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Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup for Cozy Nights In

This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a comforting, creamy dish that combines bold flavors and warmth, perfect for cozy nights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 bowls
Course: Soups
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Base
  • 6 slices Bacon Use turkey bacon for a lighter option.
  • 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breast/thighs Preferred for ease.
  • 1 medium Yellow onion Can substitute with shallots.
  • 3 cloves Garlic Fresh is best.
  • 2 medium Fresh jalapeños Deseed for mildness.
  • 4 cups Low-sodium chicken broth Recommended for flavor.
For the Creaminess
  • 8 ounces Cream cheese Can swap with Greek yogurt.
  • 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese Use dairy-free cheese for vegan.
  • 1 cup Heavy cream or half-and-half Coconut cream for dairy-free.
For the Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Pepper Adjust to taste.
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika Omit if unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin Optional for Tex-Mex flair.
For Garnishing
  • Garnishes (optional) Sour cream, cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and green onions.

Equipment

  • Dutch oven

Method
 

Cooking Instructions
  1. Cook bacon in a large Dutch oven over medium heat for 7–10 minutes until golden brown. Remove bacon but leave the fat.
  2. Sauté diced onion, minced garlic, and chopped jalapeños in bacon fat for 3–5 minutes until onions are translucent.
  3. Add cubed chicken and sear each side for 3–4 minutes until lightly golden and no longer pink.
  4. Pour in chicken broth, deglaze the pot, bring to a boil, then simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes.
  5. Remove chicken, shred it, and return to the pot.
  6. Reduce heat and add cream cheese, stirring until melted. Add cheddar and heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
  7. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and cumin. Stir in reserved bacon pieces.
  8. Serve in bowls, garnished with cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, or cilantro as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 25gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 780mgPotassium: 650mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure cream cheese is at room temperature for easy incorporation. Avoid curdling by keeping the heat low after adding dairy. For a thicker soup, puree a portion and stir back in. This soup stores well, deepening in flavor overnight.

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