Description
A creamy and spicy chicken soup inspired by jalapeño poppers, combining tender shredded chicken, bold spices, and rich cheeses for a comforting and flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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 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
- 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 and translucent.
- Add Jalapeños and Garlic: 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 and tender.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot.
- Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, and season the soup with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese, stirring continuously until it fully melts into the soup and makes it rich and creamy.
- Add Cheddar and Bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. If using, add the crumbled bacon to enhance the flavor profile.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the spicy jalapeño popper chicken soup hot, garnished with fresh cilantro for a bright and fresh finish.
Notes
- To adjust the spiciness, reduce or increase the number of jalapeños.
- For a lighter option, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
- Omit bacon for a pork-free version.
- Serve with tortilla chips or a side of warm bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: spicy chicken soup, jalapeño popper soup, creamy chicken soup, comfort food, spicy soup recipe
