Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup transforms the bold, indulgent flavors of the classic appetizer into a rich and comforting soup that delivers heat, creaminess, and irresistible savory depth. We bring together crispy bacon, fresh jalapenos, tender shredded chicken, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar to create a soup that is both satisfying and memorable. Perfect for chilly evenings or anytime a cozy yet spicy meal is desired, this recipe balances warmth, texture, and flavor with precision.
This soup stands out for its velvety texture, achieved through a careful layering of dairy and broth, and its vibrant flavor profile built from sautéed vegetables and fresh jalapenos. Every spoonful offers a creamy base punctuated by smoky bacon, gentle heat, and hearty chicken, making it a complete meal that feels indulgent without being complicated.
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Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup – Creamy, Spicy Comfort in a Bowl
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup brings the bold flavors of the classic appetizer into a creamy, comforting soup made with bacon, jalapenos, shredded chicken, cream cheese, and sharp cheddar.
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 cubed
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Cook bacon until crisp in a Dutch oven; remove bacon and reserve grease.
2. Sauté onion, celery, bell peppers, and jalapenos until tender.
3. Stir in flour and garlic until thick.
4. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then add half-and-half and simmer.
5. Temper cream cheese with hot broth until smooth.
6. Stir cream cheese mixture and cheddar into soup until melted.
7. Add chicken and bacon, reserving some bacon for garnish.
8. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Notes
Adjust jalapeno quantity for desired spice level.
Soften cream cheese before adding for a smoother soup.
Great for leftovers and reheats well on low heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: jalapeno popper chicken soup, jalapeno popper soup
Why We Love This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup
This recipe captures everything people love about jalapeno poppers while elevating them into a nourishing, spoonable dish. The bacon adds smoky richness, the jalapenos provide a customizable kick, and the combination of cream cheese and cheddar delivers that signature popper-style creaminess. Using shredded rotisserie chicken keeps preparation efficient while ensuring tender, juicy bites throughout the soup.
Flavor and Texture Profile
The soup begins with a savory base of bacon fat and sautéed vegetables, creating depth from the first step. Jalapenos introduce heat that can be adjusted to preference, while flour thickens the broth just enough to support the creamy elements without heaviness. Half-and-half softens the spice, cream cheese adds body, and sharp cheddar finishes with bold, cheesy flavor. The final texture is smooth, creamy, and studded with hearty ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
We recommend serving Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup hot, garnished generously. Popular toppings include sliced jalapenos, extra shredded cheddar, crispy reserved bacon, or crushed croutons for contrast. This soup pairs well with warm crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple side salad.
Storage and Reheating
This soup stores beautifully and reheats without losing its creamy consistency. Keep leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to maintain smoothness.
Recipe Notes for Best Results
Softening the cream cheese before incorporating it ensures a silky texture without lumps. Gradually tempering it with hot broth prevents curdling and creates a seamless blend. For less heat, reduce the number of jalapenos or remove all membranes and seeds. For more heat, leave some seeds intact or add extra sliced jalapenos as garnish.
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
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
In a 4 to 5 quart Dutch oven or soup pot, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate and drain grease, leaving about 3 tablespoons in the pot.
Add onion, celery, bell peppers, and jalapenos to the pot and sauté for about 5 minutes until vegetables are just tender.
Sprinkle flour and garlic over the vegetables and stir until thick and pasty.
Increase heat to medium-high and add chicken broth one cup at a time, fully incorporating each addition until smooth. Stir in the half-and-half and bring to a gentle boil. Cook for five minutes.
Place cream cheese in a heat-proof bowl. Slowly whisk in about 1/2 cup of hot broth until smooth.
Add cream cheese mixture and cheddar cheese to the soup, stirring until melted and fully incorporated.
Stir in chicken and most of the bacon, reserving some for garnish. Remove from heat.
Ladle into bowls and garnish as desired.
Notes
Reserve a few jalapeno slices for garnish if desired. Adjust heat level by modifying the number of jalapenos used.