Spicy Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup Recipe

Introduction

This Spicy Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup combines creamy textures with a zesty kick, inspired by the beloved jalapeño popper appetizer. It’s a comforting, cheesy soup perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a bit of heat and heartiness in your meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3–4 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (leave seeds for more heat)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lb (450g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: extra cheddar, chopped jalapeños, green onions, crumbled bacon

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot. If preferred, substitute with olive oil.
2. Step 2: Add diced onion and chopped jalapeños to the pot. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Stir in the shredded chicken and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese cubes and stir frequently until melted and smooth. Next, stir in the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese (if using), and heavy cream, continuing to mix until all cheeses melt completely.
5. Step 5: Season the soup with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Allow it to simmer on low for another 5–10 minutes so the flavors can meld together.
6. Step 6: Serve the soup hot, ladling into bowls and topping with crispy bacon, additional cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, or green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, leave the jalapeño seeds in or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
• Swap Monterey Jack cheese for mozzarella if you prefer a milder flavor.
• For a thicker soup, reduce the chicken broth by simmering longer before adding cheeses.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. If the soup thickens too much after refrigeration, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to reach the desired consistency before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup without bacon?

Yes, you can omit the bacon for a lighter version. Consider adding a bit more olive oil or butter to maintain richness and flavor.

Is this soup freezer-friendly?

While it can be frozen, the cream cheese and heavy cream may separate upon thawing, altering texture. It’s best to freeze before adding dairy and then mix in cream cheese and cream after reheating.

Spicy Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 62 reviews

This Spicy Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish inspired by the popular appetizer. Combining shredded chicken, smoky bacon, melty cheeses, and spicy jalapeños, this comforting soup is perfect for warming up and satisfying your craving for a deliciously rich and spicy meal.

• Author: Dylan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Base Ingredients

• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 4 slices bacon, chopped
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3–4 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (leave seeds for more heat)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Main Soup Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (optional)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Seasonings & Toppings

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional toppings: extra cheddar, chopped jalapeños, green onions, crumbled bacon

Instructions

1. Cook bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it is crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it aside. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot, or substitute with olive oil if preferred.
2. Sauté veggies: Add the diced onion and finely chopped jalapeños to the pot. Sauté them for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add chicken & broth: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Make it creamy: Lower the heat to low. Stir in the cubed softened cream cheese, allowing it to melt gradually while stirring frequently. Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese if using, and the heavy cream. Stir continuously until all the cheeses are melted and the soup reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.
5. Season: Add the smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 5–10 minutes to allow the flavors to fully combine.
6. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with the reserved crispy bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, or chopped green onions as desired.

Notes

• For extra heat, leave some seeds in the jalapeños or add additional chopped jalapeños as a topping.
• Using rotisserie chicken saves time but any cooked shredded chicken works well.
• To make the soup thicker, reduce the simmering broth slightly more before adding the cheeses.
• Serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips for a fuller meal experience.
• Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to prevent cheese from separating.

Keywords: Jalapeno Popper Soup, Spicy Chicken Soup, Creamy Chicken Soup, Jalapeno Soup, Bacon Chicken Soup