This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s creamy, spicy, and packed with tender chicken, cheese, and those zesty jalapeños that give it a nice kick!
Every spoonful feels like a cozy party. I love topping it with crispy bacon bits and a sprinkle of green onions. Let’s be real, who can resist bacon? 😄
This soup is super easy to make—just toss everything in and let it simmer. Perfect for a chilly day, or anytime you want to feel warm and happy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using boneless, skinless thighs for their juiciness, but breasts work just as well. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken makes a great substitute!
Jalapeños: These give the soup that signature kick! For less heat, remove the seeds and membranes. You can swap them for mild peppers like poblano or bell peppers for a milder flavor.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess to the soup. If you need a lighter option, try Greek yogurt. It won’t be as rich but will still give a nice creamy texture!
Bacon: Crispy bacon is fantastic in this soup! If you want to keep it vegetarian or make it leaner, omit the bacon or use turkey bacon instead. You can also replace it with crispy tofu for a plant-based twist.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a lot of flavor. If you want a more melty texture, consider using Monterey Jack or a blend of cheeses.
How Do You Achieve a Creamy Texture in This Soup?
The key to a luscious, creamy soup is to ensure that your cream cheese blends smoothly. Here’s how:
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened before adding it to the hot soup. This way, it will combine easily without lumps.
- Stir the cream cheese in after lowering the heat. This helps it melt perfectly into the broth.
- Using heavy cream adds richness, but if you’re watching calories, half-and-half is a fine substitute.
- Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving to enhance the overall flavor!
Delicious Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup Base:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 2-3 jalapeños, sliced (seeds removed for less heat, or kept for more kick)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped chives or green onions
- Extra shredded cheese
- Cooked bacon crumbles
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting soup takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 30 minutes to cook. You’ll be enjoying a hearty bowl of Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup in about 40 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Once done, remove the bacon, crumble it into pieces, and set it aside for topping later. Leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat in the pot (or discard it and add olive oil or butter if you prefer).
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
Add olive oil or butter to the pot (if needed), then sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Jalapeños:
Add the sliced jalapeños to the pot and cook for another 2 minutes to release their delicious flavor.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. Season the mixture with dried oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. Add the Chicken:
Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Remove the chicken from the pot, and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the soup.
7. Create the Creamy Base:
Lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese and heavy cream. Mix well until the cream cheese melts and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
8. Add Cheese:
Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot and stir until it melts and is well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon crumbles, additional shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, and chopped chives or green onions as desired.
10. Enjoy Your Soup:
Serve hot and enjoy your cozy, spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup. It’s the perfect comfort food for any day!
Can I Use Shredded Rotisserie Chicken Instead?
Absolutely! Using shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Just add it to the pot after sautéing the aromatics and skip the step of cooking the raw chicken to save even more time!
How Can I Make This Soup Less Spicy?
If you prefer a milder soup, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños before slicing. You can also reduce the number of jalapeños or substitute them with milder peppers like bell peppers.
Can I Store Leftovers?
Yes, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating. If it thickens, add a splash of broth or cream to reach your desired consistency!
What Can I Use If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
For a lighter option, half-and-half can be used instead of heavy cream. You can also substitute with a combination of milk and a bit of cornstarch to help thicken the soup. Just ensure that you add it slowly to prevent lumps!