Introduction

This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup brings together the bold flavors of jalapeños, creamy cheeses, and tender chicken in a comforting bowl. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you want something hearty with a little kick. Ready in under an hour, this soup is a crowd-pleaser for spice lovers and comfort food fans alike.

A white bowl filled with creamy yellow soup layered with chunks of white chicken, crispy brown bacon pieces in the center, and bright green jalapeño slices scattered on top. The soup is garnished with chopped green herbs evenly spread across, adding texture and color contrast. The bowl sits on a green and gray striped cloth on a white marbled surface, with a silver spoon resting beside it. A few jalapeño slices and herbs lie around the bowl, creating a fresh and inviting look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large jalapeños, seeds removed and diced (adjust based on spice preference)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (can substitute half with low-fat milk for a lighter version)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crumbled bacon (optional for added flavor)
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add the chicken breasts to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 4: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 5: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Add the softened cream cheese, stirring until fully incorporated and the soup is creamy.
Step 7: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and combined. If using, add the crumbled bacon for extra flavor.
Step 8: Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 9: Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Tips & Variations

For a milder version, reduce the number of jalapeños or leave the seeds in for extra heat.
Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to make it suitable for a lighter diet.
Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt for a tangier and slightly healthier option.
Add corn or black beans for extra texture and substance.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creaminess. This soup can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with creamy soup that has a light yellow color, with chunks of white chicken meat scattered throughout. On top, there are several bright green slices of jalapeño peppers, crispy red-brown bacon bits, and small green herb leaves sprinkled all over. The soup looks smooth with a few small air bubbles and oil spots floating on the surface. The bowl is placed on a green and gray cloth napkin, resting on a white marbled surface. A silver spoon is placed beside the bowl. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned jalapeños instead of fresh?

Fresh jalapeños provide the best flavor and texture, but you can use canned jalapeños in a pinch. Adjust the quantity since canned are often milder and already softened.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, you can use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives and non-dairy cream or milk substitutes. Choose the shredded cheese alternatives that melt well for the best texture.

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 66 reviews

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish inspired by the classic jalapeño popper appetizer. This hearty soup features tender shredded chicken, spicy jalapeños, and rich cheeses, all simmered together for a comforting meal with a kick. Perfect for those who love bold, spicy flavors combined with creamy textures.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Soup
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 large jalapeños, seeds removed and diced (Adjust number based on spice preference)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (Can substitute half with low-fat milk for a lighter version)
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup crumbled bacon (Optional for added flavor)
Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: 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, creating a flavorful base for the soup.
Add Garlic and Jalapeños: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors and gently infuse the oil with spice.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken breasts from the pot and shred them using two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the pot to prepare for the creamy additions.
Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, blending the flavors harmoniously.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the pot, stirring until it is fully melted and incorporated, giving the soup a rich and creamy texture.
Mix in Cheddar and Bacon: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and well combined. If desired, add the crumbled bacon for an extra layer of smoky flavor.
Simmer: Let the soup simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.
Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Adjust the number of jalapeños according to your preferred spice level.
For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
Omitting bacon makes this dish suitable for those who avoid pork or prefer a leaner soup.
Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melting results.
This soup pairs well with crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping.

Keywords: Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, jalapeño popper soup, spicy chicken soup, comfort soup