Description
This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup combines creamy textures with a bold kick of jalapeños, creating a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for spice lovers. Featuring tender shredded chicken, melty cheeses, and a hint of smoky bacon, this soup is both hearty and satisfying.
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)
- 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
Proteins and Cheese
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled bacon (Optional for added flavor)
Garnish
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté 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 and translucent, building a flavorful base for the soup.
- Add Jalapeños and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their aroma and spice into the mix.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot for the soup.
- Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste, enriching the soup with creamy texture and depth of flavor.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the pot, stirring continuously until it melts completely and the soup turns creamy and smooth.
- Add Cheddar and Bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined. If using, add the crumbled bacon at this stage to enhance the flavor with a smoky crunch.
- Simmer and Meld Flavors: Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld beautifully together.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot for a spicy, comforting meal.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeño quantity to control spice level according to your preference.
- For a lighter soup, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
- Omit bacon for a vegetarian-friendly version or use a plant-based bacon alternative.
- Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to retain creaminess.
- Pair this soup with crusty bread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: jalapeño popper soup, chicken soup, spicy chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, jalapeño chicken soup
