Looking for a flavor-packed, warming soup that satisfies both your taste buds and your cravings for spice? The Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup is a must-try! This zesty, smoky, and slightly creamy soup brings together the heat of poblano and jalapeño peppers, the richness of shredded chicken, and the heartiness of tomatillos and broth for a bowl of pure comfort.
Whether you’re a fan of Chopt Creative Salad Co. or just love spicy chicken soup, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this popular dish. From its unique flavors and ingredients to a step-by-step cooking guide and expert tips, this article has got you covered. Plus, we’ll explore variations to suit different diets, pro cooking hacks, and FAQs to ensure you get the best results every time.
Let’s start by diving into what makes this soup so special and why it has gained a loyal following among spicy food lovers.
Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup
What Is Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup?
If you’ve ever stepped into Chopt Creative Salad Co., you know they’re all about fresh ingredients and bold flavors. But it’s not just about salads—their soups, particularly the Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup, have gained cult-favorite status for good reason.
This soup is a rich and smoky blend of:
🔥 Shredded chicken – Tender, juicy, and packed with protein.
🔥 Roasted poblano & jalapeño peppers – Delivering a perfect balance of heat and smokiness.
🔥 Tomatillos & spices – Adding a tangy depth of flavor.
🔥 Creamy broth – Slightly thickened for a smooth, velvety texture.
Unlike traditional chicken soup, this one brings a Southwest-inspired kick that warms you from the inside out.
Why This Soup Stands Out
So, what makes Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup so special? It’s not just another spicy chicken soup—it’s a perfect blend of spice, smokiness, and creaminess, creating an irresistibly bold flavor that keeps people coming back.
✅ Perfectly balanced heat – Not too overwhelming, just enough to keep it exciting.
✅ Protein-packed & satisfying – Ideal for a hearty, filling meal.
✅ Rich, velvety texture – Thanks to the tomatillos and lightly thickened broth.
✅ Easy to customize – Works with rice, low-carb options, or extra spice.
The Popularity of Spicy Soups
Spicy soups are more than just a cold-weather comfort food—they have real health benefits too! Capsaicin, the compound in spicy peppers, can:
🔥 Boost metabolism and aid digestion.
🔥 Help clear sinuses and ease congestion.
🔥 Support immune health with its anti-inflammatory properties.
It’s no wonder why the Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup is a go-to for people who love bold flavors and nutritious meals.
Health Benefits of Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken
One of the key ingredients in Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup is shredded chicken, a lean and protein-rich food that offers many health benefits.
✅ High in Protein – Chicken breast is a great muscle-building protein source, keeping you full for longer.
✅ Supports Immunity – It contains essential amino acids, zinc, and B vitamins, which help boost the immune system.
✅ Low in Fat – Compared to red meat, chicken is lower in saturated fats, making it a heart-friendly option.
Since Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup includes shredded chicken simmered in a flavorful broth, it’s a nutrient-dense yet light meal, perfect for any season.
Why Spicy Ingredients Are Good for You
The poblano and jalapeño peppers in Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup add more than just heat—they come packed with health benefits.
🔥 Boosts Metabolism – Capsaicin, found in spicy peppers, helps speed up calorie burning.
🔥 Clears Congestion – Ever noticed how spicy foods clear your sinuses? That’s capsaicin at work!
🔥 Anti-Inflammatory Properties – Spices like cumin and paprika help reduce inflammation, supporting overall health.
Eating spicy soups can also promote better digestion and gut health. The combination of spices, broth, and fresh ingredients makes this soup a great choice for people looking for both comfort and wellness.
How This Soup Supports Digestion and Metabolism
The broth in Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup plays a big role in keeping your digestive system healthy.
🥣 Hydration & Gut Health – Warm broth keeps you hydrated while providing gelatin and amino acids that support gut lining.
🥣 Eases Digestion – Ingredients like garlic and onions have prebiotic properties, promoting good gut bacteria.
🥣 Speeds Up Metabolism – The spice blend in this soup naturally increases calorie burn, making it an ideal meal for those watching their weight.
A Perfect Low-Calorie & High-Protein Meal
If you’re looking for a nutritious yet satisfying meal, Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup checks all the boxes.
🥄 Low in Calories – Without heavy creams or fats, this soup is light but filling.
🥄 Packed with Protein – The shredded chicken keeps you full and energized.
🥄 Balanced Macros – With a mix of lean protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and healthy spices, this soup is a great all-in-one meal.
Next, let’s break down the essential ingredients and the tools you need to make this delicious soup at home!
Essential Ingredients and Tools
Key Ingredients for Authentic Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup
To recreate the bold, smoky flavors of Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup, you’ll need:
🔥 Chicken Breast – Lean, protein-packed, and shreds beautifully.
