Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup is a creamy and flavorful dish inspired by the popular jalapeño popper appetizer. This comforting soup combines the heat of diced jalapeños with the richness of cream cheese and heavy cream, creating a luscious and spicy base. Tender shredded chicken adds heartiness, while shredded cheddar cheese melts in for extra creaminess.

Topped with crispy bacon and fresh cilantro, this soup offers a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and creamy flavors, making it a delightful and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Spicy Jalapeño Popper Soup

Ingredients:

4 jalapeños, diced

1 onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

6 cups chicken broth

1 lb chicken breast, cooked and shredded

8 oz cream cheese, softened

1 cup heavy cream

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper

1/2 tsp dried oregano

1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded

1/4 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled

Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

Cook the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced jalapeños, chopped onion, and minced garlic until they are soft and fragrant.

Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

Incorporate Main Ingredients: Lower the heat and mix in the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Stir until the cream cheese has fully melted and the soup is warmed through.

Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cook until it has melted and the soup is creamy.

Garnish and Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon and fresh cilantro before serving. Enjoy hot!

Notes:

Adjusting Spice Level: The heat level of the soup can be adjusted based on your preference. For a milder soup, use fewer jalapeños or remove the seeds before dicing. For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Cream Cheese Texture: Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure it blends smoothly into the soup. If the cream cheese is too cold, it may form lumps.

Chicken Options: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken for convenience. If you prefer, you can also use cooked turkey or pork.

Thickening the Soup: If you like a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender to create a smoother texture before adding the cheese.

Substituting Ingredients: If you need a dairy-free version, you can use dairy-free cream cheese and heavy cream alternatives. For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and milk instead of heavy cream.

Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor.

Bacon: To make the recipe ahead of time, cook the bacon separately and store it in an airtight container. Add it as a garnish right before serving to keep it crispy.

Garnishing: Fresh cilantro adds a nice contrast to the richness of the soup. You can also garnish with additional shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor.

Storing and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, as microwaving can cause the cheese to separate.

Vegetable Add-ins: You can add other vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or diced tomatoes to the soup for additional texture and flavor. Just add them along with the broth.

Nutrition Information:

YIELDS: 6 | SERVING SIZE: 1

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, pre-cooked chicken works well.

Just shred it and add it to the soup with the other ingredients.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Add more jalapeños or include some hot sauce or cayenne pepper to increase the heat level.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely, you can substitute cheddar cheese with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even a blend of cheeses for different flavors.

Is it possible to make this soup dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut or almond milk in place of heavy cream.

Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Can I freeze this soup?

Yes, you can freeze the soup.

Let it cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.

Reheat gently on the stovetop, as the cream can separate upon thawing.

What can I use instead of chicken broth?

You can use vegetable broth or any other broth of your choice.

Just be mindful that it may alter the flavor slightly.

How can I make this soup thicker?

Blend part of the soup with an immersion blender or regular blender to thicken it.

You can also add a thickening agent like cornstarch or flour if needed.

Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried oregano?

Yes, fresh oregano can be used. Just add it at the end of cooking for the best flavor.

What can I serve with this soup?

This soup pairs well with a side of crusty bread, crackers, or a simple green salad.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze the soup and reheat it thoroughly before serving.