Description
This Smoky Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Chicken is a creamy, spicy, and cheesy soup that captures the flavors of jalapeño poppers in a comforting bowl. Featuring tender grilled chicken, smoky paprika, and a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, this soup is perfect for warming up on a cool day while delivering a balanced kick of heat and rich, cheesy indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Soup Base
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3–4 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Protein & Garnish
- 2 cups cooked grilled chicken, chopped
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
- Extra cheese, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent, enhancing the soup’s flavor base.
- Add Garlic and Jalapeños: Stir in the minced garlic and finely chopped jalapeños, cooking for another 1 to 2 minutes to release their aroma and mild heat.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the pot and stir continuously until it melts fully and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Create the Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine thoroughly and form a rich liquid base for the soup.
- Season the Soup: Add smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the smoky and warm spices evenly throughout the soup.
- Add Shredded Cheeses: Gradually stir in the shredded sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over low heat, allowing them to melt smoothly into the broth, resulting in a creamy, cheesy texture.
- Incorporate Protein: Add the chopped grilled chicken and crumbled bacon to the pot. Simmer the soup for 5 to 10 minutes to heat everything through and let the flavors meld.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions, extra cheese, or additional bacon crumbles for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- To increase the heat level, leave some jalapeño seeds in the soup or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used as a convenient substitute for grilled chicken without compromising flavor.
- This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or crunchy tortilla chips for a full meal experience.
