Description

This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender shredded chicken, spicy jalapeños, and rich cream cheese to create a comforting and hearty meal. Perfect for chilly days, this soup delivers a delightful kick with a velvety texture enhanced by cheddar cheese and a hint of smoky bacon. It’s an easy stovetop recipe that brings together vibrant spices and fresh ingredients for a satisfying bowl of warmth.

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)

Chicken and Broth

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups chicken broth

Creamy Components and 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 Toppings

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

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: 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.
Add Garlic and Jalapeños: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors.
Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot, followed by the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese, stirring continuously until it is fully incorporated and the soup becomes creamy.
Melt Cheddar and Add Bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. If using, add the crumbled bacon for added flavor.
Simmer: Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Notes

For less heat, reduce the number of jalapeños or remove all seeds before dicing.
You can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk to reduce richness.
The bacon is optional but adds a smoky depth – omit for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly dish.
Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently on low heat to avoid curdling the cream.
Consider adding a squeeze of lime juice before serving for extra freshness.

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

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