Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is a rich, comforting, and flavorful dish loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, cream cheese, and a medley of seasonings. With its creamy texture and irresistible flavor, this soup is perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving a hearty and satisfying meal. Serve it with crusty bread or enjoy it on its own for a cozy bowl of comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and indulgent: The combination of cream cheese, bacon, and ranch flavors creates a soup that’s both hearty and delicious.
• Easy to make: Ready in under 40 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Family favorite: A crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Versatile: Works as a meal on its own or with sides like bread or salad.
• Meal-prep friendly: Tastes even better as leftovers!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
• 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken works great)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 3 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
• 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or green onions (for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Build the base

1. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the cream cheese, stirring frequently until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the broth.

Step 3: Add the chicken and seasoning

1. Stir in the shredded chicken, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and ranch seasoning mix. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Add cheese and bacon

1. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Add the crumbled bacon and frozen peas (if using). Simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 5: Season and serve

1. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or green onions before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Low-carb option: Skip the peas and serve over cauliflower rice or enjoy as is for a keto-friendly meal.
• Vegetable-packed: Add diced carrots, celery, or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Spicy kick: Include red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
• Protein swap: Use turkey or ham instead of chicken for a twist.
• Lighter version: Substitute heavy cream with whole milk and reduce the amount of cheese.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen the soup if needed.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

FAQs

What is crack chicken?

Crack chicken typically refers to a creamy, cheesy chicken dish flavored with ranch seasoning and bacon. This soup is a comforting twist on that concept.

Can I use raw chicken?

Yes, cook raw chicken breasts or thighs directly in the soup, then shred them once fully cooked. Adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Combine all ingredients except for the cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Add the cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon in the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Is this soup keto-friendly?

Yes, as long as you skip the peas and use keto-approved ranch seasoning.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Substitute cream cheese, heavy cream, and cheddar with plant-based alternatives to make it dairy-free.

What sides go well with this soup?

Pair it with crusty bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option for this recipe.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Make sure the soup is not boiling when adding the cheese, and stir constantly as it melts.

Can I add pasta or rice to the soup?

Yes, cooked pasta or rice can be stirred in toward the end for a heartier dish.

How do I make homemade ranch seasoning?

Mix 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried dill, and ½ teaspoon salt for a quick homemade ranch seasoning.

Conclusion

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is a warm and indulgent dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners and easy entertaining. With its creamy base, savory chicken, and crispy bacon, this soup is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you serve it as a hearty meal or pair it with your favorite sides, it’s a comforting classic that’s as delicious as it is satisfying. Give it a try today!

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