Spicy Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup (Printable)
Creamy soup with tender chicken, jalapeños, and melted cheese inspired by classic poppers.
# What You'll 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 Make:
01 - Place chicken in a large pot with 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 and shred with two forks. Set aside.
03 - In the same pot, add onion, garlic, jalapeños, and red bell pepper. Sauté over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until softened.
04 - Return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and salt.
05 - Lower the heat and add cubed cream cheese. Stir continuously until melted and thoroughly combined.
06 - Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and heavy cream. Add additional broth if soup is too thick.
07 - Simmer on low heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until creamy and well combined. Serve hot garnished with bacon, extra cheddar, green onions, and jalapeños.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- You get all the craveable flavors of jalapeño poppers without the hassle of stuffing and frying peppers
- The spice level is perfectly adjustable so everyone at the table stays happy
02 -
- Cream cheese will curdle if you add it over high heat, so keep that burner on low
- The soup thickens as it sits, so you may need to add more broth when reheating leftovers
03 -
- Wear gloves when chopping jalapeños, because the oil lingers on your fingers for hours
- Grate your own cheese instead of buying pre shredded, which contains anti caking agents that prevent smooth melting