Introduction

This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines the heat of jalapeños with the richness of cream cheese and cheddar. It’s a comforting and satisfying soup perfect for warming up on chilly days or whenever you crave a spicy, cheesy meal.

The image shows a creamy soup with a light yellow base in a white bowl, filled with chunks of white chicken pieces, topped with bright green sliced jalapeños and crispy red bacon bits. Fresh green herbs, finely chopped, are sprinkled all over the surface, adding contrast and texture. The bowl rests on a textured grey cloth on a wooden table, with a metal spoon on the left side and a bunch of fresh green herbs blurred in the background. The overall look is warm, fresh, and inviting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large jalapeños, seeds removed and diced (adjust 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

Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add the chicken breasts to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, and season the soup with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Add the softened cream cheese, stirring until fully incorporated and the soup becomes creamy.
Step 7: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. If desired, add the crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
Step 8: Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 9: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Tips & Variations

Remove the jalapeño seeds for less heat, or add more for extra spice to suit your taste.
Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts for a quicker version.
Swap half the heavy cream with low-fat milk to lighten the soup without losing creaminess.
Add corn kernels or diced bell peppers for added texture and sweetness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the soup creamy and avoid curdling. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy yellow soup as the base layer, dotted with small pieces of shredded chicken that are light beige, and topped with crispy, dark reddish-brown bacon bits spread evenly throughout. Bright green slices of jalapeño peppers sit on top, along with fresh chopped green herbs, likely cilantro or parsley, scattered across the surface. The soup has a smooth, slightly oily texture visible with specks of seasoning. The bowl rests on a textured gray cloth on top of a white marbled surface, with a silver spoon and fresh green herbs blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup less spicy?

Yes, simply remove the seeds from the jalapeños and use fewer peppers. You can also substitute with milder chili peppers or omit them altogether for a gentler flavor.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, replace the cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives such as vegan cream cheese, coconut cream, and dairy-free shredded cheese. Keep in mind the texture and taste will vary slightly.