Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup Recipe
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.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate cream cheese: Add the softened cream cheese, stirring continuously until it fully melts and integrates, giving the soup its creamy texture.
- 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.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes to meld all flavors together and thicken slightly.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Spicy jalapeño popper soup, chicken soup, creamy soup, spicy chicken soup, jalapeño recipes, comfort food