Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Smoky Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Chicken brings all the creamy, spicy goodness of jalapeño poppers into a rich and comforting soup. The addition of grilled chicken makes it heartier, and the smoky flavor adds depth to the dish. With a balance of creamy cheese, the heat from the jalapeños, and the savory grilled chicken, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly day. It’s quick to prepare, full of flavor, and can be customized to suit your preferred spice level.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups grilled chicken, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
Directions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the shredded grilled chicken and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add your desired amount of diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) and let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes. For an extra smoky flavor, you can add some smoked paprika or chipotle powder at this stage.
- Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth, leaving some texture if preferred, or blend it completely for a creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Add Cream Cheese or Heavy Cream: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or heavy cream before serving.
- Add More Spice: If you like your soup extra spicy, increase the amount of jalapeños, or add a splash of hot sauce or diced habaneros.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the grilled chicken and replace it with more vegetables such as corn or beans for a vegetarian-friendly soup.
Storage/Reheating
- Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, warm the soup on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat it in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of grilled chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great alternative and will save you some time. Just shred it and add it to the soup.
Can I make this soup spicier?
Absolutely! Increase the number of jalapeños or add some hot sauce or chili flakes to boost the heat level to your liking.
Is this soup gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any wheat-based ingredients.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth?
Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth to make this soup vegetarian or if you prefer a lighter flavor.
How can I thicken the soup?
If you want a thicker soup, you can use an immersion blender to blend the soup more thoroughly or add a bit of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I use fresh jalapeños instead of pickled ones?
Yes, fresh jalapeños work well in this soup and will provide a more natural, crisp heat. Just be sure to adjust the number based on your heat tolerance.
How can I adjust the creaminess of the soup?
You can add more heavy cream or cream cheese to make the soup creamier, or you can blend it more for a smooth texture.
Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion blender?
Yes, you can transfer the soup in batches to a regular blender. Just be careful when blending hot liquids—let the soup cool slightly before blending and blend in small amounts.
Conclusion
Smoky Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Chicken is a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines the heat and richness of jalapeño poppers with the comforting warmth of a soup. Whether you enjoy it spicy or mild, creamy or chunky, this recipe offers versatility and depth of flavor that will leave everyone asking for more. Perfect for cozy dinners or as a make-ahead lunch, this soup is sure to be a hit in your kitchen!
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Smoky Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Chicken
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Smoky Jalapeño Popper Soup with Grilled Chicken is a creamy, spicy, and comforting dish that brings the flavors of jalapeño poppers into a hearty soup. Packed with grilled chicken, smoky spices, and a creamy broth, this soup is perfect for a cozy meal on chilly days. Customize the spice level to your liking, and enjoy the rich, savory flavor with your favorite toppings. It’s an easy-to-make, satisfying dish that will keep everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 2 cups grilled chicken, shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2–3 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
- Smoked paprika or chipotle powder (optional, for extra smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the shredded grilled chicken and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Add your desired amount of diced jalapeños (seeds removed for less heat) and let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder if you want extra smoky flavor.
- Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the soup until smooth, leaving some texture if preferred, or blend it completely for a creamy consistency.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream.
Notes
- Add Cream Cheese or Heavy Cream: For an extra creamy texture, stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or heavy cream before serving.
- Add More Spice: Increase the number of jalapeños or add hot sauce or chili flakes for extra heat.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the grilled chicken and replace it with corn or beans for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
