1jalapeno, finely chopped, seeds and membrane removed (this is important for flavor – but doesn’t add heat because the seeds and membranes are removed and it is cooked with the other veggies)
¼cupthinly sliced or cooked chopped ham
3clovesgarlic, minced
2 cans(14-ounces each)chicken broth
3tablespoonsflour
3earsfresh corn kernels or 1 1/2 cups frozen corn kernels
2largechicken breasts, cooked and shredded
4oz.softened cream cheese
1cupmilk
½teaspoonsalt
¼teaspoonpepper
1cupshredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Place olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Saute celery, bell pepper, onion and jalapeno until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and ham; cook for another 3 minutes.
Whisk the broth with the flour in a liquid measuring cup or bowl and then stir into the soup. Stir in the corn and chicken. Bring to a low boil and reduce heat.
Whisk together the cream cheese and milk in a large bowl until smooth (I had a difficult time getting my cream cheese to completely whisk into the milk so my soup had some minor small lumps but next time, I’ll soften the cream cheese until almost melted in the microwave).
Whisk the cream cheese/milk mixture into the soup along with the salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese. Simmer on low until ready to serve.