Go Back
To make Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup, gather the following ingredients: - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded - 1 cup jalapeños, fresh or pickled, chopped - 1 cup corn (canned or frozen) - 1 teaspoon cumin - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh cilantro for garnish - Crumbled tortilla chips for topping These ingredients make a rich and creamy soup. The cream cheese and cheddar give it a smooth texture. Jalapeños add heat, while corn adds sweetness. You can adjust the spice level by choosing mild or hot jalapeños. This soup is perfect for cozy nights or gatherings with friends. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 medium onion, diced. Sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. Next, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and stir for another minute. This helps to build a strong flavor base. Now, add 1 pound of diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes until it is no longer pink. After the chicken is cooked, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Let it simmer on low heat. This will blend all the flavors together. Once it simmers, reduce the heat to low and add 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts and mixes well. Then, mix in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This will give the soup a rich, creamy texture. Now, it's time to add the fun ingredients! Stir in 1 cup of chopped jalapeños, adjusting based on your spice level preference. Next, add 1 cup of corn, either canned or frozen. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cumin and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld nicely. When ready to serve, garnish with fresh cilantro and a handful of crumbled tortilla chips for that perfect crunch. Enjoy your flavorful comfort bowl! To make this soup creamy, start with softened cream cheese. Softened cream cheese mixes better, making your soup smooth. I like to set it out before I cook, so it warms up. You can add different cheeses for more flavor. Sharp cheddar gives a nice bite, while cream cheese adds richness. Mixing cheeses can create a unique taste. Choosing the right jalapeños is key. Fresh jalapeños pack a punch, while pickled ones are milder. If you like it spicy, add more jalapeños or some hot sauce. You can also try other spices, like cayenne pepper or chili powder, to boost flavor. Just remember, start small and taste as you go. For toppings, fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and flavor. Crumbled tortilla chips give a nice crunch. You can also serve this soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple salad. This adds fun textures and balances the creamy soup. Pro Tips Use Fresh Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños provide a brighter flavor compared to pickled ones. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. Thicken the Soup: For a creamier texture, blend a portion of the soup in a blender and stir it back in before serving. Garnish Creatively: Experiment with toppings like avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream for added richness and flavor. Make it Ahead: This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently and add a splash of broth if it thickens too much. {{image_2}} You can make this soup vegetarian by swapping chicken for plant-based proteins. Try using firm tofu or chickpeas for a hearty bite. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or spinach. These veggies add flavor and nutrients to your soup. Feel free to play with the spice levels. Instead of jalapeños, try using poblano or serrano peppers. These peppers have their own unique taste and heat. If you want to dial up the heat, add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice to your liking for a perfect bowl. You can explore other cheese options to mix things up. Instead of cheddar, try pepper jack for a spicy twist. Cream cheese adds a rich creaminess, but you can also use goat cheese for a tangy flavor. Mixing different cheeses creates a unique taste that will keep you coming back for more. To keep your Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup fresh, store it in an airtight container. Let the soup cool down before sealing it. The soup lasts in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. If you want the best taste, eat it sooner rather than later. Freezing is a great option for longer storage. To freeze, let the soup cool completely. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. The soup can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, take it out and thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheating the soup is easy. You can use the stove or a microwave. If using the stove, heat it on low and stir often to prevent sticking. For the microwave, place it in a safe dish and heat it in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. Always check the soup's consistency. If it seems thick, add a splash of chicken broth or water. This keeps your soup smooth and creamy. Yes, you can make this soup ahead of time. Here are some tips for meal prep and storage: - Cook and Cool: After making the soup, let it cool to room temperature. - Store: Place it in an airtight container. It lasts up to 4 days in the fridge. - Reheat: When ready to eat, reheat on the stove over medium heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You can use frozen chicken in this recipe. Here’s how: - Cooking Method: Add frozen chicken directly to the pot. Cook it for a few extra minutes until it’s done. - Thawing: If you prefer, thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge. This makes it easier to dice. If you need a dairy-free option, try these alternatives: - Vegan Cream Cheese: Many brands offer a great vegan cream cheese that works well. - Cashew Cream: Blend soaked cashews with water for a creamy texture. - Silken Tofu: Blend silken tofu until smooth for a healthy substitute. To add more heat to your soup, consider these options: - Extra Jalapeños: Add more fresh or pickled jalapeños based on your spice level. - Hot Sauce: Stir in your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick. - Spices: Increase the paprika or add cayenne pepper for more warmth. This blog post showed how to make a tasty Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and helpful tips to achieve creaminess and spice. You can also alter the recipe for different diets or flavors. Plus, I shared how to store your soup and answered common questions. I hope you feel ready to try this delicious soup. Enjoy each spoonful and make it your own!

Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup

A creamy and spicy chicken soup inspired by jalapeño poppers, perfect for a comforting meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup jalapeños, fresh or pickled, chopped
  • 1 cup corn (canned or frozen)
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh cilantro
  • for topping crumbled tortilla chips

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  • Incorporate the diced chicken into the pot, cooking until no longer pink, around 5-7 minutes.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
  • Reduce heat to low and add the cream cheese, stirring until melted and well-combined.
  • Mix in the cheddar cheese, chopped jalapeños, corn, cumin, paprika, and season with salt and pepper. Allow the soup to simmer for another 10-15 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  • Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a handful of crumbled tortilla chips on top for added crunch.

Notes

Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your spice preference.
Keyword chicken, comfort food, jalapeño, soup