The Ultimate Smoky Jalapeno Popper Soup With Grilled Chicken Recipe

Comfort meets heat in this smoky jalapeño popper soup that promises a flavor explosion every spoon delivers.

Creamy textures blend with spicy kick, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Grilled chicken adds protein and depth to each delightful bite.

Southwest-inspired ingredients dance together, bringing complex notes of smokiness and zesty peppers.

Cheesy undertones weave through the soup, echoing classic jalapeño popper appetizers.

Perfectly balanced between creamy and bold, this recipe turns an ordinary meal into a culinary adventure.

Smoky Jalapeno Popper Soup with Grilled Chicken Goodness

• Spice Up Your Meal: This recipe delivers a flavor explosion with smoky, spicy, and tangy elements that dance together perfectly.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust the heat level of Bang Bang sauce to match your personal spice tolerance, making it adaptable for different palates.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Marinating and grilling happens fast, transforming simple chicken into a restaurant-quality dish without complex techniques.
• Texture Sensation: Crispy grilled exterior, juicy chicken inside, and crunchy garnish peanuts create an exciting mouthfeel that keeps every bite interesting.

Ingredients to Make Smoky Jalapeno Popper Soup

• Chicken Cubes: Succulent meat that serves as the main protein and absorbs the marinade flavors.

• Soy Sauce, Lime Juice: Provide tangy and savory base for the chicken marinade.
• Honey: Adds sweetness and helps caramelize the chicken during grilling.
• Garlic, Ginger: Contribute robust and aromatic flavor to the marinade.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a smoky depth to the chicken's overall taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the marinade's flavor profile.

• Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a sweet and slightly spicy element to the sauce.
• Sriracha: Provides additional heat and complexity.
• Rice Vinegar: Offers a tangy balance to the sauce.
• Honey: Brings subtle sweetness to the sauce.

• Cilantro, Scallions, Peanuts, Sesame Seeds: Add fresh herbs, crunch, and textural contrast to the final dish.

How to Prepare Jalapeno Popper Soup with Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Marinade

In a mixing bowl, blend soy sauce, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper into a vibrant marinade. Drop chicken cubes into the mixture, ensuring each piece gets fully coated.

Seal and park in the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes to let flavors dance and mingle.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Bang Bang Sauce

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Rice vinegar
• Honey

Mix until silky smooth.

Tweak spiciness and sweetness to your liking. Chill the sauce until showtime.

Step 3: Prepare Grill Station

Fire up the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Slide marinated chicken pieces onto pre-soaked skewers, leaving tiny gaps between chunks for even cooking magic.

Step 4: Sear Succulent Chicken

Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve gorgeous char marks. Verify chicken reaches 165F (74C) internal temperature for perfect doneness.

Step 5: Finish with Flavor Explosion

After grilling, either drizzle Bang Bang sauce over skewers or tumble skewers in sauce for complete coverage. Crown with chopped cilantro, scallions, crushed peanuts, or toasted sesame seeds for knockout crunch.

Tips to Balance Heat and Creaminess

• Let chicken soak in marinade for at least 30 minutes to infuse deep, rich flavors and tenderize the meat effectively.
• Soak wooden skewers in water for 30 minutes before grilling to stop them from catching fire during cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches exactly 165F (74C) for perfect safety and juiciness without overcooking.
• Adjust Bang Bang sauce by adding more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness based on personal preference.
• Keep grill at medium-high heat and turn skewers every few minutes to create beautiful char marks and even cooking throughout chicken pieces.

Variations to Customize the Soup

• Creamy Jalapeno Popper Fusion: Transform the soup by blending cream cheese into the base, creating a rich and velvety texture that mimics classic jalapeno poppers.
• Southwest Chicken Chowder: Incorporate black beans, corn, and diced green chilies to give the soup a hearty southwestern character with enhanced spice and depth.
• Mediterranean Chicken Soup: Replace traditional seasonings with oregano, lemon zest, and feta cheese, adding a bright Mediterranean flair to the original recipe.
• Coconut Curry Jalapeno Soup: Infuse the soup with coconut milk, red curry paste, and fresh ginger for an exotic and creamy Asian-inspired variation.

Pairing Ideas for Smoky Jalapeno Popper Soup

• Neutralize Spice with Creamy Beverage: Select a cold milk-based lassi or creamy horchata to balance the soup's jalapeno and smoky heat, providing a smooth counterpoint that softens the spiciness.
• Complement Soup's Flavor Profile: Choose a crisp Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Corona, which cuts through the richness while matching the soup's bold southwestern characteristics.
• Match Protein and Texture: Serve grilled chicken skewers alongside a zesty lime-infused margarita that echoes the marinade's citrus notes and enhances the overall dining experience.

Storage Tips to Keep Soup Fresh

Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Transfer soup to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.

Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are ideal. They absorb marinade well and grill evenly, ensuring tender and flavorful results.

• Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes, use a grill pan or broil in the oven. Ensure high heat and watch carefully to achieve similar charred effect and prevent drying out the chicken.

• How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The sauce has medium heat from sriracha. You can adjust spice level by reducing or increasing sriracha amount to suit your personal heat tolerance.

• Are there any gluten-free alternatives in the marinade?

Replace soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. These provide similar umami flavor while keeping the recipe gluten-free and maintaining the marinade’s overall taste profile.

Smoky Jalapeno Popper Soup With Grilled Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Smoky jalapeño popper soup delivers creamy comfort with a spicy kick. Grilled chicken and crispy bacon elevate this hearty dish, promising a delightful blend of flavors you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

Marinade Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• Wooden skewers
• Chopped fresh cilantro or scallions
• Chopped peanuts or toasted sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

1. Infuse the chicken with a robust marinade by whisking together soy sauce, lime juice, honey, garlic, ginger, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.
2. Submerge chicken cubes completely in the marinade, ensuring thorough coating, then seal and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes to enhance flavor penetration.
3. Create a zesty bang bang sauce by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey in a separate container, blending until smooth and adjusting seasonings to personal preference.
4. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, around 400-425F, preparing surface with light oil coating.
5. Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator and carefully thread cubes onto pre-soaked wooden skewers, maintaining slight gaps between pieces for uniform heat distribution.
6. Grill chicken skewers for 10-12 minutes, rotating periodically to achieve consistent charring and ensure internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.
7. Once fully cooked, transfer skewers to serving plate and generously drizzle or toss with prepared bang bang sauce for maximum flavor coverage.
8. Elevate presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped cilantro, scallions, and a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor absorption, ideally up to 2 hours for maximum taste infusion.
• Soak wooden skewers minimum 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling, preventing potential charring or flame incidents.
• Adjust Bang Bang sauce spice levels by increasing or decreasing sriracha and sweet chili sauce to match personal heat tolerance.
• Consider alternative protein options like tofu or shrimp for vegetarian or seafood variations, maintaining similar marinade techniques.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg