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Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup Recipe

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup Recipe

5.3 from 5 reviews

This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken, spicy jalapeños, and rich cheeses to create a comforting and satisfying meal. Perfect for those who love a bit of heat and creamy texture in their soup, it features a blend of cumin and paprika for depth and optional crispy bacon for extra flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Creamy Components

  • 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

  1. Heat the base: 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 foundation.
  2. Add aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors and mild heat into the oil.
  3. Cook chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot, pour in the chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  4. Shred chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot to absorb the soup’s flavors.
  5. Add cream and spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to create a rich and flavorful base.
  6. Incorporate cream cheese: Add the softened cream cheese, stirring continuously until it fully melts and integrates, giving the soup its creamy texture.
  7. Melt cheddar cheese and add bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. If using, add the crumbled bacon to introduce a smoky, savory element.
  8. Simmer: Let the soup simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes to meld all flavors together and thicken slightly.
  9. Serve: Ladle the soup hot into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh finish.

Notes

  • Adjust the number of jalapeños to your preferred spice level; removing the seeds reduces heat significantly.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk without compromising creaminess.
  • Omitting bacon makes the recipe suitable for a pescatarian or lower-fat diet.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to avoid curdling the cream.
  • Use fresh cilantro for garnish to add a burst of color and freshness just before serving.

Nutrition

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