Description
Juicy Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and fiery comfort dish inspired by the classic jalapeño popper appetizer. Loaded with tender chicken, smoky bacon, spicy jalapeños, and melted cheese, it’s the perfect hearty soup for spice lovers.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3–4 jalapeños, deseeded and diced (leave some seeds for extra heat)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Extra sliced jalapeños and bacon bits for topping (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
- Add diced chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside with the bacon.
- In the same pot, add onion and jalapeños. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Return the cooked chicken and bacon to the pot.
- Reduce heat to low. Add cream cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated.
- Stir in cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese until the soup becomes thick and creamy.
- Add heavy cream and simmer gently for 5 more minutes. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with green onions, extra bacon bits, and sliced jalapeños for garnish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
- Control heat by adjusting the amount of jalapeño seeds or using mild green chilies instead.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American