Two weeks ago I was saying how amazing the weather is and how much I was enjoying recess duty because I had gone out two days in a row with short sleeves and no jacket. I left for the weekend smiling but then I heard about Hurricane Sandy. Now I live in Western Maryland and figured that while we would get some rain, it wouldn't be enough for us to have any problems.
It turns out I was right and wrong. We didn't end up getting too much rain because I live in the mountains and instead we got 6 incredibly heavy and wet inches of snow! I was surprised that we received snow instead of rain but it was enough that we were cancelled for several days due to the snow and power outages in the area. Thankfully we kept our power on throughout the week.
Since I was off for several days, and it was very cold, it was the perfect time to make my soup for this weeks #SundaySupper. This week our theme was to make a Soul Warming Food. Nothing warms me up from the inside like a thick and creamy soup.
I decided to make a jalapeno popper chicken chili. When my husband heard what I was making he was pretty excited as jalapeno poppers are one of his favorite. I like that the soup is fairly light until the cream cheese is added at the end to make it creamy. I used light cream cheese which tasted amazing and really added a creamy texture to the soup.
This was the perfect snowy weather soup. It was spicy, flavorful, and filling. Paired with a loaf of fresh crusty bread this was all we needed for a complete meal. The soup itself has both chicken and vegetables in it. The soup was hearty and warmed us up after a day of shoveling.
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili (a Hezzi-D Original recipe)
1 T. olive oil
1 small onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
4 jalapeno peppers, diced, seeds removed
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 t. sea salt
1 t. fresh ground mixed peppers (or black pepper)
1 lb. chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 t. Penzey's Arizona Dream spice (or chile powder)
1 T. ground cumin
1 t. paprika
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes in juice
1 ½ c. chicken broth
2 c. cannellini beans
2 c. corn
8 oz. cream cheese (I used ⅓ less fat)
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
¼ c. sharp cheddar cheese
1. In a large saucepan heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in the onion, red pepper, jalapeno pepper, and garlic and saute for 5-7 minutes or until soft.
2. Sprinkle the chicken with the salt and pepper. Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add in the chicken. Lightly brown the chicken on all sides.
3. Add in the Arizona Dream, cumin, and paprika. Stir to combine the spices with the chicken and vegetables.
4. Stir in the tomatoes, chicken broth, cannellini beans, and corn. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
5. Add in the cream cheese and stir until it is completely melted, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
6. Ladle the soup into a bowl and top with crumbled bacon and cheese.
More Recipes to Warm You Up:
- Chicken with Herbed Dumplings – Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
- Beer-Braised Beef – Sustainable Dad
- Brunswick Stew and Rice – Big Bear’s Wife
- Canadian Beer Cheese Soup – Juanita’s Cocina
- Seafood Chowder – Noshing with the Nolands
Stacy
I just wanted to let you know that I made this tonight and it is absolutely wonderful! This is also the recipe I have chosen to make for this week's Sunday Supper Happy Birthday post. I hope that is okay.
Best regards,
Stacy
Anne @ Webicurean
I could go for a bowl of that right now! I'll be the addition of cream cheese makes all the difference!
Cindys Recipes and Writings
I like the added cream cheese in it! Great idea!
The Wimpy Vegetarian
Your snow looks beautiful - and I'm glad to hear you kept power through the week. I love how your soup looks and sounds. It's the perfect dish for a snowy day. I've never put cream cheese in a soup, but it sounds just wonderful! We love spicy foods, and I'm definitely making this one when we head back up to the mountains!
Soni
I saw how Western Maryland was covered in snow on TV and totally agree with the idea of this soup to warm you up 🙂 It looks and sounds fantastic!!Bookmarked 🙂
Jennie @themessybakerblog
I live in the eastern part of Maryland. We were pounded by wind and rain, but no real damage. Thank goodness. I heard western MD got slammed with snow. I hope you're warm and toasty and not without electric.
This chili looks wicked delicious. My husband is going to love it.
CrispyBitsnBurntEnds
I use Penzey's spices too. love their products. I'm sorry you got snow but I'm gald you got a few days off. It's a tradeoff I suppose. Your chili looks fantastic. I love the addition of cream cheese. I bet it made it extra flavourful and creamy!
Amy Kim (@kimchi_mom)
This sounds heavenly! Love peppers and heat!
Thank goodness, you survived Sandy! We are still without power here in NJ, but are hopeful to get it back tomorrow!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes, and Desserts
Glad that you guys are safe, and kept your power! Can't imagine how bad it is out there 🙁
This chili looks incredible, my hubby will love it!
Nancy @ gottagetbaked
I'm glad you're all right! All that snow is crazy - good thing you had this delicious chili to keep you warm.
pippisinthekitchenagain
This sounds wonderful! I can't wait to try it. Thanks for sharing. And good luck with all the snow!
german in pdx
I am glad to hear that you are okay, and did not loose power. - Your soup looks delicious and warming. Thank you for sharing!
Karen Hartzell (@InTheKitchenKP)
Glad you didn't lose power and could share this great recipe! 🙂
Stay warm!
Jen @JuanitasCocina
I've been waiting for this dish ever since I saw your title! This does not disappoint! YUMMY!
Tara
Mu hubby would love this recipe. I will have to make it for him. Thanks for sharing on #SundaySupper!
Katy
The warmth of jalapenos plus the comfort of the cream equals the perfect warming dish! Wonderful!
Tammi @ Momma's Meals
This looks great! Love the bacon on top too!! Thanks for sharing this is sure to warm anyone's soul!
Family Foodie
What a fun recipe! I love that you shared this during #SundaySupper
Lane
Oh my gosh! Must make ASAP. Love love love
martindredmond
This looks amazing. I like that you've got chicken in it. Hmmm...we grow jalapenos and just gave away a bag to our neighbor yesterday. We'll have to keep the next batch and make this!
Susan
A little to spicy for my palate, but my husband would love this. Me and jalapenos just aren't friends. 🙂 Thanks for joining us this week!