Description
A creamy and spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup that combines tender shredded chicken with melted cheeses, jalapeños, and aromatic spices. This comforting soup features a blend of cream cheese, cheddar, and mozzarella, simmered in a rich chicken broth and finished with fresh cilantro for a flavorful twist on classic jalapeño popper flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup jalapeños, diced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Melt Butter: Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat to create a flavorful base for the soup.
- Sauté Onion: Add the diced onion to the pot and sauté for 3-4 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent, enhancing the soup’s sweetness.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, releasing its aromatic flavor.
- Cook Jalapeños: Add the diced jalapeños and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to soften and infuse the soup with heat.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer to start building the soup’s liquid base.
- Add Heavy Cream: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream to introduce creaminess to the soup.
- Add Chicken: Add the cooked, shredded chicken and stir to combine, distributing it evenly throughout the soup.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Place the softened cream cheese into the pot and stir until it melts completely, adding richness and thickness.
- Season Soup: Season with smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, black pepper, and salt to deepen the flavor profile.
- Incorporate Seasonings: Continue stirring to ensure all spices are well incorporated into the soup.
- Add Cheeses: Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and stir until fully melted, enriching the texture and taste.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper as needed to balance flavors.
- Add Cilantro and Simmer: Stir in chopped cilantro and let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes to marry all flavors.
- Serve: Serve the soup hot, garnished with additional cilantro if desired for freshness and color.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience and quick preparation.
- For a thicker soup, add more cream cheese or reduce the broth slightly.
- Garnish with extra shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for added richness.
- This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove.
