Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
