Description
This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dish inspired by the flavors of jalapeno poppers. It combines crispy bacon, tender chicken, sharp cheddar, and a touch of heat from jalapenos in a rich broth, perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Dairy
- 4 slices raw bacon, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cooked or rotisserie chicken breast
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup half-and-half
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1/2 sweet or white onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the chopped bacon until it becomes crisp. Once cooked, transfer the bacon pieces onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease.
- Saute Veggies: Using the same pot with the bacon drippings, add the diced onions, celery, green and red bell peppers, along with the seeded and chopped jalapeno peppers. Sauté the mixture until the vegetables are just tender, releasing their aromatic flavors.
- Add Flour & Broth: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed veggies and immediately add the minced garlic. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Slowly pour in the low-sodium chicken broth while continuously stirring to prevent lumps, then add the half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, allowing it to slightly thicken.
- Melt Cheeses: Whisk the hot broth mixture with the softened cream cheese until the cream cheese melts completely and the mixture is smooth. Add this cream cheese mixture along with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese back into the soup pot, stirring until all the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
- Finish Soup: Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and most of the crispy bacon, reserving a small amount for garnish. Once everything is heated through, ladle the soup into bowls. Top each serving with the reserved bacon and any additional desired garnishes such as extra shredded cheese or fresh herbs.
Notes
- Removing the seeds from the jalapenos reduces the overall heat, but you can leave some seeds for a spicier kick.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option or leftover cooked chicken breast.
- Adjust the cream cheese and cheddar amounts to your desired creaminess and cheesiness.
- For a thicker soup, cook it a little longer before adding the cheeses.
- Serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