🔥 Poblano & Jalapeño Peppers – For smokiness and a touch of heat.
🔥 Tomatillos – Adding a slight tang and rich depth to the broth.
🔥 Onions & Garlic – The flavor foundation of the soup.
🔥 Chicken Broth – Enhances the richness and umami of the dish.
🔥 Cumin, Smoked Paprika & Oregano – Creating a perfectly spiced broth.
🔥 Lime Juice & Fresh Cilantro – Brightens up the flavors with freshness and acidity.
Want a heartier version? Add rice or black beans to make it even more filling!
Choosing the Right Spices & Seasonings
The spice blend is what makes this soup stand out. Here’s why each spice matters:
🌶 Cumin – Adds earthiness and warmth.
🌶 Smoked Paprika – Gives the broth a deep, smoky aroma.
🌶 Oregano – Balances the flavors with a mild herbal touch.
🌶 Salt & Pepper – Brings out the best in every ingredient.
Kitchen Tools Needed
Before you start, make sure you have the right tools:
🔪 Cutting Board & Sharp Knife – For chopping vegetables and shredding chicken.
🥣 Large Stockpot – Helps blend flavors while simmering the broth.
🫗 Ladle & Strainer – For serving and straining if needed.
🔄 Blender (Optional) – If you prefer a smooth, velvety soup.
With these ingredients and tools ready, you’re set to make a restaurant-quality Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup at home!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup
Now that we’ve covered the ingredients and benefits, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup at home.
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
Before cooking, gather and prep all your ingredients. This makes the process smooth and efficient.
- Chop the vegetables – Dice onions, garlic, jalapeños, and poblanos for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the chicken – If using raw chicken breast, season lightly with salt, pepper, and cumin. If using pre-cooked shredded chicken, set it aside.
- Roast the peppers (optional) – For extra smokiness, roast poblanos over an open flame until charred, then peel and chop.
- Measure out spices and liquids – Having broth, lime juice, and spices ready will speed up the cooking process.
Step 2: Cooking the Chicken and Vegetables
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large stockpot over medium heat.
- Add diced onions and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant.
- Stir in the jalapeños, poblanos, and tomatillos, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add the seasoned chicken breasts and pour in 6 cups of chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 3: Blending the Soup for Texture (Optional)
For a creamy, restaurant-style finish, try blending a portion of the soup:
- Use an immersion blender to puree part of the broth while keeping some chunky texture.
- Alternatively, transfer two cups of the soup to a blender, puree until smooth, and mix it back in.
Step 4: Adding Final Touches & Serving
- Remove the chicken, shred it with forks, then return it to the soup.
- Stir in fresh lime juice and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with chopped cilantro, avocado slices, or a drizzle of sour cream.
- Serve hot with tortilla strips or warm crusty bread.
With these easy steps, your homemade Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup is ready to enjoy!
Variations of Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup
One of the best things about Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup is how customizable it is. Whether you want a heartier, spicier, or creamier version, here are some delicious twists!
Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup with Rice
If you want a more filling meal, try adding rice:
- Stir in ½ cup of cooked white or brown rice after shredding the chicken.
- For extra flavor, cook the rice separately in chicken broth and lime juice before mixing it in.
- Want a low-carb alternative? Swap in cauliflower rice instead!
Low-Carb Version
To make a keto-friendly or paleo version, simply:
- Skip the tomatillos and rice.
- Add extra veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Increase the chicken-to-broth ratio for a more protein-packed soup.
Extra Spicy Version
Love heat? Take the spice level up a notch by:
🔥 Adding an extra jalapeño or a habanero for an intense kick.
🔥 Stirring in ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
🔥 Garnishing with sliced serrano peppers for a fiery finish.
Creamy Version
For a richer and silkier texture, try these options:
🥣 Blend in ½ cup of coconut milk for a Thai-inspired twist.
🥣 Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
🥣 Top with shredded cheese and tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex feel.
No matter which variation you choose, Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup remains delicious, satisfying, and packed with bold flavors.
Common Mistakes and Pro Tips
Even though Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup is a straightforward dish, a few common mistakes can affect its flavor, texture, and overall balance. Here’s how to avoid them and make the best version of this soup every time.
Overcooking the Chicken
One of the biggest mistakes is overcooking the chicken, making it tough and dry. Since chicken breast cooks quickly, simmering it for too long can ruin its texture.
✅ Fix: Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), then remove and shred it before adding it back to the soup.
Not Adjusting the Spice Level
Since everyone’s spice tolerance is different, adding too many jalapeños or poblanos can make the soup too intense for some people.
✅ Fix: Start with less spice, then add more gradually. You can also offer hot sauce or chili flakes on the side for extra heat.
Choosing the Wrong Broth
A weak broth leads to a bland soup, while an overly salty broth can overpower the other flavors.
