Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup (Printable Version)
Creamy soup with tender chicken, jalapeños, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar for the perfect spicy comfort.
# What You Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
→ Vegetables
02 - 4 jalapeño peppers seeded and chopped
03 - 1 small yellow onion diced
04 - 2 cloves garlic minced
05 - 1 red bell pepper diced
06 - 2 green onions sliced for garnish
→ Dairy
07 - 8 oz cream cheese softened and cubed
08 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
09 - 1 cup heavy cream
→ Liquids
10 - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
→ Seasonings
11 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 tsp cumin
13 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
14 - 1 tsp salt or to taste
→ Optional Toppings
15 - 4 strips cooked bacon crumbled
16 - Extra shredded cheddar cheese
17 - Sliced jalapeños
# How-To:
01 - Place chicken breasts or thighs in a large pot and pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 15–20 minutes until chicken is cooked through.
02 - Remove chicken from the pot; shred with two forks and set aside.
03 - In the same pot, add onion, garlic, jalapeños, and red bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for 4–5 minutes until vegetables soften.
04 - Add the shredded chicken back into the pot. Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
05 - Lower the heat and add the cream cheese. Stir continuously until the cream cheese is melted and thoroughly combined.
06 - Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, heavy cream, and, if the soup is too thick, a bit more broth as desired.
07 - Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the soup is creamy and flavors are well combined.
08 - Serve hot, garnished with cooked bacon, extra cheddar, sliced green onions, and additional jalapeños as desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The spice level hits that perfect sweet spot where it warms you without overwhelming your palate
- It transforms simple ingredients into something that tastes like it simmered all day even though it comes together in under an hour
02 -
- The soup will thicken considerably as it cools so do not panic if it seems slightly thin right when you finish cooking
- Rotisserie chicken works in a pinch but the broth from cooking raw chicken adds a depth of flavor you cannot get any other way
03 -
- Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre-shredded bags because the anti-caking agents prevent it from melting smoothly
- Taste the soup before adding salt since the broth and cheeses already contain quite a bit