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Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup Recipe

4.9 from 70 reviews

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish inspired by the popular appetizer. This hearty soup combines tender shredded chicken, spicy jalapeños, creamy cheeses, and warm spices to create a comforting meal with a kick. Perfect for those who love spicy comfort food, this soup is both indulgent and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauté 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)

Main Ingredients

  • 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

Cheeses and Toppings

  • 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 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 and translucent, developing a sweet flavor base for the soup.
  2. Add garlic and jalapeños: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes. This step releases the aromas and infuses the oil with spicy flavor.
  3. Cook chicken and simmer: Add the chicken breasts to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently 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 back into the pot to soak up the soup flavors.
  5. Add cream and spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, and paprika. Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. This enriches the soup and gives it a warming spice profile.
  6. Incorporate cream cheese: Add the softened cream cheese, stirring continuously until it is fully melted and incorporated, creating a silky, creamy texture throughout the soup.
  7. Mix in cheddar and bacon: Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted and blended. If using, fold in the crumbled bacon for additional smoky flavor and texture.
  8. Simmer to meld flavors: Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to marry and the soup to thicken slightly.
  9. Serve garnished: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of herbal freshness. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can adjust the heat level by using fewer or more jalapeños, or including the seeds for extra spice.
  • For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with low-fat milk or use all milk instead of cream.
  • The soup can be made ahead and reheated; add the cheddar cheese after reheating for best texture.
  • Optional bacon adds smoky richness but can be omitted for a milder flavor or to keep the soup lower fat.
  • This soup pairs well with warm crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping.

Keywords: Jalapeño popper soup, spicy chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, appetizer inspired soup, comfort food