Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup

Smoky Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

Experience the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and cheesy with our Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup. This dish combines the fiery taste of jalapeños with the heartiness of chicken and the indulgent texture of melted cheese, offering a comforting meal ideal for any chilly day or cozy night in.

Tex-Mex Inspiration!

This soup is inspired by the beloved flavors of jalapeño poppers, a classic appetizer, reimagined into a hearty soup that satisfies with every spoonful. Infused with the robust flavors of smoked paprika and creamy cheese, this recipe elevates traditional chicken soup into a bold culinary delight that’s both nourishing and deeply flavorful.

Why You’ll Love It

• Explosively Flavorful: Enjoy the heat of jalapeños balanced with the rich depth of smoky spices.
• Comfortingly Creamy: A luscious, cheesy broth that envelops tender chicken in every bite.
• Surprisingly Simple: Despite its gourmet taste, this soup is straightforward to prepare with basic kitchen tools.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily adjust the spice levels or dairy content to suit your dietary preferences.

Quick Grocery List

For the Soup Base:

• Butter
• Olive oil
• Bacon
• Onion
• Garlic
• Jalapeños
• Smoked paprika
• Chicken broth
• Cooked chicken
• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream
• Cheddar cheese

Things to Consider Before Preparing Your Meal

• Prep & Cook Time: Ready in just 45 minutes, perfect for a last-minute dinner.
• Equipment Checklist: Large pot, wooden spoon, knife, cutting board, and measuring cups.
• Dietary Adjustments: Offers substitutions for low-carb, dairy-free, and vegetarian options.
• Serving Size: Serves 6, making it ideal for family meals or meal prep for the week.

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

DifficultyEasy

Servings6

Prep time15 minutes

Cook time30 minutes

Total time45 minutes

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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 heavy cream
• 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

• Large pot or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Blender or immersion blender (optional for extra smoothness)

Nutrition

Calories	450
Carbohydrates	8g
Cholesterol	110mg
Fat	36g
Fiber	2g
Protein	28g
Saturated Fat	18g
Sodium	860mg
Sugar	3g
Unsaturated Fat	14g

General Notes

Opt for fresh jalapeños for the best flavor and adjust the number of seeds added to control the heat level. Using rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor to the soup.

Substitutions

• Protein Options: Swap chicken for turkey or pork.
• Dairy-Free Alternatives: Replace cream cheese and heavy cream with cashew or coconut cream.

Variations

• Extra Heat: Add more chipotle or a dash of cayenne.  Freshly chopped Serrano Peppers anyone?
• Crunchy Texture: Top with homemade tortilla strips or crispy bacon.
• Smoky Version: Include a teaspoon of liquid smoke for deeper flavor layers.

Let’s Get Cooking

Pro Tips

1. Crisp the Bacon Well: This adds a foundational smoky flavor and provides a delightful crunch.
2. Soften Vegetables Before Adding Liquids: Ensures they release maximum flavor.
3. Stir Cream Cheese Thoroughly: Prevents clumps for a smoother consistency.

Art Of: Mastering Creamy Soups

Achieving the perfect creamy texture without curdling involves adding dairy products gently and stirring constantly. Utilize a low cooking temperature once dairy is added to avoid separation.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Calories: 450 – Ideal for a fulfilling meal.
• Carbohydrates: 8g – Low carb, suitable for those monitoring intake.
• Protein: 28g – High protein content helps in muscle repair and building.
• Fat: 36g – Provides long-lasting energy; opt for reduced-fat cheese to decrease fat content.
• Fiber: 2g – Comes from vegetables; add more veggies for higher fiber.
• Sodium: 860mg – Manage salt intake by using low-sodium broth.

Storing and Reheating

Store this soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little broth or water to adjust consistency.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
A: Yes, substitute chicken with canned chickpeas and use vegetable broth.

Q: What’s the best way to reheat the soup?
A: Gently reheat on the stove, stirring occasionally to keep the creamy texture.

Q: How can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
A: Combine all ingredients except the dairy in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in dairy products during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Engage and Share

Try this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup and let us know how it goes! Share your photos and experiences in the comments below or on social media. Looking for more delicious recipes? Check out our more below!

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Embrace the warmth and richness of this creamy, spicy soup that promises not just to satisfy but also to bring a