Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup Recipe
This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful soup inspired by the classic jalapeño popper appetizer. It features tender shredded chicken, spicy jalapeños, cream cheese, and cheddar, all simmered together to create a hearty and comforting dish with a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon (Optional for added flavor)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the 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 garlic and jalapeños: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors.
- Cook the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using 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.
- Melt in cream cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the pot and stir continuously until it is fully incorporated and the soup becomes creamy.
- Add cheddar cheese and bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and combined. If using the optional bacon, add the crumbled bacon now for extra flavor.
- Simmer to combine flavors: Let the soup simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños to control the spice level to your preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
- The bacon is optional; omit if you prefer a vegetarian version (replace chicken with a plant-based protein if desired).
- Use fresh cilantro for the best garnish flavor; parsley can be a substitute if needed.
- This soup is best served fresh but can be stored in the fridge for 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, spicy soup, jalapeño recipe, comfort food, chicken and cheese soup
