Introduction to Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
When you think about the perfect dish for a busy weekday, jalapeño popper chicken soup should top your list. Not only is this cozy meal bursting with flavor, but it also captures the indulgent essence of jalapeño poppers—a favorite comfort food—in a warm, hearty soup that feels like a hug.
Why Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is Perfect for Young Professionals
For young professionals juggling work, social commitments, and personal projects, time is often in short supply. This jalapeño popper chicken soup comes together quickly, often in about 30 minutes, making it a fantastic option for those nights when you want something satisfying without a lot of fuss.
The soup's combination of turkey bacon, creamy cheese, and hearty chicken creates a beautifully rich flavor profile that can brighten up any evening.
Plus, leftovers are a blessing—this soup keeps well in the fridge and can even be frozen for future meals. Trust us, after a long day, you'll appreciate having a delicious dinner ready at a moment's notice!
Curious to try it out? The following recipe offers a delightful and foolproof way to whip up this comforting bowl of goodness.
Ingredients for Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
Essential Ingredients to Gather
Before diving into the deliciousness of jalapeño popper chicken soup, let’s ensure you have all the vital ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz. Turkey Bacon, cut into ½" pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 ½ c.)
- 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1 ¼ c.)
- 4 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped, plus some sliced jalapeños for garnish
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 2 cups whole milk (or a plant-based alternative)
- 4 oz. cream cheese, cut into 1" pieces, at room temperature
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast (or chicken ham)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
With these ingredients, you’ll create a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings. You can find quality chicken broth and cheeses at reputable grocery stores or consider making your own to add an extra touch of love to your soup! Happy cooking!
Preparing Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
Creating a delicious bowl of jalapeño popper chicken soup is not only easy but also a fun process that results in a comforting meal. Follow these steps to deliver a creamy, spicy, and utterly delightful soup right to your table!
Cook the Turkey Bacon
Start by cooking the turkey bacon in a large pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it turns crispy, which should take about 8 to 10 minutes. This step not only adds flavor to the soup but also gives that delightful crunch. Once cooked, transfer the turkey bacon to a plate, leaving about ¼ cup of the bacon fat in the pot. This fat will serve as the flavor base for the entire soup. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of cooking with turkey bacon, check out this informative article.
Sauté the Vegetables
Next up, it’s time to build depth with our veggies. Add finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, jalapeños, garlic, and half a teaspoon of kosher salt to the pot. Sauté these ingredients over medium heat for about 5 to 6 minutes until they become soft. The aroma of the garlic and jalapeños sizzling in that bacon fat is a game changer. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can adjust the number of jalapeños based on your heat preference!
Create the Base with Flour
Once the vegetables are softened, stir in the all-purpose flour. This step is essential as it creates a roux, which thickens your jalapeño popper chicken soup. Keep stirring until the flour coats the vegetables and forms a paste that begins to stick to the bottom of the pot. This should take about 1 minute—a perfect time to enjoy that savory aroma wafting through your kitchen.
Add Liquid Ingredients
Gradually whisk in the low-sodium chicken broth and whole milk. This mixture will create the rich, creamy base of your soup. Bring it to a boil, and then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to simmer while stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly and thickens.
Incorporate Cream Cheese and Chicken
When your base is ready, it’s time to add the star players: cream cheese and cooked shredded chicken. Stir until the cream cheese melts smoothly into the soup. Then, add the chicken and three-quarters of your crispy turkey bacon. Cook for another minute until everything is heated through. This is where the magic happens—your soup starts to take shape!
Serve and Garnish
To finish your jalapeño popper chicken soup, ladle it into bowls and sprinkle generously with shredded cheddar cheese, the remaining turkey bacon, and sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. Serve hot, and enjoy a bowl of comforting goodness that's perfect for any occasion.
Whether it’s a cozy night in or entertaining friends, this soup is sure to impress!
Variations on Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
Spicy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
For those who crave extra heat, this variation of jalapeño popper chicken soup cranks up the spice level. Start by using more jalapeños—try a combination of fresh and roasted for depth. You can also toss in some diced serrano peppers or a splash of hot sauce to really get your taste buds tingling. Another great tip? Finish each bowl with a sprinkle of spicy pepper jack cheese to enhance both flavor and warmth.
Creamy Southwest Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
If you’re in the mood for a different flavor profile, why not go Southwest? To transform your jalapeño popper chicken soup, incorporate black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. These ingredients not only add texture but also a burst of flavor. For even creamier goodness, swap the regular cream cheese for a zesty chipotle cream cheese. This twist will surely impress your dinner guests and keep them coming back for more!
Check out more variations and tips on foodnetwork.com or bonappetit.com for creative ingredient swaps!
Cooking Tips and Notes for Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
Essential Cooking Techniques
To create a creamy and delicious jalapeño popper chicken soup, start by making sure your vegetables are finely chopped for even cooking. Cooking the turkey bacon until crispy adds depth, so don’t rush that step! When integrating the flour, whisk thoroughly to avoid lumps. This technique is vital for achieving a smooth texture. For best results, simmer the soup until it thickens slightly, enhancing flavors and creaminess.
Suggested Ingredient Substitutions
If you're looking to mix things up, consider these swaps:
- Whole Milk: Use almond or oat milk for a lighter version.
- Cream Cheese: Neufchâtel cheese offers a similar creaminess with fewer calories.
- Jalapeños: For a milder soup, opt for green bell peppers alone.
Also, feel free to add a pinch of paprika for extra warmth!
Serving Suggestions for Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
Complementary Side Dishes
To elevate your jalapeño popper chicken soup, consider serving it with:
- Cornbread: The subtle sweetness contrasts beautifully with the spiciness of the soup.
- Tortilla Chips: Add some crunch alongside your soup for a satisfying texture.
- Side Salad: A light mixed greens salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup.
These sides complement the bold flavors and make your meal feel complete.
Perfect Drink Pairings
For a refreshing beverage, try:
- Sparkling Lemonade: Its bubbly zest pairs perfectly with the heat of the jalapeños.
- Iced Tea: A sweetened black or herbal iced tea offers a cooling counterbalance.
- Cucumber-infused Water: Stay hydrated and soothe your palate with this light option.
Experimenting with these drinks while enjoying your jalapeño popper chicken soup is a fun way to find your perfect match!
Time Breakdown for Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
Preparation Time
Getting ready to whip up your jalapeño popper chicken soup takes about 15 minutes. During this time, you can chop your veggies, cook your turkey bacon, and measure out all your ingredients. It’s a good opportunity to chat with a friend or listen to your favorite podcast!
Cooking Time
The cooking process will take around 30 minutes. This includes sautéing, simmering, and bringing all those delicious flavors together. The aroma that fills your kitchen will have everyone eager to dig in!
Total Time
In total, you’ll spend about 45 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering with friends. Want to make it even quicker? Consider prepping some ingredients in advance for those busy days!
Nutritional Facts for Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
Calories
Each generous serving of jalapeño popper chicken soup contains approximately 350 calories. This makes it a hearty yet manageable option for your lunch or dinner plans without straying too far from your daily caloric goals.
Protein
With around 25 grams of protein per serving, this soup is an excellent source of lean protein, thanks to the shredded chicken breast and cream cheese. Protein is vital for muscle repair and keeping you fuller longer!
Sodium
While enjoying the rich flavors of this soup, keep in mind that it contains about 800 mg of sodium per serving. For those mindful of their salt intake, opt for low-sodium chicken broth and monitor your portion sizes to help balance your day.
For further insights on nutrition, you might want to check out ChooseMyPlate.gov for balanced meal suggestions!
FAQs about Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily modify the jalapeño popper chicken soup to be vegetarian-friendly by omitting the turkey bacon and chicken. Instead, consider adding ingredients like mushrooms or extra vegetables for texture. You can use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth for a rich flavor that complements the remaining ingredients.
How can I store leftover soup?
Leftover jalapeño popper chicken soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Just make sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup may expand when frozen.
What’s the best way to reheat this soup?
Reheating is simple! You can warm your jalapeño popper chicken soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can use the microwave—just pour the soup into a microwave-safe bowl and cover it loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until it's at your desired temperature.
Conclusion on Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
In conclusion, this jalapeño popper chicken soup is not just a delicious bowl of comfort; it's also an easy way to spice up your weeknight dinners. With its creamy texture and a delightful kick, it’s bound to become a family favorite. Perfect for meal prep or cozy evenings, enjoy every spoonful!
Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
Equipment
- large pot
Ingredients
- 8 oz. bacon, cut into ½" pieces
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 ½ c.)
- 1 large green bell pepper, seeded and chopped (about 1 ¼ c.)
- 4 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped , plus sliced jalapeños for serving
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp. kosher salt, divided
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups whole milk
- 4 oz. cream cheese, cut into 1" pieces , room temperature
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
Instructions
- In a large pot over medium heat, cook bacon, stirring occasionally, until crisp, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer bacon to a plate, leaving about ¼ cup bacon fat in pot.
- Add onion, bell pepper, chopped jalapeños, garlic, and ½ teaspoon salt to pot and cook over medium heat, stirring, until softened, 5 to 6 minutes.
- Stir in flour until it coats vegetables and forms a paste that starts to stick to bottom of pot. Whisk in broth and milk until combined. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until liquid is reduced by about one-quarter and slightly thickened, about 10 minutes.
- Stir in cream cheese until fully melted, then add chicken and three-quarters of bacon. Cook, stirring, until chicken and bacon are heated through, about 1 minute. Taste and season with remaining ½ teaspoon salt, if needed.
- Divide soup among bowls. Top with cheddar, remaining bacon, and sliced jalapeños as desired.
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