combining tender shredded chicken, spicy jalapeños, and melted cheeses for a comforting and zesty meal. Inspired by the classic jalapeño popper appetizer, this soup balances heat with rich creaminess and smoky bacon, perfect for warming up on chilly days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 large jalapeños, seeds removed and diced (adjust number based on spice preference)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (can substitute half with low-fat milk for a lighter version)
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crumbled bacon (optional for added flavor)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Jalapeños and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese, stirring continuously until it is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Melt Cheddar and Add Bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. If using, add the crumbled bacon for extra smoky flavor.
- Simmer and Blend Flavors: Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños according to your heat preference; removing seeds reduces the spice level.
- Substituting half the heavy cream with low-fat milk can lighten the soup while maintaining creaminess.
- The bacon is optional but adds a delicious smoky element to the soup.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and cheddar with vegan alternatives and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
- Leftover soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes nicely for up to 2 months.
Keywords: jalapeño popper soup, chicken soup, spicy chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, jalapeño chicken, comfort food, cheesy soup, easy weeknight dinner
