Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup

A bold, creamy soup inspired by jalapeño poppers, blending tender chicken, cheesy richness, and a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Save

This soup is a hearty and satisfying way to enjoy your favorite appetizer flavors as a main course, bringing heat and comfort to every spoonful.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 large jalapeños, seeds removed and diced (adjust to taste)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or substitute half with low-fat milk for lighter version)
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup crumbled bacon (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Ideal for slow-simmered sauces, braised vegetables, baked dips, and cozy one-pot meals with even heat.

Check price on Amazon

Instructions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 2

Stir in minced garlic and diced jalapeños; cook for 2 more minutes until fragrant.

Step 3

Add chicken breasts and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

Step 4

Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.

Step 5

Stir in heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 6

Add softened cream cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated.

Step 7

Mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and soup is creamy. Stir in crumbled bacon, if using.

Step 8

Simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Step 9

Ladle into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro. Serve hot.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

Adjust the jalapeño quantity for your preferred spice level. For the smoothest consistency, ensure the cream cheese is fully softened before adding it to the broth.

Varianten und Anpassungen

For a lighter version, replace half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk. To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and bacon and use vegetable broth instead.

Serviervorschläge

This soup is delicious when served with crusty bread or crispy tortilla chips for dipping.

Save

Garnish with extra crumbled bacon and fresh cilantro for the ultimate comfort meal that will warm you from the inside out.

Cook complete meals by sautéing, simmering sauces, boiling pasta, and steaming vegetables with reliable everyday cookware.

Check price on Amazon

Kitchen Questions

→ How spicy is this soup?

The heat level depends on how many jalapeños you use. With two large jalapeños (seeds removed), the soup delivers a pleasant warmth that builds gradually without overwhelming. Adjust the quantity to suit your spice preference.

→ Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the soup up to 3 days in advance and refrigerate. Reheat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent separating. The flavors often deepen overnight.

→ What can I serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, tortilla chips, or buttery crackers pair perfectly. The creamy texture also complements a simple green salad with vinaigrette to cut through the richness.

→ Can I lighten this soup?

Absolutely. Replace half the heavy cream with low-fat milk, use reduced-fat cream cheese, or increase the broth ratio while decreasing dairy slightly. The soup remains satisfying with lighter substitutions.

→ Is there a vegetarian option?

Yes, omit the chicken and bacon, then substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. Consider adding white beans or extra vegetables to maintain heartiness and protein content.