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Chicken Soup

Chicken Soup
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★★★★★

4.7 from 26 reviews

This creamy and spicy chicken soup blends tender shredded chicken with sautéed onions, garlic, and jalapeños, simmered in a flavorful broth and enriched with cream cheese and cheddar for a comforting and rich bowl. Perfect as a hearty lunch or dinner, it is garnished with fresh cilantro and offers a mild smoky undertone from paprika and optional crispy bacon.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large jalapeños, seeds removed and diced (Adjust number based on spice preference)
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 4 cups chicken broth

Dairy and Seasonings

  • 1 cup heavy cream (Can substitute half with low-fat milk for a lighter version)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Optional Additions and Garnish

  • 1/2 cup crumbled bacon (Optional for added flavor)
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sauté Onions: Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened, developing a translucent texture.
  2. Add Garlic and Jalapeños: Stir in the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2 minutes to release their flavors without burning.
  3. Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the pot, then pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  4. Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and shred it finely using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back into the pot.
  5. Add Cream and Spices: Stir in the heavy cream, ground cumin, paprika, and season the soup with salt and pepper to taste, blending well for a creamy base.
  6. Incorporate Cream Cheese: Add the softened cream cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely and the soup becomes luxuriously creamy.
  7. Melt Cheddar and Add Bacon: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and integrated. If using, add the crumbled bacon for a smoky depth of flavor.
  8. Simmer to Blend Flavors: Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes which allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  9. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright, herbal finish. Serve hot.

Notes

  • Adjust the number of jalapeños according to your heat preference.
  • For a lighter soup, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk.
  • The bacon is optional but adds a nice smoky crunch for flavor contrast.
  • Use fresh cilantro right before serving to preserve its bright flavor and color.
  • This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 1 month.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken soup, spicy chicken soup, jalapeño chicken soup, comfort food, easy chicken soup, cheddar cheese soup

Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/chicken-soup/