Description

This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken with spicy jalapeños, rich cream cheese, and sharp cheddar. Perfectly seasoned with cumin and paprika and garnished with fresh cilantro, it offers a comforting yet zesty twist on a classic soup.

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

Dairy and Cheese

1 cup heavy cream (Can substitute half with low-fat milk for a lighter version)
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Spices and Seasonings

1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional and Garnish

1/2 cup crumbled bacon (Optional for added flavor)
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Sauté onion: 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 and translucent.
Add garlic and jalapeños: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavor without burning.
Cook the chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot followed by the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Shred chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.
Add cream and spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper according to taste.
Incorporate cream cheese: Add the softened cream cheese and stir continuously until it is fully melted and the soup becomes creamy.
Melt cheddar and add bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and integrated into the soup. If using, stir in the crumbled bacon for an extra layer of flavor.
Simmer for flavor: Let the soup simmer on low heat for an additional 5 minutes to allow all flavors to meld perfectly.
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Notes

Adjust jalapeño quantity according to your preferred spice level to make it milder or hotter.
You can substitute half the heavy cream with low-fat milk for a lighter version of the soup.
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and bacon and use vegetable broth instead.
Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting and richer flavor.
Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
For extra texture, top with crushed tortilla chips or a squeeze of lime before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 27 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Jalapeño popper soup, creamy chicken soup, spicy chicken soup, comfort food, cheesy soup