Looking for a delicious, creamy, and hearty soup that will leave everyone asking for seconds? Meet Crack Chicken Soup—a comfort food classic that’s rich in flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for any occasion. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, cream cheese, and a medley of spices, this soup delivers a burst of savory goodness in every bite.
Why You’ll Love Crack Chicken Soup
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by kids and adults alike.
- Low-Carb Friendly: Perfect for those following a keto diet or looking for a low-carb meal.
- Versatile: Can be customized with your favorite veggies or toppings.
Ingredients
To make this delicious soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: 2-3, cooked and shredded.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups, for the soup base.
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup, for added creaminess.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded.
- Bacon: 6 slices, cooked and crumbled.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: 2 tbsp.
- Garlic Powder: 1 tsp.
- Onion Powder: 1 tsp.
- Green Onions: ¼ cup, chopped (optional, for garnish).
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside. Crumble once cooled.
- Prepare the Base: In the same pot, add chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil.
- Add the Cream Cheese: Whisk in the cream cheese until fully melted and combined, creating a creamy base.
- Incorporate the Chicken: Add shredded chicken to the pot, followed by heavy cream, cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add Bacon: Stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with green onions and extra bacon bits.
Tips for Perfect Crack Chicken Soup
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Go Green: Add chopped spinach, kale, or broccoli for extra nutrients.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a kick.
- Serve with Bread: Pair with crusty bread or low-carb biscuits for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 6g
- Fat: 30g
Why Crack Chicken Soup is a Must-Try
This soup is a one-pot wonder that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of irresistible flavors. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, Crack Chicken Soup is a recipe that promises satisfaction in every bowl.
Ready to Make It?
Warm up your kitchen and your soul with this ultimate comfort food. Crack Chicken Soup is sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation! Don’t forget to share your creation and tag us on social media.
Serving and Storage Tips for Crack Chicken Soup
Serving Suggestions
- Toppings Galore: Add a personal touch to each bowl with toppings like crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Side Pairings: Serve alongside:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Low-Carb Bread or Crackers: For a keto-friendly option.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad balances the rich flavors of the soup.
- Family-Style Dining: Serve the soup in a large pot at the table and let everyone customize their bowls.
Storage Tips
Refrigeration:
- How to Store: Allow the soup to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container.
- Shelf Life: Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Best Practice: To freeze, let the soup cool completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion.
- Shelf Life: Freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- Stovetop: Reheat on low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the soup doesn’t separate.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute increments, stirring between each until warmed through.
- Add Liquids if Needed: If the soup thickens in the fridge or freezer, add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream during reheating to restore its creamy texture.
Pro Tips for Storage Success
- Separate Bacon and Toppings: Keep crispy toppings like bacon or croutons separate and add them fresh when serving.
- Freeze in Portions: For easier reheating, freeze the soup in individual portions for quick grab-and-go meals.
With these serving and storage tips, your Crack Chicken Soup will taste just as delicious the next day—or even weeks later!
1. Can I make Crack Chicken Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Add all the ingredients except for the bacon, heavy cream, and shredded cheese to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Once the chicken is tender, shred it, then stir in the cream, cheese, and cooked bacon before serving.
2. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option as they are more tender and flavorful. You can use boneless, skinless thighs and cook them the same way as chicken breasts.
3. Is there a dairy-free version of Crack Chicken Soup?
Yes! Substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free alternative (like cashew cream or vegan cream cheese) and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace the cheddar with a dairy-free shredded cheese option. The flavors will remain rich and satisfying.
4. How can I thicken or thin the soup?
To thicken the soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the soup, letting it simmer for a few minutes. To thin it, simply add more chicken broth or heavy cream until you reach your desired consistency.
Crack Chicken Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken soup is loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a hint of ranch seasoning. It’s a one-pot meal that’s both comforting and addictive, hence the name “crack” chicken soup!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk or heavy cream
- 2 cups (280 g) cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 cups (200 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 cups (150 g) frozen or fresh spinach (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Optional garnish:
- Chopped green onions or parsley
- Extra crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Sauté the aromatics:
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Add the broth and chicken:
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the shredded chicken and ranch seasoning mix.
- Incorporate the cream cheese:
- Add the cubed cream cheese to the pot. Stir frequently until it melts and the soup is smooth.
- Stir in the milk and cheese:
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the milk (or heavy cream) and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is creamy.
- Add bacon and spinach (optional):
- Stir in the crumbled bacon and spinach, if using. Let the soup simmer gently for 5-10 minutes to combine the flavors.
- Season and serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with black pepper (and salt, if needed). Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions or extra bacon crumbles.
Notes
- Vegetable options: Add diced carrots, celery, or peas for extra nutrition.
- Thickening tip: If you prefer a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water and stir it into the soup while simmering.
- Low-carb option: Skip the optional spinach and use heavy cream instead of milk for a keto-friendly version.
Enjoy!