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Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup Recipe

4.8 from 149 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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