Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup for Cozy Nights In Recipe
This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for cozy nights in. Loaded with tender shredded chicken, spicy jalapeños, and rich cheeses, it brings the flavors of a classic jalapeño popper into a warm and hearty soup. The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and smoky bacon creates an irresistible creamy texture with a spicy kick, balanced by fresh cilantro garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Sauté Base
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or any neutral oil)
- 1 medium Onion, diced (Shallots or leeks can be used for a milder taste)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- 2 large Jalapeños, diced (adjust to spice preference or use canned for milder flavor)
Main Soup Ingredients
- 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (pre-shredded rotisserie chicken can be substituted; chickpeas for vegetarian)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (can substitute with half-and-half or low-fat milk)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
Cheesy Creaminess
- 1 cup Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Toppings
- ½ cup Crumbled Bacon (optional, adds smoky crunch)
- Fresh Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and sauté for about 5 minutes until they become soft and translucent, creating a flavorful foundation for the soup.
- Add Aromatics and Jalapeños: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their fragrant flavors and slightly soften the peppers.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot, shred them using two forks, then return the shredded chicken to the pot to absorb the soup flavors.
- Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, and paprika. Season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste preference, infusing it with warm and smoky flavors.
- Melt the Cheeses: Mix in the softened cream cheese until fully dissolved into the soup, then add shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheddar melts, creating a rich and creamy texture.
- Add Bacon and Simmer: If using, add the crumbled bacon to the soup and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes to blend the flavors and heat through.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright, herbal finish. Enjoy your cozy, spicy bowl of Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños to control the spice level of the soup.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cream cheese.
- Vegetarian option: replace chicken with chickpeas and chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium broth and adjust salt accordingly.
Keywords: jalapeño popper chicken soup, spicy chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, jalapeño soup, comfort food, cheesy chicken soup
