Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup Recipe
This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup combines the creamy richness of cheese and cream with the bold heat of jalapeños, creating a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for chilly days. Tender shredded chicken simmers with aromatic spices, cream cheese, and cheddar for a luscious texture, while optional bacon adds a smoky depth. Garnished with fresh cilantro, this soup offers a delightful balance of spice and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 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
Spices & Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Additions
- 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, creating a flavorful base 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 infuse the soup with a spicy kick.
- 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 a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot for the rest of the soup.
- Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream along with ground cumin and paprika. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese into the soup, stirring continuously until it is fully melted and incorporated, giving the soup a rich and creamy consistency.
- Melt Cheddar and Add Bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely. If desired, stir in crumbled bacon to add a smoky depth and extra texture to the soup.
- Simmer to Blend Flavors: Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together and ensure the soup is heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños according to your preferred spice level to make the soup milder or spicier.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
- The bacon is optional but adds a delicious smoky flavor; omit for a vegetarian adaptation (except chicken as protein, consider substitutions).
- Do not skip shredding the chicken; it helps distribute the meat evenly throughout the soup.
- Fresh cilantro garnish adds a fresh herbal note that complements the creamy and spicy soup.
Keywords: jalapeño popper chicken soup, spicy chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, jalapeño soup recipe, comfort food soup