It’s funny the things that trigger memories. The smell of cumin always takes me back to my childhood, specifically to my aunt’s kitchen. She made the best southwestern dishes, always experimenting with spices and flavors that were bold and comforting all at once.
One of my favorite things she made was a creamy, spicy soup that she called “Popper Soup,” inspired by jalapeño poppers, of course! I remember thinking it was the coolest thing that a soup could taste like an appetizer. To this day, the taste of anything spicy and cheesy reminds me of her warmth and her love for cooking.
Now, I’ve created my own version of that comforting soup, and I call it Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup. It’s a dish that not only brings back those fond memories but also offers a delicious and satisfying meal that my whole family enjoys. And like my aunt, I’m always trying to recreate some of the magic of my childhood, and sharing it with the people I love. I find that making a big batch of classic guacamole recipe to enjoy with this soup is always a crowd-pleaser, just like my aunt used to do.
Why you’ll love this Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup with Jalapeno Popper Soup
- It’s a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic appetizer, transformed into a hearty soup.
- The creamy texture and cheesy goodness make this Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup incredibly satisfying.
- It’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- You can easily customize the spice level to suit your preferences, making it family-friendly.
- This soup is packed with protein from the chicken, making it a filling and nutritious meal.
- It’s a great way to use leftover cooked chicken, minimizing food waste.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: crispy tortilla strips, extra cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños
Directions
Step 1
Jalapeno popper soup makes every moment feel uplifting. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeños and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
Step 2
Stir in chili powder and cumin and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add shredded chicken and stir to combine.
Step 3
Reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Gradually stir in milk until well combined.
Step 4
Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5
Stir in chopped cilantro. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as crispy tortilla strips, extra cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños.
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add canned corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor. Consider adding a can of diced tomatoes for a slightly tangy flavor.
If you like a smokier flavor, try using smoked paprika instead of regular chili powder. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. For a richer soup, use half-and-half instead of milk.
To make it even creamier, blend a portion of the soup with an immersion blender before adding the cheese. This will give it a velvety smooth texture. For a different flavor profile, try adding a squeeze of lime juice at the end.
Pairings
This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup pairs perfectly with crusty bread or garlic bread for dipping. The warm, cheesy bread complements the creamy soup perfectly. A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
Quesadillas or grilled cheese sandwiches also go well with this soup. The melted cheese in the quesadillas or grilled cheese echoes the cheesy flavor of the soup. Consider serving with corn bread for a slightly sweet and savory combination.
For a heartier meal, serve with a side of rice or quinoa. The grains will soak up the delicious broth and add substance to the meal. Alternatively, serve with a simple side of roasted vegetables for added nutrients.
Serving ideas
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings. Crispy tortilla strips add a satisfying crunch. A dollop of sour cream adds a cool and tangy contrast to the spicy soup.
Sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy experience. Sliced jalapeños add an extra kick of heat. A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro adds a pop of color and freshness.
For a more elegant presentation, drizzle a swirl of hot sauce or olive oil on top. Serve in individual ramekins for a cozy and inviting presentation. Garnish with a sprig of cilantro or a jalapeño slice for visual appeal.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Store leftover Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the soup completely before storing it to prevent bacterial growth.
You can also freeze the soup for longer storage. Allow the soup to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Be sure to leave some room at the top of the container, as the soup will expand as it freezes.
Thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave. If the soup seems too thick after thawing, add a little chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
Make-ahead
This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup can be made ahead of time, which is perfect for meal prepping. Prepare the soup according to the recipe instructions, but don’t add the cheese or cilantro yet.
Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Once the soup is heated through, stir in the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and cilantro. Cook until the cheese is melted and smooth, then serve with your favorite toppings. Making the soup ahead allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious.
Common mistakes when making Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
- Adding too many jalapeños: Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adding more to reach your desired spice level. Remember, you can always add more heat, but it’s hard to take it away.
- Not softening the cream cheese: Using cold cream cheese can result in a lumpy soup. Make sure to soften it before adding it to the pot for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Overcooking the soup after adding the cheese: Overheating can cause the cheese to separate and become stringy. Remove the soup from the heat as soon as the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Skipping the toppings: Toppings add texture and flavor to the soup. Don’t skip the crispy tortilla strips, extra cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños.
- Not seasoning properly: Taste the soup throughout the cooking process and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Proper seasoning is key to bringing out the flavors of the ingredients.
Final notes
This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening or a quick and satisfying meal on a busy day. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination!
The best part about this recipe is how customizable it is. Adjust the spice level, add your favorite toppings, and make it your own. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine!
So, gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let’s get cooking! I know you’ll love this flavorful and comforting Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup. I can’t wait to hear what you think!
Loved this Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup? Try these next
- Classic Guacamole Recipe
- Slow Cooker Thai Coconut Chicken Soup
- Creamy Steak And Potato Soup
- Coffee Cake Banana Muffins
- Houstons Spinach Artichoke Dip
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
This creamy, spicy jalapeño popper chicken soup combines all the flavors of your favorite appetizer into a comforting and satisfying meal. It’s packed with chicken, cheese, and a kick of heat that will warm you from the inside out.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: crispy tortilla strips, extra cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeños and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
- Stir in chili powder and cumin and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add shredded chicken and stir to combine.
- Reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Gradually stir in milk until well combined.
- Remove from heat and stir in cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in chopped cilantro. Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as crispy tortilla strips, extra cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños.
Notes
For a thicker soup, you can blend a portion of the soup before adding the cheese. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. For a smokier flavor, try using smoked paprika in place of the chili powder.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 120mg