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Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup Recipe

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup Recipe

5 from 28 reviews

This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting dish that combines the heat of fresh jalapeños with tender shredded chicken, melted cheeses, and smoky bacon. Perfect for spice lovers craving a rich, satisfying soup packed with bold flavors and a hint of smoky goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 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
  • 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
  • 1/2 cup crumbled bacon (Optional for added flavor)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. 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, developing a fragrant base for the soup.
  2. Add Jalapeños and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors and infuse the oil with spicy heat.
  3. Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  4. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot carefully and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, integrating it back into the broth.
  5. Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This step enriches the soup and builds the complex flavor profile.
  6. Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese and stir continuously until it is fully melted and incorporated, creating a velvety texture and creamy consistency.
  7. Mix in Cheddar and Bacon: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts thoroughly. If using, add the crumbled bacon to introduce a smoky and savory element to the soup.
  8. Simmer: Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly together.
  9. Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished generously with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous aroma.

Notes

  • Adjust the number of jalapeños to control the spice level.
  • For a lighter cream version, substitute half the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
  • Skipping bacon makes the soup lighter but retains its rich flavor due to the cheeses.
  • Use fresh cilantro as a garnish for added freshness and presentation.
  • Shredded rotisserie chicken can be a quick alternative if short on time.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy chicken soup, jalapeño popper soup, creamy chicken soup, jalapeño chicken soup, comfort food soup