Smoky Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Chicken

Smoky Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Chicken

If you love the bold flavors of jalapeño poppers, this Smoky Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Chicken is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with smoky, cheesy goodness, tender grilled chicken, and just the right amount of heat, this creamy soup is perfect for chilly nights or whenever you crave a hearty meal. The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, crispy bacon, and fire-roasted jalapeños creates a rich, indulgent dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Total Time: ~35 minutes

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

1 lb grilled chicken breast, diced

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

3-4 cups chicken broth (adjust for desired thickness)

1 cup heavy cream

4-5 jalapeños, diced (remove seeds for less heat)

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 can (14 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes (optional)

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon olive oil

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish)

Sliced jalapeños (for garnish)

Instructions:

Sauté the Jalapeños

Heat butter or olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

Add the diced jalapeños and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.

Prepare the Broth

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.

Stir in the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Melt the Cheeses

Lower the heat and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until fully melted.

Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until smooth.

Add the Chicken & Bacon

Stir in the grilled, diced chicken and crumbled bacon.

If using, add the fire-roasted tomatoes for extra flavor.

Finish with Cream

Pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

Garnish & Serve

Ladle the soup into bowls, top with sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and extra cheddar cheese if desired.

Tips for the Best Flavor:

Grill the Jalapeños: For an extra smoky depth, char the jalapeños on a grill or over an open flame before dicing them.

Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken works great and adds extra flavor.

Thicker or Thinner?: If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the broth slightly or add more cream cheese. For a thinner consistency, add more broth.

Melt Cheese Smoothly: To avoid clumps, make sure the cream cheese is fully softened, and add shredded cheese gradually while stirring.

️ Variations & Add-Ons:

Extra Heat: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or diced chipotle peppers in adobo for more spice.

Mild Version: Remove all jalapeño seeds and use mild green chilies instead.

Low-Carb Option: Skip the tomatoes and use full-fat dairy to keep it keto-friendly.

Loaded Style: Top with crispy fried onions, avocado slices, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for a fun twist.

Vegetarian Swap: Replace the chicken with roasted cauliflower or black beans and use vegetable broth.

Q&A 

Q: Can I make this soup ahead of time?
A: Yes! This soup stores well and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: It’s best not to freeze this soup since dairy-based soups (especially with cream cheese) can separate and change texture. However, you can refrigerate it and reheat gently.

Q: How can I make it less spicy?
A: Remove the seeds from the jalapeños, or substitute them with mild green chilies. You can also add extra cream or cheese to balance the heat.

Q: What can I serve with this soup?
A: Serve with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or a side of cornbread for a complete meal.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent the cheese from separating. Add a splash of broth or cream if needed.
• Freezing: Not recommended due to the dairy content, which can cause texture issues.

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (based on 6 servings)

• Calories: ~400-450
• Protein: ~35g
• Carbs: ~8-10g
• Fat: ~28g
• Fiber: ~2g
• Sugar: ~3g

Note: Nutrition varies based on ingredient choices like low-fat cheese or added toppings.