Description
A creamy, smoky, and spicy soup inspired by jalapeño poppers, featuring tender grilled chicken, sharp cheddar, and a flavorful blend of spices for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3–4 jalapeños, seeded and diced (leave some seeds for more heat)
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt & pepper to taste
2 cups cooked grilled chicken, chopped or shredded
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
Optional toppings: crispy bacon bits, chopped green onion, shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and jalapeños for 5 to 6 minutes until they soften.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add smoked paprika and cumin. Bring everything to a simmer.
- Lower the heat and whisk in the softened cream cheese until it melts smoothly into the broth.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted, then add the grilled chicken. Let the soup simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like crispy bacon, extra jalapeño slices, chopped green onions, shredded cheese, or crushed tortilla chips.
Notes
Use fresh jalapeños and adjust seeds for desired heat level.
Rotisserie chicken can be used as a shortcut.
To make vegetarian, use vegetable broth and omit chicken, adding beans or roasted vegetables.
For dairy-free, substitute vegan cream cheese, dairy-free cheddar, and coconut cream.
Soup stores well for up to 3 days refrigerated and freezes nicely.
Reheat gently, adding broth or cream if soup thickens.
Slow cooker method: sauté veggies first, then slow cook with broth and spices 4–6 hours, adding cheese and cream last.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
