Jalapeño Cheddar Chicken Soup

Creamy, cheesy jalapeño cheddar chicken soup with rotisserie chicken, crispy bacon, cream cheese, and a little kick. Cozy comfort food in about 40 minutes.

By Manny Michael

40 minutes

Soup

Ingredients

• 6 pieces bacon
• Olive oil, if needed
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 jalapeño peppers, diced, seeds removed for less spice
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup flour
• 4 cups chicken broth
• Black pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Onion powder, to taste
• Smoked paprika, to taste
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 rotisserie chicken, meat removed and shredded
• Parmesan cheese, optional for topping

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a large pot until crispy.
2. Remove the bacon and set it aside. Leave some of the bacon grease in the pot for extra flavor.
3. If you cooked the bacon separately or do not have enough bacon grease, add a little olive oil to the pot.
4. Add the diced onion and diced jalapeños.
5. Cook over medium-high heat for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring every once in a while, until softened.
6. Add the butter and let it melt.
7. Stir in the flour.
8. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it turns into a paste-like texture.
9. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth.
10. Season with black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and minced garlic.
11. Stir everything together.
12. Bring the soup to a gentle simmer.
13. Simmer for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring often so it does not get too thick or stick to the bottom.
14. Turn the heat to low.
15. Add the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese.
16. Stir until the cream cheese melts into the soup.
17. Add the freshly shredded cheddar cheese.
18. Stir until the cheddar melts and the soup is smooth and creamy.
19. Add the shredded rotisserie chicken.
20. Crumble the cooked bacon and add it into the soup.
21. Stir everything together.
22. Cook on low for another 5 to 10 minutes.
23. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed.
24. Ladle into bowls.
25. Top with Parmesan cheese if desired.
26. Serve warm and enjoy.