Description

This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful bowl of comfort with a bold kick. Loaded with tender shredded chicken, diced jalapeños, cream cheese, cheddar, and a smoky touch of bacon, this rich soup blends the zest of jalapeño poppers into a hearty meal perfect for warming up any day. The combination of spices and creamy textures makes it an unforgettable spicy soup that delivers both heat and comfort.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup 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.)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups chicken broth
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Dairy & Cheese

1 cup heavy cream (Can substitute half with low-fat milk for a lighter version.)
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings

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, developing a fragrant and translucent base.
Add Garlic and Jalapeños: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavor and spice into the oil.
Cook Chicken in Broth: Add the chicken breasts to the pot, pour in the chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Then reduce heat and simmer 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 to the soup to absorb the flavors.
Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to enhance depth and achieve a creamy texture.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the pot, stirring continuously until it melts completely and the soup becomes rich and creamy.
Melt Cheddar and Add Bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. If using, add the crumbled bacon now to infuse smoky flavor.
Simmer to Blend Flavors: Let the soup simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes so all ingredients meld together harmoniously.
Serve Garnished: Serve the spicy jalapeño popper chicken soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a bright finish.

Notes

Adjust the number of jalapeños based on your tolerance for spice; removing seeds reduces heat.
For a lighter soup, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
The bacon is optional but adds a delicious smoky crunch and depth of flavor.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely on the stovetop or microwave.
Garnish with additional toppings such as sour cream or crushed tortilla chips for extra texture.

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

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