Creamy white chicken chili gets a make over with spicy jalapenos, spices, cannelleni beans, cream cheese, and bacon on top for a delicious mash up of chicken chili and jalapeno poppers in one bowl! This recipe originally published in November 2012.
This has been a crazy weather year. In December it was warm almost the entire month. I'm talking it was warm enough that we were wearing hoodies outside and playing for hours everyday.
Then January hit and it's been below freezing just about every day. We've also gotten snow almost every weekend. That means I've been in the mood for soup. I was digging through my files when I came across my recipe for Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili.
I had forgotten about this recipe but it's always been one of my favorites. It's like a beefed up bowl of white chicken chili. The addition of jalapenos, cream cheese, and bacon make for an awesome bowl of Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili.
Ingredients:
- onion
- red bell pepper
- jalapeno peppers
- garlic cloves
- salt
- black pepper
- chicken breasts
- chile powder
- cumin
- paprika
- tomatoes
- chicken broth
- cannelleni beans
- corn
- cream cheese
- bacon
- cheddar cheese
This recipe is fairly easy to make and doesn't require a tons of hands on time. Basically you need to saute the vegetables, cook the chicken, then combine everything else together and let the soup simmer for 30 minutes.
At the very end you will stir in the cream cheese to make the soup creamy. Finally the soup gets topped off with crispy bacon and cheddar cheese.
Do I have to use fresh jalapenos?
No you don't. I've actually used ¼ cup of jarred jalapenos that I chop myself. Get the tamed ones if you don't want a ton of heat or the hot ones if you do!
How do I safely handle jalapenos?
Honestly I wear gloves because it's hard to get all the oils off of my hands. So put on glove, slice the jalapeno lengthwise, and scrape out all of the seeds. Cut the top off and discard. Chop the remaining jalapeno. When you are finished carefully take the gloves off without touching the outside and dispose of them. Wash your hands.
Can I use dried beans in this recipe?
Yes you can. However, if using dried beans make sure you soak them for 5-6 hours in cool water. Drain and then rinse them thoroughly before using in this recipe. You can also boil a pan of water and remove from the stove. Add the beans and cover with a lid for 1-2 hours. Rinse and use the beans.
Can I freeze this soup?
Unfortunately since it has cream cheese in it I would avoid freezing this soup in it's entirety. While you are actually able to, many cream or milk based soups either separate, become grainy, or become watery after they are frozen and the texture of the broth is no longer the same.
However, if you want to make this soup ahead of time, freeze, then serve you can simply leave out the cream cheese before freezing. Then you can heat the soup, add the cream cheese, and serve.
How do I store this soup?
You can store the leftovers in a container with a lid in the refrigerator. After cooking pour into a container and let cool a bit before covering and transferring to the refrigerator. Ideally you want to get it into the refrigerator within two hours of cooking the soup.
This Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili is a delicious and hearty soup. The addition of the corn and beans really help to make this soup filling.
When my husband heard I was making this soup again 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 a light cream cheese which tasted amazing and really added a creamy texture.
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 was hearty and warmed us up after a day of shoveling.
More Chicken Soup Recipes:
- Lemony Greek Chicken Soup
- Chicken Soba Noodle Soup
- Chicken Poblano Tortilla Soup
- Olive Garden Chicken and Gnocchi Soup
- Chicken Tortellini Soup
If you’ve tried my Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili or any other recipe on Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. I love hearing from you! You can FOLLOW ME on:
Jalapeno Popper Chicken Chili
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 jalapeno peppers, diced, seeds removed
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lb. chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 Tablespoon Penzey's Arizona Dream spice (or chile powder)
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon 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
Instructions
1. In a large saucepan heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2.. Add in the onion, red pepper, jalapeno pepper, and garlic and saute for 5-7 minutes or until soft.
3. Sprinkle the chicken with the salt and pepper.
4. Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add in the chicken. Lightly brown the chicken on all sides.
5. Add in the Arizona Dream, cumin, and paprika. Stir to combine the spices with the chicken and vegetables.
6. Stir in the tomatoes, chicken broth, cannellini beans, and corn. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
7. Add in the cream cheese and stir until it is completely melted, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
8. Ladle the soup into a bowl and top with crumbled bacon and cheese.
Notes
A Hezzi-D Original recipe
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Kathryn
This is such a great idea any time and I love the spiciness! So flavorful, easy and delicious!
Jolene
This is an awesome spin on chili, putting beans and bacon on my shopping list!
Terri Steffes
This calls my name~ I can see why it has so many pins! Yummy!
Radha
This sounds like heaven!Love the flavors and this is SO yum!
Lynn @ Fresh April Flours
I'm always looking for non-traditional chili recipes! This one sounds right up my alley!
Jennifer
Two of my favorite dishes combined. What could be bad about this recipe? NOTHING! Can't wait to give it a try.
Colleen - Faith, Hope, Love, & Luck
This is a new chili recipe I just have to try! A great twist!
Wendy Klik
Well this sounds absolutely delicious and I have a chili event coming up soon. I may switch out the recipe I was going to share. Thanks Heather.
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!