Imagine creamy chicken soup, but with a spicy twist! This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup mixes tender chicken with zesty jalapeños and gooey cheese for a warm bowl of yum.
It’s perfect for chilly days, and I love how it brings a little heat while still being super comforting. You might just want to make a double batch! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a great choice for this soup. If you’re short on time, feel free to use rotisserie chicken instead! It shreds easily and adds flavor without any extra cooking.
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a fantastic crunch and smokiness. You could use turkey bacon for a healthier option, or omit it entirely for a vegetarian version, just add a little extra olive oil for flavor.
Jalapeños: These give the soup its signature zing! If you want a milder taste, you can substitute with poblano peppers. Conversely, if you like it extra spicy, keep the seeds or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Cheeses: Sharp cheddar is key for that rich and tangy flavor. You could swap in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different taste or even add some cream cheese to make it extra creamy.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a nice color and nutrition boost. You can replace it with kale or Swiss chard if you have those on hand.
How Do I Get the Best Flavor from My Soup?
Building flavor is essential for this Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup. Start by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy; that fat carries lots of flavor! Use it to sauté the onions and jalapeños for about 3-4 minutes to develop sweetness. Don’t forget to add the garlic just before the chicken so it doesn’t burn, which would make it bitter.
- Cook the bacon until crispy and set it aside.
- In the bacon fat, sauté onions and jalapeños on medium heat for great flavor.
- Add minced garlic last to preserve its bright flavor.
- Simmer the chicken in broth until fully cooked; this blends all the flavors beautifully.
Lastly, finish your soup with cream and cheese off the heat for a smooth, creamy texture. This method creates a comforting and flavor-packed dish every time!
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 4 slices bacon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3-4 jalapeños, seeded and diced (adjust to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Extra shredded cheddar
- Crispy bacon bits
- Additional sliced green onions
How Much Time Will You Need?
This comforting Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup will take about 30 minutes to make. You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep (chopping and dicing) and 20 minutes to cook everything together. It’s a simple and quick dish that’s sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once it’s cooked, remove the bacon, crumble it into small pieces, and set it aside. Don’t throw away the bacon fat; you’ll use it for flavor!
2. Sauté the Veggies:
Now, add the olive oil into the pot with the reserved bacon fat (if necessary). Add the finely chopped onion and diced jalapeños, sautéing for about 3-4 minutes until they are softened. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
3. Add the Chicken:
Add the diced chicken to the pot. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is lightly browned and just about cooked through. This step helps develop the flavors right away!
4. Pour in the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the flavors meld together beautifully.
5. Stir in the Cream Cheese:
Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the cubed cream cheese. Keep stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup, making it creamy and delicious.
6. Add the Cream and Cheese:
Next, stir in the heavy cream and the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the soup is nice and creamy.
7. Add the Spinach:
Lastly, add the chopped spinach to the pot and cook just until it’s wilted, which should take only a minute or two. This adds color and nutrition to your soup.
8. Season to Taste:
Season the soup with salt and black pepper as desired. Give it a taste to see if it needs a little more seasoning!
9. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and top it with the crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheddar, and sliced green onions for that perfect finishing touch.
10. Enjoy:
Enjoy your warm, hearty Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup with some crusty bread or crackers on the side. It’s a fantastic meal for any day of the week!
This creamy, spicy, cheesy chicken soup combines the best jalapeño popper flavors into a comforting dish perfect for chilly evenings or any cozy gathering!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first to ensure even cooking. Thaw chicken overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method: place the chicken in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour.
What Should I Do If the Soup Is Too Thick?
If your soup turns out thicker than you’d like, simply add more chicken broth or water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Stir well to combine and heat through.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that it may thicken in the fridge; you can adjust the consistency with a little broth when reheating.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you freeze it, make sure to leave out the cream and cheese, as they may change texture upon thawing. Add those ingredients when reheating for the best results!
