If you love jalapeño poppers, this soup brings all the flavors you crave into one warm, comforting bowl. Creamy, cheesy, and with just the right amount of spice, this spicy jalapeño popper chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights. Packed with tender chicken, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and plenty of jalapeños, it’s hearty enough for dinner yet simple to make in under an hour.
Whether you’re feeding the family or prepping for game day, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Cheesy – Everything you love about jalapeño poppers in a spoonful.
- Hearty & Filling – With chicken and a rich broth, it’s a full meal.
- Customizable Spice Level – Add more jalapeños for heat or keep it mild.
- Perfect for Cold Weather – Cozy, comforting, and satisfying.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3–4 fresh jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for less heat)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: crumbled bacon, extra cheese, sliced jalapeños, green onions
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and jalapeños. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic.
- Build the base. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add shredded chicken, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Make it creamy. Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted into the broth.
- Finish with cream. Stir in heavy cream and let the soup gently simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Serve. Ladle into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, sliced jalapeños, or green onions.
Tips for Success
- Control the heat. Remove seeds and membranes from jalapeños for a milder soup.
- Add bacon. Stir in cooked bacon for even more jalapeño popper flavor.
- Thicken it. For a thicker soup, add 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water before adding cheeses.
- Meal prep. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Variations
- Low-carb / keto version: Skip cornstarch and pair with cauliflower rice.
- Slow cooker method: Add all ingredients except cheeses and cream; cook on low for 6 hours. Stir in cheeses and cream before serving.
- Veggie boost: Add diced bell peppers or corn for extra texture.
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and jalapeños. Cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add shredded chicken, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until fully melted into the broth.
- Stir in heavy cream and let the soup gently simmer for 5–10 minutes.
- Ladle into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, sliced jalapeños, or green onions.
Nutrition
Notes
From your stove to our hearts
share your delicious take!FAQs – Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
Can I use rotisserie chicken
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken is a great time saver.
Can I make this less spicy?
Remove jalapeño seeds and membranes or substitute with mild green chiles.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar adds flavor, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack make it extra creamy.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but reheat gently to prevent the cream base from separating.
Can I make this in the Instant Pot?
Yes, sauté onion, jalapeños, and garlic, then pressure cook with broth and chicken. Stir in cheeses and cream after cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. It combines all the cheesy, spicy goodness of jalapeño poppers in a warm bowl of comfort food. Perfect for cold evenings, game days, or anytime you’re craving something bold and satisfying.
One taste, and this soup will become a new family favorite.