Description

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken, spicy jalapeños, and rich cheeses for a comforting and satisfying meal. This hearty soup blends the heat of jalapeños with smooth cream cheese and sharp cheddar, enhanced by smoky bacon and fragrant spices, making it perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you crave a spicy treat.

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

Instructions

Sauté Onions: 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, developing the base flavor for the soup.
Add Garlic and Jalapeños: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their aroma and spicy heat into the oil.
Cook Chicken in Broth: Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
Shred Chicken: Carefully remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred the meat using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot to combine with the broth and vegetables.
Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper according to taste. This enriches the soup with creaminess and warm, smoky flavors.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the soup, stirring continuously until it melts completely and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
Add Cheddar and Bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts evenly throughout the soup. If desired, fold in the crumbled bacon for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
Simmer and Meld Flavors: Let the soup simmer on low heat for an additional 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve Garnished: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately.

Notes

Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your heat preference or remove seeds for milder spice.
Substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk to reduce fat content.
Omit bacon for a gluten-free and slightly lighter option.
Use cooked, leftover chicken to reduce cooking time if desired.
For a thicker soup, add a small amount of cornstarch slurry before the final simmer.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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