Description
This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish inspired by the classic jalapeño popper appetizer. Combining tender shredded chicken with a blend of cheeses, smoky spices, and a hint of heat from fresh jalapeños, this comforting soup is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. It’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and garnished with crispy bacon and optional toppings for an irresistible taste experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 fresh jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk (or substitute with half-and-half)
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Diced green onions
- Crumbled tortilla chips
- Extra shredded cheese
Instructions
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder, stirring to combine.
- Add Chicken and Cream: Stir in the shredded chicken and let it warm through for 5 minutes. Lower the heat and slowly add the heavy cream and milk, mixing well. Be careful not to let the soup boil.
- Incorporate the Cheeses: Gradually add the softened cream cheese, stirring until it melts and creates a smooth base. Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses a handful at a time, mixing until fully melted.
- Add Bacon and Adjust Seasoning: Stir in the crumbled bacon and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer gently for another 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with diced green onions, crumbled tortilla chips, or additional shredded cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Remove seeds from jalapeños to reduce heat if desired.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy way to add shredded chicken.
- Be careful not to boil the soup after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or spices as preferred.
- Optional toppings add texture and additional flavor but can be omitted for a simpler soup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
