Description
This Creamy Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a deliciously rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, spicy jalapeños, and creamy cheeses to create a flavorful, hearty meal perfect for any day. The blend of spices and smoky bacon enhances the vibrant flavors, while the fresh cilantro garnish adds a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 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
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 cup Cream Cheese, softened
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Seasonings and Extras
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 0.5 cup Crumbled Bacon (optional)
- Fresh Cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion for about 5 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, forming the savory base of the soup.
- Add Garlic and Jalapeños: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños; cook for an additional 2 minutes until fragrant, allowing the spices and heat to start infusing.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot, shred them with forks, and return the shredded chicken back into the pot, stirring well to combine with the broth.
- Add Cream and Spices: Pour in the heavy cream, add ground cumin and paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste, stirring to create a smooth, flavorful soup base.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese and Cheddar: Mix in the softened cream cheese until fully melted and blended, then add shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted to thicken and enrich the soup.
- Add Bacon and Simmer: If using bacon, stir it into the soup now. Allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes to meld all flavors together.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy, spicy soup.
Notes
- To reduce spiciness, use fewer jalapeños or remove the seeds before dicing.
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
- Vegetarian option: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit chicken and bacon.
- Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used to shorten cooking time.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to avoid lumps in the soup.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste preference.
- Serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips for a filling meal.
