Description
This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup recipe is a creamy and flavorful twist on traditional chicken soup, with the heat of jalapeños and the richness of cream cheese and cheddar. Topped with crispy bacon and more cheese, it’s a comforting and indulgent dish perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Garnish:
- Extra shredded cheese
- Crumbled bacon
- Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped bacon and cook until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving 1 tablespoon of bacon fat.
- Add diced onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and jalapeños, cook briefly.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add shredded chicken, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add shredded cheddar and heavy cream, heat through.
- Simmer for 5–10 minutes until creamy and slightly thickened. Serve hot, garnished with bacon, cheese, jalapeños, and cilantro.
Notes
- For extra heat, leave jalapeño seeds or add hot sauce.
- Rotisserie chicken works well for a time-saving option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
