Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup – A Spicy, Cheesy, and Comforting Bowl of Flavor

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup transforms the bold flavors of jalapeno poppers into a creamy, satisfying soup. With a rich cream cheese base, shredded chicken, smoky bacon, and jalapenos, it’s the perfect blend of indulgence and spice for cold nights or game-day meals.

Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup Recipe | Creamy, Cheesy & Spicy Chicken Jalapeno Popper Soup

DifficultyEasy

Servings6

Prep time15 minutes

Cook time30 minutes

Total time45 minutes

Creamy, Cheesy & Spicy Chicken Jalapeno Popper Soup

Ingredients

For the Soup Base:

  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 jalapenos, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
  • 1 tsps smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsps black pepper
  • 1/2 tsps salt
  • 1 tsps cumin
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken breasts)
  • 1 8-oz package cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup 1 cup
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

For Garnishing (Optional):

  • Chopped fresh cilantro
  • Extra crispy bacon pieces
  • Shredded cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Sliced jalapenos

Let's Get Cooking!

Instructions

  • 1

    Cook the Bacon & Aromatics

    1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
    2. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove some bacon for garnish and set aside.
    3. In the same pot, add onions, garlic, and diced jalapenos, and sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft and fragrant.

  • 2

    Build the Broth

    1. Stir in smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
    2. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and add shredded chicken. Simmer for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  • 3

    Make it Creamy

    1. Reduce heat to low and stir in cream cheese.
    2. Once melted, add heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully incorporated.
  • 4

    Serve & Enjoy

    1. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
    2. Ladle into bowls and top with extra bacon, shredded cheese, sliced jalapenos, and fresh cilantro.

Equipment

Recipe Notes and Variations

Recipe Notes

✔ How to Control the Spice Level:

  • For mild soup, remove all jalapeno seeds and membranes before dicing.
  • For medium spice, leave in some seeds or use one serrano pepper instead of a jalapeno.
  • For extra heat, add cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced habanero.

✔ Making the Soup Extra Creamy:

  • Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream for a thicker texture.
  • Let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before adding it to prevent lumps.
  • If the soup is too thick, add extra chicken broth to thin it out.

✔ How to Prevent Cheese from Clumping:

  • Shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents.
  • Stir cheese in gradually over low heat, stirring constantly to melt evenly.

✔ Storing & Reheating the Soup:

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze without the dairy for up to 3 months. When reheating, stir in cream cheese and heavy cream once warm.
  • Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding extra broth if needed to maintain consistency.

✔ Serving Ideas:

  • Garnish with extra bacon, shredded cheese, or sour cream for extra flavor.
  • Serve alongside crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple green salad.

Recipe Variations

1. Low-Carb/Keto Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup

✔ Omit flour and use xanthan gum (¼ teaspoon) or extra shredded cheese as a thickener.
✔ Use heavy cream instead of milk to keep it low-carb and keto-friendly.

2. Dairy-Free Jalapeno Popper Soup

✔ Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream.
✔ Swap cream cheese for dairy-free cream cheese or blended silken tofu.
✔ Use nutritional yeast instead of shredded cheese for a cheesy flavor.

3. Extra Protein Boost

✔ Stir in cooked white beans or chickpeas for added protein and fiber.
✔ Add extra shredded chicken or turkey to make it even heartier.

4. Vegetarian Jalapeno Popper Soup

✔ Replace chicken with cannellini beans, jackfruit, or cauliflower for a plant-based alternative.
✔ Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

5. Make it a Chunky Jalapeno Chicken Stew

✔ Add diced potatoes, cauliflower, or zucchini for extra texture.
✔ Stir in cooked rice or quinoa for a filling stew-like version.

6. Smoky BBQ Jalapeno Popper Soup

✔ Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and a dash of liquid smoke for a BBQ-inspired twist.
✔ Use grilled chicken instead of shredded chicken for a smoky flavor.

This cheesy jalapeno chicken soup is versatile, customizable, and packed with bold flavors. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb meal, a spicy comfort dish, or a game-day favorite, this jalapeno popper soup recipe is the perfect go-to!

Nutrition

Calories450
Carbohydrates8g
Cholesterol110mg
Fat36g
Fiber2g
Protein28g
Saturated Fat18g
Sodium860mg
Sugar3g
Unsaturated Fat14g

History, Evolution, and Inspiration Behind Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup

From Appetizer to Soup Bowl

Jalapeno poppers originated as a Tex-Mex snack, blending the heat of jalapenos with the creamy richness of cheese and the savory crunch of bacon. Over time, the flavors have been incorporated into everything from casseroles to dips and even mac and cheese.

This cheesy jalapeno chicken soup takes those flavors and elevates them into a cozy, spoonable dish. It’s the perfect example of how comfort food can be reinvented into something new and exciting.

The Art of Cooking the Best Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup

✔ Choosing the Right Jalapenos

  • If you want milder heat, remove all seeds and membranes.
  • For a spicier soup, leave some seeds or use serrano peppers instead.

✔ How to Get the Creamiest Texture

  • Use full-fat cream cheese for a rich and creamy base.
  • Let the cream cheese soften before adding it to the soup to avoid clumping.
  • Use a blender or immersion blender if you prefer a silky-smooth soup.

✔ The Best Chicken for This Soup

  • Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • If using raw chicken breasts, simmer them in the broth and shred them before adding the cream.

✔ The Perfect Bacon for Maximum Flavor

  • Crisp bacon before adding it to the soup for a smoky, crunchy element.
  • Save some extra bacon for garnish to add texture to each bite.

Why You’ll Love This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup

✔ Creamy & Cheesy Comfort Food: This soup is rich, velvety, and ultra-indulgent.
✔ Spicy & Bold: If you love heat, this is the perfect soup to warm you up.
✔ Packed with Protein: Thanks to shredded chicken and bacon, it’s hearty and filling.
✔ Easy & Quick to Make: Ready in under an hour, this soup is perfect for weeknights.
✔ Great for Game Days & Gatherings: The cheesy, bacon-filled flavors make it a crowd favorite.

Spatula Daddy

Hi! 👋 I’m Michael, here to bring bold flavors and real-world cooking know-how straight to your table!

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