Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup brings bold flavors and irresistible comfort together in one rich, satisfying bowl. Inspired by the classic appetizer, this soup blends crispy bacon, spicy jalapeños, tender chicken, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar into a creamy and indulgent dish. It cooks quickly, tastes incredible, and adds the perfect kick for spice lovers.
Why You’ll Love This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
This recipe offers everything you love about jalapeño poppers in hearty soup form. Each spoonful delivers smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and a savory base filled with vegetables. It works well for busy weeknights because it needs less than an hour from start to finish. The texture is silky and rich while the heat level stays balanced.
Ingredients That Create Big Flavor
The soup begins with chopped bacon. It adds depth and richness. Onions, celery, and bell peppers contribute sweetness and crunch. Fresh jalapeños bring spice without overwhelming the dish. Flour thickens the broth, creating a smooth foundation. Rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Cream cheese and cheddar melt into the broth and create a creamy finish.
How to Prepare This Delicious Spicy Chicken Soup
Start by cooking chopped bacon until crisp. Remove it from the pot and keep a few tablespoons of the drippings. Add the diced vegetables and sauté until they soften. Stir in flour and garlic to form a thick base. Gradually pour in the broth and stir well after each addition. Add half-and-half and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Whisk warm broth with softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy. Add this mixture back into the pot with shredded cheddar. Stir until melted and silky. Add chicken and most of the bacon. Finish by removing the pot from the heat and ladling the soup into bowls. Top with jalapeño slices, more bacon, or extra cheese.
Simple Tips for Perfect Results Every Time
Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing. This keeps the soup smooth. Adjust the spice level by keeping or removing jalapeño seeds. Add crushed croutons or fresh herbs for extra texture. You can also use heavy cream instead of half-and-half for a richer consistency.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This soup stores well for up to three days in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove so the cheese stays creamy. You can also freeze it, but freeze it before adding the cheese for best results. Add the cheeses later to prevent graininess.
Custom Variations to Try
Add extra bacon for a smoky twist. Stir in diced tomatoes or corn for more flavor. You can also mix in pepper jack cheese for an extra kick. Swap chicken for turkey to create a holiday leftover version.
A Comforting Soup for Any Season
This Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is warm, flavorful, and crowd-pleasing. It delivers richness with a spicy edge and works beautifully as a main dish. Serve it with crusty bread or tortilla chips and enjoy a cozy meal that tastes like your favorite appetizer brought to life.
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Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup: A Spicy, Creamy Comfort Bowl
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A rich and spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup made with bacon, jalapeños, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar for a creamy and flavorful bowl with a kick.
Ingredients
4 slices raw bacon, chopped
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
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup half-and-half
2 cups shredded cooked or rotisserie chicken breast
4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cut into chunks
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Cook bacon in a Dutch oven until crisp. Transfer to paper towels.
2. Drain the pot, leaving about 3 tablespoons of bacon grease.
3. Add onions, celery, bell peppers, and jalapeños. Saute until tender.
4. Sprinkle flour and garlic over vegetables and stir to combine.
5. Increase heat and add broth one cup at a time until smooth.
6. Add half-and-half and bring to a gentle boil for 5 minutes.
7. Whisk cream cheese with 1/2 cup hot broth until smooth.
8. Add cream cheese mixture and cheddar to the pot and stir until melted.
9. Stir in shredded chicken and most of the bacon. Remove from heat.
10. Serve with jalapeño slices, bacon, croutons, or extra cheese.
Notes
Reserve some jalapeño slices for garnish if desired.
Softened cream cheese ensures a smooth soup.
Add more or fewer jalapeños to adjust heat.
Store in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: Approx 420
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 850
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 18
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 27
- Cholesterol: 95
Keywords: jalapeno popper soup, chicken soup, spicy soup, creamy soup, bacon soup