Description
Hearty spicy jalapeño popper chicken soup blends creamy comfort with zesty southwestern flavors. Rich with crispy bacon, cream cheese, and jalapeño kick, this bowl delivers a satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
Dairy and Creamy Components:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup whole milk
Base and Vegetables:
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 fresh jalapenos, diced
Broth and Seasonings:
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Diced green onions
- Crumbled tortilla chips
- Extra cheese
Instructions
- Create a flavor base by sautéing diced onions in olive oil over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and diced jalapenos, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their aromatic essence.
- Introduce chicken broth to the pot, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Infuse the liquid with smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder, stirring to distribute the spices evenly.
- Incorporate shredded chicken into the simmering broth, allowing it to warm through for 5 minutes. Reduce heat and carefully blend in heavy cream and milk, ensuring a smooth, velvety consistency without boiling.
- Gradually melt softened cream cheese into the soup, stirring continuously. Introduce shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses in small batches, mixing until completely dissolved and creating a rich, creamy texture.
- Fold in crispy crumbled bacon and season with salt and pepper to personal preference. Allow the soup to simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Serve the soup in individual bowls, garnishing with a sprinkle of chopped green onions, crunchy tortilla chip fragments, or an extra handful of cheese for added depth and texture.
Notes
- Control jalapeno heat by removing seeds and membranes for milder flavor or keeping them for extra spiciness.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories and fat content.
- Prepare shredded chicken ahead of time using rotisserie chicken or boiling chicken breasts for convenience.
- Use turkey bacon or plant-based bacon alternatives for lower-fat or vegetarian adaptations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 418 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg