Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Soup with Creamy Cheese and Fresh Veggies 🥣🌶️🧀
1. Introduction
If you’re a fan of spicy jalapeño chicken soup that balances heat with creaminess and fresh vegetables, you’re in for a treat. This jalapeño chicken soup recipe combines tender chicken, fiery jalapeños, and velvety cheese to create a comforting yet exciting dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a flavorful lunch, this spicy chicken soup is sure to satisfy your cravings. The addition of fresh veggies makes it nutritious and vibrant, perfect for warming you up on chilly days.
2. Ingredients for Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Soup
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 3 fresh jalapeños, sliced (adjust based on spice tolerance)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- Optional: sour cream or avocado for topping
3. Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Soup
Preparing the Ingredients
Start by chopping all your vegetables, slicing the jalapeños, and dicing the chicken breasts. Set everything aside for easy access during cooking.
Sautéing the Aromatics
In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Cooking the Chicken and Spicy Elements
Add the diced chicken to the pot. Cook until it’s no longer pink, about 7 minutes. Toss in the sliced jalapeños and chopped bell pepper, cooking for another 2-3 minutes to release their flavors.
Simmering the Soup
Pour in the chicken broth and stir everything well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 20 minutes to develop the flavors.
Adding the Creamy Cheese
Stir in the shredded cheese until melted into the soup, creating a rich, creamy texture that balances out the heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serving the Soup
Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and top with optional sour cream or slices of avocado for added creaminess and flavor.
4. Storage Tips for Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Soup
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop until heated through. For best results, add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating to maintain the soup’s creamy consistency.
5. Serving Suggestions & Variations
This jalapeño chicken soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side of lime-infused rice. You can customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapeños or adding a dash of hot sauce. For a milder version, substitute with poblano peppers or reduce the jalapeños.
Looking for more quick chicken recipes? Check out this Sweet and Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Dinner.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Soup
Can I use cooked chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! Use cooked shredded chicken for a quicker preparation. Add it during the final stages of reheating the soup.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, this spicy jalapeño chicken soup is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth does not contain gluten or additives.
How spicy is this soup?
The heat level depends on the type and amount of jalapeños used. Use milder varieties or reduce the number of jalapeños if you prefer less spice.
How long does it take to prepare?
The entire process takes approximately 30-40 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — Perfect for quickly preparing toppings or side dishes to complement your soup.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set — Ensures even cooking of vegetables and chicken with ease.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer — Great for grilling side items or toppings to elevate your meal.
- KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer — Useful if you want to prepare toppings like cheese or toppings ahead of time.
8. Conclusion
This spicy jalapeño chicken soup is a perfect example of how to combine heat, creaminess, and fresh vegetables into a hearty dish. Easy to make and customizable, it promises to warm you from the inside out while delighting your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this jalapeño popper chicken soup will impress everyone with its bold flavors. Give it a try today and enjoy a bowl of spicy goodness!
Print
Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Soup with Creamy Cheese and Fresh Veggies
A hearty and spicy jalapeño chicken soup topped with cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh herbs, perfect for a cozy meal.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 jalapeños, sliced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- Sour cream and lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and sliced jalapeños; cook for 2 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken and chicken broth, bring to a simmer.
- Let simmer for 15 minutes to meld flavors.
- Ladle soup into bowls, top with cheese, bacon, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Notes
- Adjust jalapeño amount for desired spice level.
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Serve with crunchy tortilla chips for added texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 380 Kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 115mg