Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup Recipe
This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic jalapeño popper appetizer, transformed into a comforting soup with tender chicken, smoky spices, and a rich blend of cheeses and jalapeños. Perfect for those who love a spicy and satisfying meal.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Soup Base
- 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
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup crumbled bacon (optional for added flavor)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Sauté Vegetables: 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, 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 spicy aroma and flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and shred them finely using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup pot for further cooking.
- Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This adds richness and depth to the soup.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese into the pot and stir continuously until it is fully melted and combined, giving the soup a velvety texture.
- Add Cheddar and Bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely. If using, fold in the crumbled bacon to introduce a smoky, savory element.
- Simmer and Meld Flavors: Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld beautifully and ensures the soup is heated through.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro leaves for a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy, spicy broth. Serve hot.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños according to your heat preference; remove seeds to lessen the spiciness.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
- The crumbled bacon is optional but adds a nice smoky flavor; omit for a milder or vegetarian variation.
- Use fresh cilantro for garnish to provide a fresh herbal note that balances the soup’s richness.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
Keywords: jalapeño popper chicken soup, spicy chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, jalapeño chicken soup, comfort food, easy chicken soup recipe