Description

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken, spicy jalapeños, and cheesy goodness to create a warm and comforting meal. This soup balances the heat of fresh jalapeños with the richness of cream cheese and cheddar, enhanced by aromatic spices and optional crispy bacon, perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

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

Cheese and Garnishes

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 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.
Add Jalapeños and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors and aromas into the oil.
Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot, pour in the chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and let simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Shred Chicken: Remove chicken from the pot and shred it 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.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese, stirring continuously until it is fully incorporated and the soup becomes creamy.
Melt Cheese and Add Bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. If using, stir in the crumbled bacon for added smoky flavor.
Simmer to Blend Flavors: Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

Adjust the number of jalapeños according to your spice tolerance.
For a lighter soup, substitute half the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
Omitting the bacon makes this recipe suitable for vegetarians who eat dairy and poultry, but for strict vegetarians omit chicken and bacon altogether.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to prevent curdling.
Use fresh cilantro for garnish to add freshness and color to the final dish.

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

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