Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup Recipe
This spicy jalapeño popper chicken soup combines the creamy richness of cheese and cream with the fiery kick of jalapeños, making it a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for chilly days or when you crave a bit of heat in your meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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 & 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
Seasonings & Extras
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 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 soften the peppers.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot, pour in the chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup 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 and stir continuously until it fully melts and integrates into the soup, making it creamy.
- Add Cheddar and Bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined smoothly. If using, add the crumbled bacon to enhance the flavor.
- Simmer to Blend Flavors: Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow all flavors to meld beautifully together.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a bright and fresh finish.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños to control the spice level according to your preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
- Crumble bacon is optional but adds a smoky depth to the soup.
- Use fresh cilantro as a garnish to add a fresh herbal note.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
Keywords: jalapeño popper chicken soup, spicy chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, cheesy chicken soup, jalapeño soup
