Description
Creamy spicy jalapeño popper chicken soup made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, fresh jalapeños, and smoky bacon. A hearty comforting soup with bold flavors that is perfect for chilly nights or game day dinners.
Ingredients
6 slices bacon chopped
1 small onion finely diced
3 cloves garlic minced
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken shredded
2 to 3 fresh jalapeños sliced with seeds removed for less heat
8 ounces cream cheese softened
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt or more to taste
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
In a large soup pot cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside leaving about one tablespoon of bacon fat in the pot.
Add diced onion and sauté until softened about five minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for one minute more until fragrant.
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add shredded chicken and sliced jalapeños. Stir and let simmer for five minutes.
Reduce heat to low and add softened cream cheese. Stir continuously until melted and blended into the broth.
Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese while stirring until fully melted. Pour in heavy cream and season with smoked paprika salt and black pepper.
Simmer gently for ten minutes stirring occasionally until the soup thickens and flavors come together. Do not boil once the dairy is added.
Ladle soup into bowls and top with crispy bacon fresh parsley and extra jalapeño slices if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Use room temperature cream cheese so it melts smoothly.
Shred cheese fresh for best melting results.
Remove seeds and membranes from jalapeños for less heat or leave them in for extra spice.
Do not boil soup after adding dairy to prevent curdling.
This soup tastes even better the next day as flavors develop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: spicy jalapeño popper chicken soup, creamy chicken soup with jalapeños, bacon chicken soup, cheesy chicken soup recipe, jalapeño chicken soup, comfort soup with spice