Description

A comforting and flavorful Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and a spicy kick of jalapeños. This hearty soup is perfect for warming up on chilly days, blending savory spices with a rich, creamy broth for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large jalapeños, seeds removed and diced (Adjust based on spice preference)

Protein & Broth

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups chicken broth

Dairy & Seasonings

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
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional & Garnish

1/2 cup crumbled bacon (Optional for added flavor)
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat the 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, creating the flavor foundation for the soup.
Add Garlic and Jalapeños: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their aromas and infuse the base with spicy heat.
Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into the pot, pour in the chicken broth, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender.
Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot, mixing it evenly into the broth.
Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste, enriching the soup and enhancing its flavor profile.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the pot, stirring continuously until it fully melts and combines, making the soup luxuriously creamy.
Mix in Cheddar and Bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. If using, add the crumbled bacon for an additional layer of smoky flavor.
Simmer and Blend Flavors: Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes, allowing all ingredients to meld together into a cohesive and tasty dish.
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

Adjust the number of jalapeños to control the spiciness according to your preference.
For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
Crumbled bacon is optional but adds a nice smoky flavor and extra texture.
Fresh cilantro not only adds color but also a fresh herbal note that balances the richness of the soup.
Use a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot for even heating and better flavor development.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: jalapeño popper chicken soup, spicy chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, jalapeño soup, comfort food, cheesy chicken soup