Jalapeno Popper Soup Recipe
Jalapeno Popper Soup is a creamy, mildly spicy chicken soup.It combines jalapenos, cream cheese, chicken, and crispy turkey bacon.This comforting one-pot soup is ready in about 45 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 8 ounces turkey bacon diced
- 4 –6 jalapeno peppers chopped
- ½ cup red or green bell pepper chopped
- ½ cup white onion chopped
- 3 large garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes
- 1 cup half-and-half
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Sliced jalapeno
- Crumbled cooked turkey bacon
Instructions
- Add the diced turkey bacon to a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium heat. Cook, stirring frequently, until browned and crisp, about 7–10 minutes. Transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate with a slotted spoon.
- Leave about 2 tablespoons of rendered turkey bacon fat in the pot. If there is not enough, add a small amount of olive oil or butter.
- Add the chopped jalapenos, bell pepper, and onion. Sauté for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add the minced garlic, flour, paprika, cumin, kosher salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly so the garlic and flour do not burn.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth while stirring to incorporate the flour. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cubed cream cheese. Stir or whisk until the cream cheese has completely melted into the broth.
- Stir in the half-and-half and shredded chicken. Gently simmer the Jalapeno Popper Soup for about 10 minutes, or until the chicken is hot and the soup is creamy. Avoid a vigorous boil after adding the dairy.
- Taste and adjust the salt and pepper as necessary. Ladle into bowls and finish with cheddar cheese, green onions, sliced jalapenos, and crispy turkey bacon if desired.
Notes
Turkey bacon replaces traditional bacon in this recipe to keep it halal-friendly. Because turkey bacon is generally leaner, you may need a little olive oil or butter when sautéing the vegetables.
For an extra hearty creamy jalapeno soup, serve it with warm crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple green salad.
The consistency can also be adjusted easily. Add a splash of chicken broth for a thinner soup or allow it to simmer gently for a little longer if you prefer it thicker.