{"id":4786,"date":"2019-11-11T17:34:43","date_gmt":"2019-11-11T17:34:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.culinarylion.com\/?p=4786"},"modified":"2022-09-12T04:12:19","modified_gmt":"2022-09-12T04:12:19","slug":"chicken-jalapeno-popper-soup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.culinarylion.com\/chicken-jalapeno-popper-soup\/","title":{"rendered":"Keto Chicken Jalape\u00f1o Popper Soup"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

This Jalape\u00f1o Popper Soup is keto, creamy, and packed with all the best flavors of classic Jalape\u00f1o Poppers. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This soup is truly the best of both worlds; whether you enjoy it as a main dish or appetizer, this jalape\u00f1o popper soup comes together in less than 1 hour thanks to the Instant Pot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sweater weather is around the corner and this Keto Chicken Jalape\u00f1o Popper Soup<\/strong> is the perfect keto-friendly recipe for Fall, cool days or nights, and all the soup lovers in your life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"chicken-jalapeno-popper-soup-thumbnail\"<\/figure>\n\n\nJump to Recipe<\/a>\n\n\n

Easy Jalape\u00f1o Popper Soup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Jalape\u00f1o Poppers are a classic fried bar snack that I absolutly love but deeply missed when following the keto diet. Crispy breaded or battered jalape\u00f1os stuffed with a variety of cheeses and meats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is a Jalapeno Popper made of?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A traditional jalapeno popper is something you've probably enjoyed at a local bar or pub or during football season as it makes the perfect game-day snack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The creamy and dreamy stuffing is normally cream cheese with a mix of other cheeses like cheddar and Monterey Jack mixed in. When it comes to the protein or the added crunch, I\u2019ve seen everything from chorizo to bacon but, when it comes to jalapeno soup, chicken seems to be most commonly used. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"overhead<\/figure>\n\n\nPrint Recipe<\/a>\n\n\n

Jalape\u00f1o Popper Soup Ingredients<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Chicken: <\/strong>For this recipe, I used 2\u00a0lbs\u00a0of boneless skinless chicken thighs. If you aren't a fan of thighs, you can also make this same recipe with boneless skinless chicken breast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jalapenos:<\/strong> To make jalapeno popper soup, you are going to need 4\u00a0sliced jalape\u00f1os. I find that 4 peppers will give you a great taste without being overwhelming. However, if you are looking to turn up the heat you can add more or make sure you leave some seeds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dairy:<\/strong> The base of this creamy soup is 2\u00a0cups\u00a0of heavy cream, 8\u00a0oz\u00a0of cream cheese, and 1\u00a0cup\u00a0of cheddar cheese. Using cream cheese and cheddar as the rich and creamy base will give you a thickener soup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soup Base:<\/strong> Other ingredients needed to form the soup base and bold flavor include 2\u00a0tbsp of\u00a0butter, 2 tsp\u00a0of tabasco sauce<\/a>, 2\u00a0tsp of\u00a0real salt<\/a>, and 1\u00a0tsp\u00a0of xanthan gum<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vegetables:<\/strong> Create balance in your soup by adding \u00bc\u00a0cup\u00a0of sliced scallions, \u00bd\u00a0cup of diced white onion, and \u00bc\u00a0cup\u00a0of chopped cilantro.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Broth: <\/strong>Every soup needs a tasty brothy base. To achieve that, you are going to need 4\u00a0cups\u00a0of chicken bone broth<\/a>. Now, I like using bone broth, but you can also use chicken stock or checking broth; whatever you prefer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Make Jalape\u00f1o Popper Soup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Saute.<\/strong> Using saut\u00e9 setting on the instant pot cook diced onions and jalape\u00f1o until softened then add whole chicken thighs and brown on both sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cook and shred chicken.<\/strong> And chicken broth and cream then put on the lid and set for 10 minutes on the poultry setting. As soon as the timer goes off quick release the steam so the Chicken\u00a0does not\u00a0overcook. Remove the chicken and shred.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whisk ingredients.<\/strong> Once you have released the pressure the default setting of the instant pot is \"keep warm\" which is the perfect temperature for adding the cream cheese. Whisk until smooth. Then add salt, hot sauce, and shredded cheddar cheese. Next whisk in the Xanthan gum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stir and combine.<\/strong> Finally, add the scallions and chopped cilantro along with shredded chicken. Stir to combine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tasty Toppings <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Looking to elevate your jalapeno popper soup? Consider adding sliced avocado, crushed keto tortilla chips, a dollop of sour cream, a lime wedge, fresh lime juice, and\/or some chopped crispy bacon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If vegetables are more your style, consider adding some sliced or chopped mushrooms into the soup and add a sprinkle of them to the top before serving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to serve with Jalapeno Soup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are serving up your soup as an appetizer or main meal, you can pair it with a fresh green salad or a wedge of keto bread, or a handful of keto crackers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What type of chicken should you use?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Boneless skinless chicken thighs cooked in the instant pot shred easily and add great texture to the recipe. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can also use chicken breasts if you prefer but I find that as they cook they shred they can be a bit dry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Thighs are almost always my go-to chicken for soups and casseroles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Instant<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Can I make this jalape\u00f1o popper soup without an Instant Pot?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Of course, you can! I recommend one of two methods if you don\u2019t have an Instant Pot<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first is to use a CrockPot<\/a>. The recipe will take closer to 4-5 hours but if time isn\u2019t an issue then slow cooking is a fantastic cooking option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The second method I would recommend would be an Enameled Cast Iron<\/a> or a Dutch oven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Long before the convenience of modern appliances, people actually had to stand over a pot for hours at a time stirring and watching the temperature so as not to burn their soup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preparing this recipe using a classic method does give you the most control in cooking your soup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"chicken<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Instant Pot or Dutch Oven?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I recommend using the Instant Pot or a traditional Dutch oven over a Crock Pot for one main reason. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Searing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though the CrockPot is without a doubt one of the easiest cooking methods, being able to saut\u00e9 the onions and jalape\u00f1o and then browning the chicken gives the final dish a far superior flavor and mouthfeel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you caramelize the onions and jalapenos and then sear the chicken you really elevate the flavors in these ingredients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you love your InstaPot as much as I do, make sure to check out another great recipe - Chipotle BBQ Chicken w\/ Bleu Cheese Coleslaw<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Spoonful<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

How hot is a Jalapeno Popper?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

A jalapeno popper is designed and made to be spicy. However, the heat of the pepper gets reduced by the cheesy filling and tasty toppings!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the difference between Jalapeno Peppers and Serrano Peppers?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Although similar, jalapeno peppers and serrano peppers are different! Before you go grocery shopping and grab items off the shelf, let's make sure you have the right pepper!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jalapeno peppers are short and stout. They tend to be fatter than a serrano pepper and slightly darker.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serrano peppers are also hot green peppers, but they are longer in size and skinnier than a jalapeno.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biggest thing to note here is that Serrano peppers are roughly 5x spicier than jalapenos so, substitute with caution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Store Leftover Jalapeno Popper Soup<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your leftover soup will make for a great leftover meal for about 7 days or 1 week after you make it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Truthfully, I really enjoy having this soup as a leftover because I find that after the soup sits for a couple of days, the flavors marinate together nicely and taste even better!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can leftover soup be put in the freezer?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Yes, if you'd like to make the soup and store it in smaller containers to pull out as needed, that will work just fine after it has been fully cooked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are looking to enjoy your frozen leftover soup, I recommend defrosting it overnight in the fridge and reheating it in a saucepan. If you don't have a saucepan or don't have access to one, you can also reheat in the microwave if you are in a pinch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More Low Carb Recipes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n