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This spicy jalapeño popper chicken soup packs all the creamy cheesy flavors of classic jalapeño poppers into a comforting bowl of soup. Whenever there is a chill in the air or my family needs a cozy weeknight dinner with a kick this is my go-to recipe that always gets rave reviews.
My first batch of this soup disappeared so fast I barely had time for seconds and over the years I have watched everyone from spice lovers to kids fill up their bowls with happy sighs
Gather Your Ingredients
- Olive oil: brings a light savory base and helps soften the aromatics use extra virgin for the best flavor
- Onion: essential for a round base flavor look for firm onions with no soft spots
- Garlic: intensifies the savory notes fresh cloves are best for a bold kick
- Jalapeños: give the soup its classic popper zing choose firm glossy peppers and control spice by removing seeds
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: offer lean protein check for freshness and thickness for even cooking
- Chicken broth: builds the savory soup body select low sodium if controlling salt
- Heavy cream: brings luscious texture swap half for low-fat milk for a lighter taste
- Ground cumin: delivers earthy warmth freshly ground for stronger flavor
- Paprika: adds a smoky undertone Spanish or smoked varieties are excellent here
- Salt and pepper: allow for seasoning to taste always adjust and taste as you cook
- Cream cheese: adds classic popper-style creaminess let it fully soften at room temperature before use
- Shredded cheddar cheese: sharpens the flavor golden blocks shred best for melting
- Crumbled bacon (optional): provides extra depth and a smoky edge cook until crisp for best results
How to Make It
- Prepare the Aromatics:
- Sauté diced onion in olive oil over medium heat for about five minutes until translucent and fragrant this step builds foundational flavor
- Add Jalapeños and Garlic:
- Stir in minced garlic and diced jalapeños cook two more minutes to soften the peppers and release their spice do not let the garlic burn
- Cook the Chicken:
- Add chicken breasts and pour in the chicken broth bring to a gentle boil then reduce heat simmer for fifteen minutes until chicken is cooked through check with a meat thermometer if needed
- Shred and Return Chicken:
- Remove cooked chicken to a plate shred it using two forks for best texture then return the shreds to the simmering soup
- Incorporate Cream and Spices:
- Pour in heavy cream sprinkle in ground cumin and paprika and season with salt and pepper stir to combine and let flavors mingle over low heat
- Melt in the Cream Cheese:
- Add softened cream cheese in pieces stir constantly and gently until the cheese is smoothly incorporated with no visible lumps
- Blend in Cheddar and Bacon:
- Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese stir until melted smoothly then add crumbled bacon if using
- Simmer and Finish:
- Let the soup simmer together for about five more minutes this allows all the flavors to become rich and balanced in every bite
- Ladle and Garnish:
- Serve piping hot in bowls with fresh cilantro scattered on top for a burst of color and freshness
One of my favorite moments making this soup was when my husband crumbled the bacon right into his own bowl and declared it the ultimate topping it is impossible not to sneak a few cheesy bacon bites as it simmers
Flavor Boosters
For a lighter soup use half low fat milk with half cream or swap Greek yogurt for cream cheese If you need it vegetarian use diced mushrooms or chickpeas instead of chicken Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese also works as a flavorful swap
Serving Suggestions
Top with more jalapeño slices for extra heat or a sprinkle of tortilla strips for crunch Offer lime wedges on the side for a citrusy twist This soup pairs beautifully with cornbread or a fresh green salad
Creative Twists
This dish takes inspiration from the classic American jalapeño popper appetizer combining the staple Tex-Mex flavors of cheese jalapeño and bacon with the homestyle comfort of chicken soup It is a fusion that brings party snack joy to dinner bowls
Let leftover soup cool before storing and reheat gently for best creamy texture. This is always the first dish emptied at potlucks and makes cozy leftovers on chilly nights.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How spicy does this soup get?
The soup has moderate heat from jalapenos. Adjust by adding more or less jalapeno according to your preference.
- → What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use a mix of low-fat milk and cream, or just half-and-half for a lighter texture and flavor.
- → Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
Yes, simply shred your pre-cooked chicken and add it during the simmering step to warm through.
- → Is bacon necessary for flavor?
Bacon adds smoky depth, but the soup is delicious even without it. Consider smoked paprika for a similar note.
- → How do I prevent curdling when adding dairy?
Let the soup cool slightly before stirring in cream and cream cheese. Add gradually and mix well for smoothness.