Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup Recipe
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.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering, Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Lactose
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld perfectly together.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 240 ml)
- Calories: 360 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: spicy chicken soup, jalapeño popper soup, creamy chicken soup, jalapeño chicken soup, comfort food soup