Craving the spicy, cheesy goodness of jalapeño poppers but looking for something more substantial? This Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup recipe delivers all that classic flavor in a comforting, easy-to-make soup. Tender chicken, a rich and creamy broth, and the satisfying kick of jalapeños come together in a dish that’s ready in just 35 minutes. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you want something warm, flavorful, and utterly delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup Recipe
This isn’t your average chicken soup! It’s a flavor explosion inspired by the beloved jalapeño popper appetizer. Here’s why you’ll be adding this recipe to your regular rotation:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful and Satisfying: The creamy, cheesy broth combined with tender chicken and spicy jalapeños is incredibly satisfying.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the spice level.
- Comfort Food with a Kick: It’s the ultimate comfort food with a delicious twist.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the cheesy goodness.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients and some potential substitutions to customize this soup to your liking:
- Olive Oil: Used for sautéing. Can be substituted with any neutral oil like canola or sunflower oil.
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for their quick cooking time. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor.
- Onion & Garlic: These are the aromatic base of the soup. Yellow or white onion works well.
- Jalapeños: The star of the show! Remove the seeds and membranes for less heat, or leave them in for a spicier soup. If you enjoy creamy dips with a kick, be sure to check out this cranberry jalapeño dip!
- Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the soup.
- Cream Cheese: This is what gives the soup its creamy texture. Make sure it’s softened for easy blending.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds a cheesy, melty goodness. You can use a sharp or mild cheddar, depending on your preference.
- Milk: Helps to thin out the soup to the desired consistency. You can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even a plant-based milk alternative like almond or oat milk.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
- Optional Toppings: Cooked turkey bacon bits, chopped cilantro, and sour cream add extra flavor and texture.
How to Make Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add jalapeños and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in cream cheese and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add milk and stir to combine.
- Return chicken to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips to ensure your Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time:
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Brown the chicken initially and then let it finish cooking in the soup to prevent it from becoming dry.
- Soften the cream cheese: Softened cream cheese will blend more easily into the soup, creating a smoother texture.
- Adjust the spice level: Start with a small amount of jalapeños and add more to taste. Remember that the seeds and membranes contain the most heat.
- Use a good quality cheddar cheese: The better the cheese, the better the flavor of the soup.
- Don’t boil the soup after adding the cheese: Boiling can cause the cheese to separate and become grainy.
Serving Suggestions
This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
- Top with crispy turkey bacon bits: Adds a salty, smoky crunch.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro: Provides a burst of freshness.
- Add a dollop of sour cream: Creates a tangy contrast to the creamy soup.
- Serve with crusty bread or crackers: Perfect for dipping and soaking up all the delicious broth. If you’re interested in other creamy soups, check out this cottage cheese mushroom soup.
Storage & Reheating
Here’s how to store and reheat your Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup:
- Storage: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the soup in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup:
- Can I make this soup ahead of time? Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together even more overnight.
- Can I freeze this soup? Freezing is not recommended, as the dairy can separate and become grainy upon thawing.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, you can experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- How can I make this soup spicier? Add more jalapeños, or use a hotter variety like serrano peppers. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
This Creamy Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, offering a delightful balance of comfort, spice, and cheesy goodness. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl of deliciousness. This jalapeno popper chicken soup recipe is sure to become a new family favorite!
Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup: Cheesy Comfort in 35 Minutes
This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic appetizer! Tender chicken, creamy broth, and a cheesy blend of cheddar and cream cheese combine with the spicy kick of jalapeños for a warm and satisfying meal. Ready in just 35 minutes, this soup is perfect for a cozy night in or a quick weeknight dinner. Enjoy a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a delightful and unique dish. The soup boasts a creamy, decadent texture, while the jalapeños provide a subtle heat that’s balanced by the richness of the cheese. Garnish with crispy turkey bacon bits and fresh cilantro for an extra layer of flavor. This easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional toppings: cooked turkey bacon bits, chopped cilantro, sour cream
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from pot and set aside.
- Add onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add jalapeños and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in cream cheese and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add milk and stir to combine.
- Return chicken to the pot and simmer for 10 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For a thicker soup, whisk together 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water and stir into the soup during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Adjust jalapeño amount to your desired spice level. Can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg