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Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup Recipe

4.9 from 105 reviews

A rich and flavorful Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup that combines tender shredded chicken, spicy jalapeños, creamy cheeses, and smoky bacon in a comforting broth. Perfect for those who love a bit of heat and creamy textures in their soup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 4 slices bacon, chopped
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 34 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 cheese
  • Chopped jalapeños
  • Green onions
  • Crumbled bacon

Instructions

  1. Cook bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside. Leave about 1 tbsp of bacon grease in the pot (or substitute with olive oil).
  2. Sauté veggies: Add diced onion and chopped jalapeños to the pot. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more until fragrant.
  3. Add chicken & broth: Stir in the shredded chicken and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes to blend the flavors.
  4. Make it creamy: Lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in the softened and cubed cream cheese, allowing it to melt while stirring frequently. Next, add shredded cheddar cheese, optional Monterey Jack cheese, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until all the cheeses have melted and the soup is creamy and smooth.
  5. Season: Incorporate smoked paprika, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences. Let the soup simmer on low heat for another 5–10 minutes so the flavors meld together beautifully.
  6. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with crispy bacon, extra shredded cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, and green onions if desired for added flavor and texture.

Notes

  • For more heat, leave seeds in the jalapeños or add extra chopped jalapeños as a topping.
  • Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut but any cooked shredded chicken works well.
  • Adjust the amount of cream cheese and heavy cream for desired creaminess and thickness.
  • To make the soup less spicy, use fewer jalapeños or remove all seeds.
  • This soup is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: jalapeño popper chicken soup, spicy chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, comfort food, bacon chicken soup