Indulge in the bold flavors of this Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken Soup, where tender chicken, creamy cheese, and spicy jalapenos come together in a comforting bowl of goodness. This easy-to-make soup is perfect for warming up on chilly days or adding a kick to any mealtime. Let’s dive into the recipe and spice up your soup game!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds cubed chicken breast
- 8 ounces softened cream cheese
- 2 cups chopped jalapeno (seeds removed)
- 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 1 packet (10 ounces) Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning
- 32 ounces chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken breast to the pot and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Jalapenos:
- Add the chopped jalapenos to the pot and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they begin to soften.
- Season the Soup:
- Sprinkle the Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packet over the sautéed vegetables in the pot. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly with the seasoning.
- Add Chicken Broth:
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot, scraping the bottom to release any browned bits. Bring the broth to a simmer.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese:
- Cut the softened cream cheese into cubes and add it to the simmering broth. Stir until the cream cheese melts and incorporates into the broth, creating a creamy base for the soup.
- Return Chicken to Pot:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pot, stirring to combine with the creamy broth and vegetables.
- Simmer the Soup:
- Allow the soup to simmer gently for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Stir in Cheddar Cheese:
- Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts and blends into the soup, adding richness and a cheesy flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Ladle the Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken Soup into bowls and garnish with extra shredded cheese, chopped jalapenos, or fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the spicy, creamy goodness!
Cook’s Tips and Variations:
- Adjust Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, reduce the amount of chopped jalapenos or remove the seeds before adding them to the pot. For extra heat, leave some seeds intact or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Toppings Galore: Customize your soup with a variety of toppings such as diced avocado, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or crispy bacon bits for added flavor and texture.
- Creamy Texture: For an even creamier soup, blend a portion of the soup using an immersion blender or regular blender before adding the shredded cheese.
Keto-Friendly Considerations:
- Low Carb Base: This soup is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for keto and low-carb diets.
- Healthy Fats: Cream cheese and cheddar cheese provide a source of healthy fats, while chicken breast adds lean protein to the dish.
- Spice It Up: Jalapenos add flavor and spice without significantly increasing the carb count, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful soup while staying within your keto macros.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe? A: Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken such as rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken. Simply shred the cooked chicken and add it to the soup during the final simmering step to heat through.
Q: Can I make this soup in advance? A: Absolutely! This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or even Gouda for a unique flavor profile.
Q: How can I make this soup thicker? A: To thicken the soup, you can simmer it uncovered for a longer period of time to allow the liquid to reduce and thicken naturally. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to the simmering soup and stir until thickened.
