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Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup Recipe

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup Recipe
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Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful soup inspired by the classic jalapeño popper appetizer. This comforting dish features tender shredded chicken, spicy jalapeños, cream cheese, and cheddar, all simmered together with warming spices and a touch of bacon for added richness. Perfect for those who love a spicy kick and crave a cozy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Soup Base

  • 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

Dairy and Cheese

  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Toppings

  • 1/2 cup crumbled bacon (Optional for added flavor.)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onions: 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 and translucent, setting a flavorful base for the soup.
  2. Cook Garlic and Jalapeños: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños and cook for an additional 2 minutes to release their aroma and infuse the oil with spice.
  3. Cook 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 simmer for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
  4. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the pot. Use two forks to shred the meat finely, then return the shredded chicken to the pot to soak up the flavors.
  5. Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. This will add creaminess and warmth from the spices.
  6. Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the soup and stir continuously until it is fully melted and the soup becomes rich and creamy.
  7. Melt Cheddar and Add Bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and evenly combined. If desired, fold in the crumbled bacon to add a smoky, salty depth.
  8. Simmer the Soup: Let the soup simmer gently for another 5 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld perfectly.
  9. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh finish, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Adjust the number of jalapeños to control the spice level according to preference.
  • For a lighter soup, substitute half or all of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a plant-based alternative.
  • The bacon is optional but adds a smoky flavor that complements the spicy soup well.
  • Use fresh cilantro to garnish and bring a fresh herbal note to balance the creaminess and spice.
  • Ensure cream cheese is softened before adding to avoid lumps in the soup.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat well on the stove over low heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: jalapeño popper soup, spicy chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, jalapeño chicken soup, comfort food, spicy comfort soup

Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/spicy-jalapeno-popper-chicken-soup-recipe/