Silky Chicken & Jalapeño Soup Recipe: Spicy Comfort In A Bowl

Comfort meets a spicy kick in this delectable chicken and jalapeno soup that promises to warm your soul.

Home cooks have long sought the perfect balance of creamy texture and zesty flavor in their recipes.

Our jalapeno chicken soup delivers exactly that delightful combination with every spoonful.

Tender chicken pieces nestle in a rich, velvety broth that tingles with just the right amount of heat.

Fresh ingredients dance together to create a soup that’s both comforting and exciting for your taste buds.

Peppers add a vibrant layer of complexity that elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 480 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need For Creamy Chicken And Jalapeno Soup

• Olive Oil: Provides a silky base for sautéing and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Onion: Adds sweet, savory foundation with rich depth to the soup's base.
• Garlic: Brings intense, warm aromatics and complex flavor layers.
• Jalapenos: Delivers vibrant heat and zesty kick to the creamy soup.
• Cumin: Introduces earthy, warm undertones with subtle southwestern essence.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes smoky, rich dimension and gorgeous reddish color.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Elevates and balances all ingredient flavors.

• Chicken Broth: Creates robust, hearty liquid foundation with savory undertones.
• Heavy Cream: Generates luxurious, velvety texture and rich mouthfeel.
• Shredded Chicken: Provides lean protein and substantial meal component.
• Black Beans: Adds protein-packed, creamy texture with subtle southwestern flair.
• Corn: Brings sweet, fresh element and delightful textural contrast.

• Diced Tomatoes: Introduces bright, tangy freshness and vibrant color.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts into creamy, indulgent layer with rich flavor.
• Cilantro: Offers fresh, herbal brightness and authentic Mexican-inspired touch.
• Sour Cream: Creates cool, tangy counterpoint to spicy elements.
• Tortilla Chips: Provides crunchy texture and complementary corn flavor.

Kitchen Items For Creamy Chicken And Jalapeno Soup

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Your main cooking vessel for creating this delicious soup, perfect for even heat distribution.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Essential for stirring ingredients and preventing anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and jalapenos with ease.
• Sharp Knife: Helps you precisely slice and dice your ingredients quickly.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Ladle: Great for serving the soup into bowls smoothly and neatly.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if you're grating fresh cheese for the soup.

Steps To Make Creamy Chicken And Jalapeno Soup

• Flavor Foundation

Grab a large pot and warm up some olive oil. Toss in chopped onions and let them dance around until they become soft and translucent. Introduce minced garlic, diced jalapenos, and a sprinkle of warm spices like cumin and smoked paprika. Let these ingredients mingle and release their aromatic magic for a quick moment.

• Liquid Landscape

Pour in rich chicken broth and creamy heavy cream. Watch the liquid come together, creating a smooth, inviting base that promises deliciousness. Gently bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to start their harmonious conversation.

• Hearty Additions

Slide in tender shredded chicken, juicy diced tomatoes, black beans, and sweet corn kernels. Let everything bubble gently, giving the ingredients time to get to know each other and develop a deep, complex flavor profile. The soup will start to thicken and look more inviting with each passing minute.

• Cheesy Finale

Sprinkle in shredded cheese and stir until it melts completely, transforming the soup into a luxuriously creamy delight. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding a pinch of salt or pepper if needed to make the flavors pop.

• Presentation

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls. Top with fresh cilantro, extra jalapeno slices, crunchy tortilla chips, or a dollop of cool sour cream for a beautiful contrast of textures and temperatures.

Helpful Tips For Creamy Chicken And Jalapeno Soup

• Spice Control Tips: Adjust the heat by removing jalapeno seeds for a milder soup or adding extra peppers for more kick. Fresh versus pickled jalapenos offer different flavor intensities.
• Protein Swap Strategies: Replace chicken with rotisserie turkey, shredded pork, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or tempeh for diverse protein options. Ground chicken works wonderfully for quicker preparation.
• Dairy-Free Transformation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for creamy texture without traditional dairy products.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This soup freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers, leaving space for expansion. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently to maintain smooth consistency.
• Low-Carb Twist: Skip corn and beans, increase chicken quantity, and serve over cauliflower rice. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for nutrient-dense modifications that keep carbohydrate content low.

How To Serve Creamy Chicken And Jalapeno Soup

• Spicy Sidekick Platter: Create a vibrant Mexican-inspired side dish like crispy quesadillas or zesty nachos to complement the soup's rich flavors.
• Cooling Contrast Toppings: Balance the soup's heat with fresh garnishes like diced avocado, cool sour cream, or chopped green onions for a refreshing touch.
• Bread Buddy Pairing: Serve alongside warm cornbread, toasted garlic bread, or crispy tortilla chips to add delightful texture and soak up the creamy broth.
• Drink Companion Match: Pair with a light Mexican beer, refreshing margarita, or tangy lime-infused agua fresca to enhance the soup's spicy profile.

Storage Instructions For Creamy Chicken And Jalapeno Soup

• Quick Cooling Strategy: Let the soup cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then transfer to airtight containers to maintain optimal freshness and flavor integrity.
• Refrigeration Wisdom: Store the creamy soup in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days, keeping it in the coldest part of the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth and preserve texture.
• Freezing Technique: Freeze the soup without dairy components for best results. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently, stirring in fresh cheese and cream to restore creamy consistency.
• Reheating Magic: Warm the soup slowly on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and maintain smooth texture.

Spicy Chicken And Jalapeno Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken and jalapeño soup delivers a spicy Mexican-inspired comfort meal packed with bold flavors. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a rich experience you’ll savor with each warming spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (300 g / 10.6 oz) cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 4 cups (960 ml / 32 fl oz) chicken broth
• 2 cups (480 ml / 16 fl oz) heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2–3 jalapenos, diced (seeds removed for less heat)
• 1 cup (150 g / 5.3 oz) frozen or fresh corn kernels
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, rinsed and drained (optional)
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup (60 g / 2.1 oz) shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Sliced jalapenos (optional)
• Crushed tortilla chips (optional)
• Sour cream (optional)

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Instructions

1. Base Creation: Sauté onions in olive oil until translucent, developing a fragrant foundation for the soup’s flavor profile.
2. Spice Infusion: Rapidly incorporate garlic, jalapenos, cumin, and smoked paprika, toasting the spices to unlock their aromatic essence without scorching.
3. Liquid Development: Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the pot, establishing a rich, velvety liquid base that will embrace the soup’s core ingredients.
4. Ingredient Integration: Combine shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn, allowing the components to meld together and create a robust, textured mixture.
5. Simmering Harmony: Gently simmer the soup, enabling flavors to intertwine and develop a complex, layered taste experience that deepens with each passing minute.
6. Cheese Transformation: Gradually fold in shredded cheese, stirring until completely melted and transforming the soup into a luxuriously creamy concoction with a silky-smooth consistency.
7. Final Refinement: Calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper, ensuring a perfectly balanced flavor that tantalizes the taste buds.
8. Presentation: Ladle the steaming soup into bowls, garnishing with fresh cilantro, additional jalapeno slices, crisp tortilla chip crumbles, or a generous dollop of sour cream to elevate the sensory experience.

Notes

• Control Spice Levels: Adjust jalapeno quantity based on heat tolerance; remove seeds for milder soup or add extra for intense kick.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Gradually add cheese while stirring constantly and keep heat low to ensure smooth, even melting without creating stringy texture.
• Enhance Protein Options: Substitute chicken with rotisserie, canned, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for versatile dietary needs.
• Optimize Soup Consistency: Simmer uncovered to naturally reduce and thicken broth, or add cornstarch slurry for quicker thickening without compromising flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg