Description

A creamy, spicy, and flavorful chicken soup inspired by the classic jalapeño popper appetizer. This comforting dish features tender shredded chicken, diced jalapeños, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar, all simmered together with aromatic spices and garnished with fresh cilantro. Perfect for a cozy dinner with a spicy kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large jalapeños, seeds removed and diced (Adjust 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 to develop the base flavor.
Add Garlic and Jalapeños: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their spicy aroma.
Cook Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the pot, pour in the chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot to absorb the soup’s flavors.
Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, ensuring a balanced and creamy base.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese, stirring continuously until it is fully melted and incorporated, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Melt Cheddar and Add Bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted. If using, add the crumbled bacon for extra flavor and a smoky crunch.
Simmer to Combine Flavors: Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes over low heat to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish.

Notes

You can adjust the number of jalapeños to increase or decrease the heat level of the soup.
For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
The bacon is optional but adds a smoky depth to the flavor profile.
To make this soup more filling, consider serving with a side of crusty bread or tortilla chips.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

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

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