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Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup for Cozy Nights In Recipe

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup for Cozy Nights In Recipe

4.9 from 21 reviews

This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for cozy nights in. Featuring tender shredded chicken, spicy jalapeños, and rich cream cheese and cheddar, this soup delivers a flavorful kick balanced by smooth, cheesy indulgence. Optional bacon and fresh cilantro add extra crunch and freshness to this hearty bowl.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Soup Base

  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 1 medium Onion, diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 large Jalapeños, diced
  • 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
  • 4 cups Chicken Broth

For the Creaminess

  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup Cream Cheese, softened
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Optional Add-Ins

  • ½ cup Crumbled Bacon
  • Fresh Cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  2. Add Garlic and Jalapeños: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  3. Cook Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
  4. Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the soup pot.
  5. Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, blending the flavors together over low heat.
  6. Incorporate Cheeses: Mix in the softened cream cheese until fully melted into the soup. Then add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts smoothly, creating a luscious creamy texture.
  7. Add Optional Bacon and Simmer: If using, stir in crumbled bacon and allow the soup to simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes to marry the flavors and heat through.
  8. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh finish. Enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • This soup is perfect for make-ahead dinners; reheat gently on the stove or microwave to maintain its creamy texture without breaking.
  • Adjust the jalapeño quantity or deseed them to control the spice level according to your preference.
  • For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken breasts with chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
  • To reduce fat, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or low-fat milk, and use low-fat cheese options.
  • If avoiding pork, omit bacon or replace with crispy turkey bacon or smoked paprika for smoky flavor.

Nutrition

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