Description
This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dish inspired by the flavors of jalapeño poppers. Made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a kick of fresh jalapeños, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal that combines cheesy richness with a bit of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- ½ medium onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 jalapeños, seeds removed and finely chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz (226g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Cooked, crumbled bacon for garnish
- Chopped green onions or fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Melt butter: In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat to create a flavorful base for the soup.
- Sauté onion: Add the finely diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes, releasing its sweetness.
- Add garlic and jalapeños: Stir in minced garlic and chopped jalapeños, cooking for another 1–2 minutes to bring out their aromas and spice.
- Add chicken broth: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add cream cheese: Add the softened cream cheese and whisk continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine chicken and cream: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and heavy cream, which enriches the soup with velvety texture.
- Simmer: Let the soup simmer gently for 5–10 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors develop.
- Add cheddar cheese: Gradually stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the soup.
- Season: Add salt and black pepper to taste to enhance the overall flavor.
- Serve and garnish: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with optional cooked crumbled bacon, chopped green onions, or fresh parsley for added flavor and texture.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately while hot and savor this creamy, spicy comfort soup.
Notes
- Adjust the number of jalapeños depending on heat preference; removing seeds reduces spiciness.
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- For a thicker soup, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry to coat the back of a spoon.
- Bacon and green onions enhance flavor but can be omitted for a simpler version.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
