Cozy Up with This Soul-Warming Hearty Crack Chicken Soup Recipe

Steaming bowls of comfort await with this crack chicken soup that promises pure culinary magic.

Chefs and home cooks alike have fallen in love with this irresistible soup packed with incredible flavors.

The rich, creamy broth swirls with tender chicken and a perfect blend of savory ingredients.

Each spoonful delivers a delightful combination of hearty texture and robust taste.

Weeknight dinners transform into special moments when this soup hits the table.

Quick to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, this recipe delivers warmth and comfort in every bite.

You’ll want to keep this crowd-pleasing soup in your regular meal rotation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 6

Crack Chicken Soup Ingredient Rundown

• Olive Oil or Butter: Starts the flavor foundation with a rich, smooth base that helps sauté aromatics perfectly.
• Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid backbone of the soup, delivering deep, savory chicken essence.
• Chicken: Provides hearty protein, best when using tender, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for maximum convenience.

• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Adds zesty, herbal notes that transform the soup's overall taste profile.
• Cream Cheese: Delivers luxurious creaminess and tangy undertones that create a velvety texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Introduces sharp, melty richness that complements the soup's creamy base.
• Black Pepper: Sparks subtle heat and depth, elevating the entire dish's flavor complexity.

• Bacon: Contributes smoky, crispy element that provides delightful crunch and intense flavor.
• Spinach: Introduces fresh, earthy green notes and boosts nutritional value with subtle leafy brightness.
• Green Onions: Offers light, sharp accent that cuts through the soup's richness with fresh bite.
• Milk or Heavy Cream: Smooths and lightens the soup's consistency, creating silky mouthfeel.

Kitchen Gear for Cooking Crack Chicken Soup Easily

• Large pot: Essential for sauteing aromatics and cooking the entire soup.
• Cutting board: Needed for dicing onions and chopping green onions.
• Chef's knife: Perfect for precise chopping and slicing ingredients.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing soup components.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure broth, milk, and other liquid ingredients.
• Cheese grater: Useful for shredding cheddar cheese if not pre-shredded.
• Ladle: Helps serve the soup smoothly and neatly.

Directions to Make Crack Chicken Soup Creamy and Rich

• Kickstart the Flavor Base

Heat a large pot and warm some olive oil. Toss in diced onions and let them dance around until they turn soft and translucent. Sprinkle minced garlic into the mix and let it sizzle briefly to release its aromatic.

• Build the Soup Foundation

Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a gentle bubble. Slide shredded chicken into the liquid and dust with ranch seasoning for an extra flavor punch.

• Create Creamy Goodness

Drop cubed cream cheese into the simmering pot. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely, transforming the soup into a smooth, velvety texture.

• Enhance the Richness

Lower the heat and invite shredded cheddar and milk to join the party. Keep stirring until the cheese surrenders and blends seamlessly into the soup.

• Add Final Flourishes

If desired, sprinkle crumbled bacon and fresh spinach into the soup. Let everything mingle and get acquainted for a few minutes.

• Finish and Feast

Taste and tweak the seasoning with black pepper. Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped green onions or extra bacon bits for a crowning touch.

Tips for Getting That Addictive Flavor in Every Spoon

• Transform this stovetop recipe into a hands-off meal by combining all ingredients except milk and cheese in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, then stir in dairy ingredients during the last 30 minutes for a creamy, effortless dinner.
• Replace traditional potatoes or pasta with cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining the soup's hearty texture and rich flavor profile.
• Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheddar-style shreds. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without actual dairy, making this recipe accessible for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Incorporate additional protein sources like cooked quinoa, white beans, or extra shredded rotisserie chicken to create a more substantial and filling meal that supports muscle recovery and sustained energy.
• Prepare the soup base in advance and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently and add fresh dairy ingredients to maintain optimal creaminess and prevent separation.

Serve Crack Chicken Soup for Dinner or Potluck

• Hearty Bread Companion: Slice up a crusty sourdough or warm French baguette to dip into the creamy soup, soaking up all those rich flavors and adding a delightful crunch.
• Crispy Topping Delight: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions on top to create a tantalizing texture and boost the soup's visual appeal.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair the soup with a light, fresh mixed green salad dressed in a zesty ranch vinaigrette to balance the soup's richness and add a refreshing element to the meal.
• Comfort Bowl Combo: Serve the soup in oversized, deep bowls with a side of buttery crackers or homemade croutons for a cozy, satisfying dining experience that warms you from the inside out.

Store Chicken Soup to Keep It Fresh and Hearty

• Store leftover soup in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The cream cheese might slightly separate, but a quick stir will restore its creamy texture when reheating.
• Portion soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop.
• Warm soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration.
• Prepare soup ingredients in advance by chopping vegetables and shredding chicken earlier in the day. Keep components separate until ready to combine, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I make this soup without ranch seasoning mix?

Yes, you can substitute with homemade ranch seasoning using dried dill, dried parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these spices to create a similar flavor profile.

• Is this soup good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This crack chicken soup can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain creamy consistency.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly! Shred the meat from a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to your soup. Just be sure to remove skin before shredding.

• How can I make this soup healthier?

To make a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat cheddar, and skim milk. You can also add more vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini to increase nutritional value.

Hearty Crack Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Rich Crack Chicken Soup delivers comfort through creamy, savory goodness packed with tender chicken and ranch seasoning. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising satisfaction that will warm souls seeking delicious nourishment.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups/280 g cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 cups/200 g shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 oz/225 g cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 2 cups/480 ml milk or heavy cream
• 4 cups/950 ml chicken broth
• 1 packet/1 oz ranch seasoning mix
• 2 tbsps olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups/150 g frozen or fresh spinach (optional)
• ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)
• Chopped green onions or parsley (optional)
• Extra crumbled bacon (optional)

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Instructions

1. Flavor Foundation: Heat olive oil or butter in a large pot over medium heat, sautéing diced onions until translucent and softened.
2. Aromatic Layering: Add minced garlic and quickly toast, releasing its intense flavor profile within moments, creating a robust base for the soup.
3. Liquid Integration: Pour chicken broth into the pot, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer that will marry the upcoming ingredients.
4. Protein and Seasoning Fusion: Introduce shredded chicken and ranch seasoning, stirring thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly throughout the broth.
5. Creamy Transformation: Fold in cream cheese, continuously stirring to create a smooth, velvety texture while allowing the cheese to melt completely into the soup.
6. Cheese Incorporation: Reduce heat and blend milk and cheddar cheese, maintaining constant movement until the mixture achieves a rich, creamy consistency.
7. Final Embellishment: Incorporate crumbled bacon and fresh spinach, allowing these elements to infuse the soup with additional depth and complexity during a brief 5-10 minute simmer.
8. Flavor Refinement: Conduct a final taste test, adjusting seasonings with black pepper and salt to elevate the overall flavor profile.
9. Serving Presentation: Transfer the hot soup into serving bowls, crowning with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or extra crispy bacon crumbles for a perfect finishing flourish.

Notes

Optimize Chicken Selection: Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for maximum tenderness and easier shredding, ensuring a more delectable soup texture.

Control Cheese Melting: Add cream cheese and cheddar gradually while stirring constantly to prevent clumping and achieve a silky, smooth consistency without unwanted cheese lumps.

Adjust Soup Thickness: Modify liquid ratios by adding more broth for a thinner soup or reducing liquid for a heartier, more concentrated flavor profile that suits personal preference.

Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular dairy products with low-fat alternatives or use lactose-free cheese for a lighter version, and substitute ranch seasoning with homemade herb blend for reduced sodium content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 580
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg