Are you ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey that will warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds? Introducing the Cheesy Jalapeno Chicken Soup—a delightful blend of creamy goodness and spicy kick that will make your dinner the highlight of the week! In just 40 minutes, you can whip up this comforting American classic that serves four, making it perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With just the right amount of heat from jalapenos and the rich creaminess of cheese, this recipe promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to dive into a bowl of deliciousness that will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup jalapenos, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by dicing chicken breasts, chopping onions and jalapenos, and mincing garlic before beginning cooking.
- Heat a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat and add a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Add diced chicken breasts to the pot, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until chicken is mostly white and beginning to brown, about 5-6 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and diced tomatoes with green chilies, stirring to combine all ingredients.
- Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, stirring until completely melted and incorporated into the liquid.
- Mix in chopped jalapenos and allow soup to simmer for 10-12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and soup becomes smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with extra cheese, chopped jalapenos, or fresh cilantro.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, prepare all your ingredients beforehand. Dice the chicken, chop the onions and jalapenos, and mince the garlic so you can focus on cooking once you start.
- Sautéing for Flavor: Ensure your onions are sautéed until they are translucent and slightly golden. This step enhances the flavor base of your soup, making it richer and more aromatic.
- Chicken Cooking Tip: When adding the diced chicken, make sure to season it well with salt and pepper. This will help to build flavor as it cooks.
- Cream Cheese Melting: When adding the cream cheese, cut it into smaller chunks to help it melt more easily and incorporate smoothly into the broth.
- Adjust Spice Levels: If you're sensitive to spice, consider reducing the amount of jalapenos or using milder varieties. You can always add more heat later if desired!
- Garnish for Presentation: For an extra touch, serve your soup with a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, some chopped jalapenos, or fresh cilantro on top. This not only adds flavor but also makes your dish visually appealing.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 125mg
