This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup has all the irresistible, creamy, cheesy, and spicy flavor of the classic appetizer in a soul-warming bowl of soup. This one-pot wonder is loaded with tender shredded chicken, smoky bacon, and zesty jalapeños, all simmered in a rich, velvety cream cheese and cheddar broth. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup that’s both incredibly satisfying and easy to make.
Ready in about 30 minutes, this soup is perfect for a chilly evening or any time you’re craving something seriously delicious. It’s a low-carb, keto-friendly recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor, delivering a rich and decadent meal that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Appetizer in a Bowl: All the beloved flavors of a jalapeño popper in a hearty, satisfying soup.
- Quick & Easy: A rich, from-scratch soup that comes together in one pot in about 30 minutes.
- Creamy & Comforting: The ultimate cozy meal that’s packed with cheesy, spicy goodness.
- Keto-Friendly: Naturally low in carbs, making it a perfect keto comfort food option.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into chunks
- 6 slices Bacon, chopped
- 1 Yellow Onion, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 3 Jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 8 oz Cream Cheese, softened and cubed
- 2 cups Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- Salt and Black Pepper, to taste
- For Garnish: Extra crumbled bacon, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheddar, fresh cilantro
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large Dutch oven or pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and diced jalapeños to the pot. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Soup: Add the chicken chunks, chicken broth, and smoked paprika to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and use two forks to shred it.
- Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low. Whisk in the cubed cream cheese until it has completely melted into the broth. Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until the soup is smooth. Stir in the heavy cream.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the pot along with half of the crumbled bacon. Stir to combine and let it warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and top with the remaining bacon, extra cheese, and sliced jalapeños.
Tips & Variations
- Pro Tip: For a super smooth and creamy soup, make sure your cream cheese is well-softened before adding it to the pot. This helps it melt evenly without lumps.
- Control the Heat: The spice level comes from the jalapeños. For a milder soup, make sure to remove all the seeds and membranes. For a spicier kick, leave some of the seeds in.
- Shortcut: Use 2-3 cups of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and add it in step 6 for an even faster meal.
- Add Veggies: Bulk up the soup by adding a can of drained corn or some diced celery with the onions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- How do I store and reheat leftovers?
- Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Do not bring to a boil.
- Can I freeze this soup?
- Soups with a heavy cream cheese base can sometimes separate when frozen. While possible, it’s best enjoyed fresh for the optimal creamy texture.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker?
- Yes. Add the chicken, broth, onion, garlic, jalapeños, and seasonings to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Remove and shred the chicken, then stir it back in along with the cheeses and cream until melted and smooth. Serve topped with pre-cooked bacon.
Serving Suggestions
- This soup is a meal in itself. Serve it hot and loaded with toppings. Crispy bacon, extra shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, and thin slices of fresh jalapeño are all fantastic. It’s also delicious with a side of low-carb crackers or celery sticks for dipping.
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
A flavorful and comforting soup that combines creamy chicken broth with the spicy kick of jalapeños and cheesy goodness of jalapeño poppers. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this soup will warm you right up!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
- Stir in heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add softened cream cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated.
- Mix in shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add bacon, if using.
- Let soup simmer for 5 more minutes for flavors to meld. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
Adjust jalapeños to control spice level. Can be made ahead and refrigerated up to 3 days, reheating gently before serving. For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with low-fat milk. Pairs well with crusty bread or tortilla chips.
