Indulge in a Bowl of Keto Comfort: Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
This creamy keto jalapeno popper chicken soup is just a great blend of zesty, creamy rich deliciousness, you’re gonna want to try. This one has bold flavors, combined with the reassuring warmth of a winter soup – perfect for a cold winter’s lunch.
Even better, this is a great, keto friendly dish!
This one’s packed with lots of keto friendly fats, a good amount of protein to keep you full, and tons of flavor. It’s pretty easy to make, assuming you have some shredded chicken already (roast chicken leftovers perhaps) -takes about 40 minutes total. If you’re after a cozy dinner, then this one’s for you.
What Makes a Great Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
Our Keto Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is inspired by the classic flavors of jalapeño poppers, a favorite appetizer turned into a great filling meal. This recipe is all about proving that even the most indulgent flavors can be enjoyed while sticking to a low-carb lifestyle.
A key ingredient in this soup is cream cheese, a keto-friendly staple that adds a luxurious creaminess and helps to thicken the soup without the need for flour or cornstarch. It’s a fantastic source of fat and provides a smooth texture that’s essential for a proper popper experience assuming you blend everything up well.
Another star of the show is sharp cheddar cheese, which not only contributes to the rich flavors but also gives a boost of fat and protein.
Lastly, the jalapeños themselves are a great addition to a keto diet. They’re low in carbs but high in flavor, with a kick of heat that can help boost your metabolism. Plus, they add a pop of color and some zing to your meal.
Mastering the Method: Tips for the Perfect Keto Soup
Creating the perfect Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup is about understanding the nuances of cooking to enhance flavors and textures. It’s little things, but they really take it to the next level. When sautéing your onions and garlic, be sure to cook them until they’re just translucent. This ensures they release their natural sugars, adding a subtle sweetness that balances the heat from the jalapeños, don’t be tempted to rush things, you’ll just get crisp onions in the soup which puree into grainy bits. AFor the jalapeños, cooking them for a couple of minutes helps to mellow their spiciness while still imparting a robust flavor.
As you incorporate the cream cheese, do so gradually and whisk constantly to avoid lumps. This step is crucial for achieving that silky-smooth consistency we’re aiming for, take your time and whisk in slowly. If you find your soup is too thick, thin it with a little extra chicken broth or water.
Finally, when adding the shredded chicken and cheddar cheese, do it over low heat to prevent the cheese from separating and to make sure the chicken remains tender. Patience is key here; let the cheese melt slowly into the soup for that perfect creamy finish, don’t be tempted to boil it hard or rush any of the steps – it won’t be forginving.
Variations to Spice Up Your Keto Soup
Bacon Lover’s Dream
For an extra layer of flavor and texture, try adding crispy bacon bits to your soup. The bacon adds a smoky depth, and introduces a nice crunch that contrasts nicelywith the creamy base. Fry up a few slices, crumble them, and sprinkle on top just before serving.
Vegetable Medley
If you’re looking to increase your veggie intake, consider adding a mix of low-carb vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
Seafood Twist
For a pescatarian-friendly version, replace the chicken with shrimp or chunks of firm white fish. Seafood pairs well with the creamy and spicy elements of the soup, as a lighter but equally protein-packed alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions and answers to help you perfect your Keto Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup:
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Combine all ingredients except for the cheese in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the cheese until melted just before serving.
How can I thicken the soup without adding carbs?
Try using a small amount of xanthan gum to thicken the soup without adding carbs. Start with 1/4 teaspoon and increase as needed, NO MORE! Be careful with this one as too much can turn your lovely soup into a gluey mess.
Is this soup spicy?
The soup has a mild to moderate heat level, but you can adjust the number of jalapeños to suit your preference, go crazy!.
Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, this soup freezes well. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What can I serve with this soup?
While the soup is a meal in itself, you can serve it with a side of keto-friendly bread or a crisp green salad for added variety.
Keto Creamy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Soup
Equipment
- Large pot
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 4 cups Chicken broth, low sodium
- 1.5 pounds Chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 8 ounces Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Heavy whipping cream
- 3 medium Jalapeños, diced
- 1 cup Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 small Onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the diced jalapeños and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Sprinkle in the ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, stirring well to coat the vegetables in the spices.
- Slowly add the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
- Gradually whisk in the softened cream cheese until it's fully incorporated and the soup is smooth.
- Stir in the heavy whipping cream and continue to cook on low heat for 10 minutes, ensuring the soup does not come to a boil.
- Add the shredded chicken and cheddar cheese to the pot, stirring until the cheese is melted and the chicken is heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of sour cream if desired.