✅ Fix: Use homemade chicken broth or a high-quality store-bought one. If using store-bought, opt for low-sodium broth and season the soup yourself.
Pro Tips for Enhancing Flavor
🔥 Roast the poblanos for a smokier, deeper flavor.
🔥 Add lime juice at the end to brighten up the soup.
🔥 Let the soup sit for 10 minutes before serving—this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
By avoiding these mistakes and following these pro tips, your Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup will always be flavorful, well-balanced, and absolutely delicious!
FAQs – Answering People Also Ask
People often have questions about making Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup, especially when it comes to customization and storage. Here are the top FAQs, along with expert answers to help you perfect your soup.
1. What makes Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup different from regular chicken soup?
The bold flavors and spicy kick set this soup apart from traditional chicken soups. The combination of jalapeños, poblanos, tomatillos, and smoky spices gives it a Southwest-inspired twist, making it heartier and more flavorful than classic chicken noodle soup.
2. Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?
Absolutely! Both methods work well for this recipe:
- Instant Pot: Use the sauté function to cook the aromatics, then add the broth and chicken. Pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, then do a natural release for 5 minutes before shredding the chicken.
- Slow Cooker: Add all ingredients except lime juice and cilantro. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Shred the chicken before serving.
3. How do I store and reheat Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup?
This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day!
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months. For best results, freeze without lime juice and cilantro—add them fresh when reheating.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
4. What are the best toppings for this soup?
Toppings take this soup to the next level! Some great options include:
🥑 Avocado slices – For creaminess.
🧀 Shredded cheese – A Tex-Mex twist.
🌿 Fresh cilantro – Enhances freshness.
🥄 Sour cream or Greek yogurt – Adds richness.
🌶 Extra jalapeños – For more spice.
With these tips and answers, you’ll be able to make Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup just the way you like it!
Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup
Equipment
- Large pot
- Wooden spoon
- Ladle
- Knife (notes: for chopping vegetables)
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1 Onion notes: chopped
- 2 cloves Garlic notes: minced
- 1 Jalapeño notes: diced, seeds removed for less heat
- 1 Red bell pepper notes: diced
- 1 tsp Ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp Smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Chili powder
- 6 cups Chicken broth
- 2 cups Cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup Canned fire-roasted tomatoes notes: diced
- 1 cup Corn kernels notes: fresh or frozen
- 1/2 cup Black beans notes: drained and rinsed
- Salt notes: to taste
- Black pepper notes: to taste
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro notes: chopped, for garnish
- 1 Lime notes: cut into wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, jalapeño, and red bell pepper, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken, fire-roasted tomatoes, corn, and black beans.
- Bring to a simmer and let cook for 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
Notes
Conclusion – Why You Should Try This Recipe
The Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup is more than just a comforting meal—it’s a bold, flavorful, and nourishing dish that delivers both warmth and satisfaction. Whether you love spicy food, crave a protein-packed soup, or simply want to try something new, this recipe is a must-make!
What makes this soup truly special is its unique blend of ingredients. The combination of roasted poblanos, jalapeños, shredded chicken, tomatillos, and warming spices creates a perfect balance of heat, smokiness, and freshness. Plus, with so many easy variations, you can customize it to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
Beyond flavor, Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup is a nutrient-dense meal that supports digestion, boosts metabolism, and provides long-lasting energy. It’s great for meal prep, stores well in the fridge or freezer, and can be reheated whenever you need a quick and healthy meal.
So, why not give it a try? Grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and enjoy a steaming bowl of spicy, zesty goodness. One taste, and you’ll see why this soup has become a fan favorite!
Try the Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup Recipe Today!
Now that you have the complete guide to making Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup, it’s time to bring this delicious recipe to life in your kitchen! Whether you stick to the classic version or experiment with different variations, you’re in for a flavor-packed experience.
For the ultimate experience, pair your soup with:
🍞 Warm cornbread or crusty bread for dipping.
🥑 Fresh avocado slices for extra creaminess.
🌿 Chopped cilantro and lime to enhance freshness.
🧀 A sprinkle of shredded cheese for a Tex-Mex twist.
The best part? This soup is super easy to make and perfect for meal prepping. Store leftovers for a quick, protein-rich meal during busy days.
Looking for more delicious and wholesome recipes? Check out other spicy soup ideas to expand your cooking skills and enjoy even more warming, satisfying dishes.
Now, it’s time to get cooking! Try this recipe today and savor the bold, smoky, and spicy flavors of Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup. Let us know how it turns out!
This Chopt Spicy Chicken Soup recipe sounds like the perfect mix of heat and comfort! I love the combination of smoky poblanos, shredded chicken, and bold spices—definitely a must-try for spicy food lovers. Can’t wait to make a big batch for meal prep!