Simple and Tasty Crack Chicken Soup Recipe
Looking for a cozy, flavorful meal that’s easy to make and sure to impress? This Simple and Tasty Crack Chicken Soup Recipe is the ultimate comfort food! Packed with tender chicken, creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and savory seasonings, it’s a dish your whole family will love. Perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving something hearty and satisfying, this soup comes together quickly and is as easy as it is delicious. Once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
- 6 Slices Bacon (cooked and crumbled): Crispy bacon that adds a smoky, savory crunch to the soup. Save a little for topping!
- 1 lb Chicken Breasts (shredded, pre-cooked): Tender, shredded chicken for a hearty, protein-packed soup. Cook it yourself or use pre-cooked chicken to save time.
- 2 Tbsp Butter: A little butter to sauté the veggies and add a rich, creamy flavor.
- 1 Onion (diced): Brings a sweet, savory flavor that’s perfect for soups.
- 2 Ribs Celery (chopped): Adds a nice crunch and a mild, earthy taste.
- 2 Carrots (chopped): Sweet and colorful carrots give the soup a fresh, slightly sweet flavor.
- 4 Cloves Garlic (minced): Garlic adds a punch of bold, savory flavor to the broth.
- 6 Cups Chicken Broth: A light, flavorful base that ties everything together.
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream: Makes the soup smooth, creamy, and extra comforting.
- 1 (8 oz) Brick Cream Cheese (room temperature): Creamy and tangy, it melts right into the soup for a rich texture.
- ½ Cup Sour Cream: Adds a tangy kick that balances the creamy and cheesy flavors.
- 2 Cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded): Cheesy goodness that melts into the soup and makes it irresistible.
- 1 Packet Ranch Seasoning Mix: A simple way to add a zesty, herby flavor everyone loves.
- ½ Tsp Smoked Paprika: Just a hint of smoky spice to deepen the flavor.
- Ground Black Pepper (to taste): Adds a little heat and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1 (8 oz) Bag Spinach (chopped): Fresh spinach adds a pop of green and a healthy touch.
- Green Onion (chopped, for garnish): A fresh, slightly zesty topping that makes each bowl extra tasty.
Why This Soup Is a Family Favorite?
- Everyone Loves the Flavor: The creamy, cheesy broth with tender chicken and crispy bacon makes every spoonful irresistible.
- Quick and Easy to Make: I can have this soup ready in no time, which is perfect for our busy weeknights.
- Perfect for Sharing: It’s a hearty, comforting meal that brings everyone to the table, and there’s always plenty to go around.
HOW DO YOU PREPARE CREAMY CRACK CHICKEN SOUP?
Time needed: 45 minutes
- Poach the Chicken (If Needed) and Bacon:
Bring water or chicken broth to a gentle boil. Submerge the chicken breasts in the pot and bring the pot back to a gentle boil. Remove from the heat, cover, and let the breasts sit in the boiling liquid for 15–20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from the liquid, shred it with two forks, and set aside.
In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and crumble, reserving 1–2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot. - Sauté the Vegetables:
Add butter to the pot with the bacon grease. Sauté the onion, celery, and carrots over medium heat until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the Soup Base:
Add the softened cream cheese and sour cream, whisking until fully melted and smooth. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. - Add Spinach, Chicken, Bacon, Cream and Season:
Add the chopped spinach and cook for 3–5 minutes until wilted. Add the shredded chicken and crumbled bacon to the soup, reserving some bacon for garnish.
Stir in the heavy cream and ranch seasoning mix, combining well. Stir in the smoked paprika and season with black pepper to taste.
Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and evenly distributed in the soup - Simmer and Serve:
Let the soup simmer on low for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and reserved bacon for extra flavor. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and hearty soup with crusty bread or crackers for the perfect comforting meal!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred it up and add it to the soup.
You can make your own by mixing together garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, dill, and a bit of salt. It’ll still be delicious!
Yes, you can! Just add all the ingredients (except the cream cheese, sour cream, and spinach) to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, and spinach before serving.
The soup is ready when it’s hot, the cheese has melted, and everything is well combined. Just make sure to taste and adjust the seasonings before serving!
CREAMY RANCH CHICKEN SOUP RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon: I like to use turkey bacon for a leaner option while still keeping the smoky flavor.
- Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt: If I’m looking for a lighter option, I use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese—it still adds creaminess and a bit of tang.
- Try different cheeses: I’ve used mozzarella or pepper jack in place of cheddar for a different cheesy twist, and it turns out delicious!
- Add more veggies: Sometimes I throw in extra veggies like bell peppers or zucchini to pack in more flavor and nutrition.
- Use a different protein: If I’m out of chicken, shredded rotisserie chicken or even turkey works great in this soup.
- Make it spicy: I love adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little extra heat if I’m craving spice!
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH CREAMY CRACK CHICKEN SOUP?
Crack Chicken Soup is delicious on its own, but I love serving it with a side of crusty bread or buttery rolls to soak up all that creamy goodness. A light side salad with a tangy vinaigrette is also a perfect pairing to balance out the richness of the soup. If I’m in the mood for something extra, garlic bread or homemade crackers add a crunchy contrast that complements the soup’s smooth texture.
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER CHICKEN RANCH SOUP?
To store leftovers, I transfer the soup to an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, I prefer to heat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally until it’s warmed through. If I’m using the microwave, I reheat in short intervals, stirring between each one to make sure it heats evenly. If the soup thickens too much, I add a splash of chicken broth or milk to get it back to the perfect consistency.
CAN CREAMY CHICKEN SOUP BE FROZEN FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
Yes, this soup can be frozen, but because of the cream and cheese, it may become a little grainy when reheated. Dairy can sometimes separate during freezing, which can cause the texture to change. To minimize this, I suggest reheating the soup slowly on the stove over low heat, stirring gently to bring it back together. If it feels too thick or grainy, adding a small amount of chicken broth or milk can help smooth it out. Store the soup in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, and be sure to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.
LOOKING FOR MORE DELICIOUS SOUP RECIPES? TRY THESE!
Creamy Dreamy Marry Me Chicken Soup: This dish combines tender chicken, a rich, flavorful broth, and just the right touch of herbs and spices to create a bowl of pure magic.
Creamy Tuscan Copycat Zuppa Toscana Soup: Packed with tender potatoes, savory sausage, and fresh kale and spinach, all swimming in a rich and creamy broth.
Easy Cowboy Soup: Packed with ground beef, hearty beans, tender veggies, and a rich, zesty broth, this recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort.
Simple and Tasty Crack Chicken Soup Recipe
Equipment
- Large Dutch Oven
Ingredients
- 6 Slices Bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 lb Chicken Breasts (boneless and skinless) (shredded) (pre-cooked)
- 2 Tbsp Butter
- 1 Onion (diced)
- 2 Ribs Celery (chopped)
- 2 Carrots (chopped)
- 4 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 6 Cups Chicken Broth
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
- 1 (8oz) Brick Cream Cheese (at room temperature)
- ½ Cup Sour Cream
- 2 Cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
- 1 Packet Ranch Seasoning Mix
- ½ Tsp Smoked Paprika
- Ground Black Pepper (to taste)
- 1 (8oz) Bag Spinach (fresh)(chopped)
- Green Onion (chopped)(for garnish)
Instructions
- Poach the Chicken (If Needed): Bring water or chicken broth to a gentle boil. Submerge the chicken breasts in the pot and bring the pot back to a gentle boil. Remove from the heat, cover, and let the breasts sit in the boiling liquid for 15–20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from the liquid, shred it with two forks, and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and crumble, reserving 1–2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add butter to the pot with the bacon grease. Sauté the onion, celery, and carrots over medium heat until softened, about 5–7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Build the Soup Base: Add the softened cream cheese and sour cream, whisking until fully melted and smooth. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Spinach: Add the chopped spinach and cook for 3–5 minutes until wilted.
- Incorporate the Chicken and Bacon: Add the shredded chicken and crumbled bacon to the soup, reserving some bacon for garnish.
- Add the Heavy Cream and Seasoning: Stir in the heavy cream and ranch seasoning mix, combining well. Stir in the smoked paprika and season with black pepper to taste.
- Melt the Cheese: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and evenly distributed in the soup.
- Simmer and Serve: Let the soup simmer on low for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally.Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and reserved bacon for extra flavor. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and hearty soup with crusty bread or crackers for the perfect comforting meal!