The Dream Team: Gathering Your Ingredients
For the Soup:
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Bacon: 8 slices, cooked and crumbled
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, softened
- Ranch Dressing Mix: 1 packet (1 oz)
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, plus more for topping
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon
- Green Onions: 2-3, sliced for garnish (optional)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
Optional but Awesome:
- Corn: 1 cup frozen or canned, drained
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5 oz) can, drained
- Hot Sauce: To taste (for extra kick!)
Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Set aside.
Step 3: Building the Creamy Base
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (this adds tons of flavor!).
- Bring the broth to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth. This is where the magic happens, so be patient! If it’s not melting smoothly, try whisking it vigorously.
- Add the ranch dressing mix and stir well to combine.
Step 4: The Grand Finale
- Add the shredded chicken back to the pot.
- Stir in the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
- If using, add the corn and diced tomatoes.
- Heat through until the cheese is melted and everything is warmed through. Do not boil!
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add salt, pepper, or hot sauce to your liking.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Ladle the Crack Chicken Soup into bowls.
- Garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy every single bite!
Pro Tips for the Perfect Crack Chicken Soup
Chicken Cooking Methods
While the stovetop method is quick and easy, you can also use other methods to cook your chicken:
- Slow Cooker: Place the chicken breasts in a slow cooker with 1 cup of chicken broth. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred and proceed with the recipe.
- Instant Pot: Place the chicken breasts in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of chicken broth. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release. Shred and proceed with the recipe.
Cream Cheese Concerns?
Softening the cream cheese is crucial for a smooth soup. If you forget to take it out of the fridge ahead of time, you can microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until softened. Just be careful not to melt it completely!
Bacon Bliss
For the ultimate bacon flavor, use thick-cut bacon. You can cook the bacon in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop. Make sure it’s nice and crispy before crumbling it into the soup.
Spice It Up!
If you like a little heat, add a dash of hot sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or some diced jalapeños to the soup. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Variations to Make It Your Own
Low-Carb Crack Chicken Soup
To make this soup low-carb, simply omit the corn. You can also use cauliflower rice as a base for a heartier, yet low-carb, meal.
Crack Chicken Soup with Noodles
Add cooked pasta, such as rotini or egg noodles, to the soup for a more substantial meal. Just be aware that the noodles will absorb some of the broth, so you may need to add more chicken broth to maintain the desired consistency.
Healthier Crack Chicken Soup
Use reduced-fat cream cheese, turkey bacon, and low-sodium chicken broth to lighten up this soup without sacrificing flavor. You can also add more vegetables, such as carrots, celery, or zucchini, for added nutrients.
Serving Suggestions That Will Blow Your Mind
This Crack Chicken Soup is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better with some delicious sides:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A classic pairing for any soup.
- Side Salad: A light and refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.
- Crackers: Because sometimes you just need a little crunch.
Other Soul-Satisfying Soups You’ll Adore
If you’re loving the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Crack Chicken Soup, you might also enjoy these other delectable soup recipes: you should definitely try this Bacon Cheddar Gnocchi Soup for a creamy bacon delight. For another creamy chicken option, check out this Marry Me Chicken Soup. For a lighter option with a kick, give the White Chicken Chili Recipe a try. And if you’re in the mood for something comforting with earthy flavors, Chicken Mushroom Soup is a must-try. Also, if you’re looking for other “crack” recipes, this Crock Pot Crack Potato Soup is a must, as well as the Crack Chicken Gnocchi Recipe.
Storage and Reheating Like a Pro
Storing Leftovers
Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating Instructions
You can reheat the soup on the stovetop or in the microwave. On the stovetop, heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. In the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the cream cheese can sometimes separate.
Can You Freeze Crack Chicken Soup?
While you *can* freeze this soup, the texture of the cream cheese may change slightly upon thawing. To minimize this, allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Leave some room at the top, as the soup will expand as it freezes. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Crack Chicken Soup: Your New Best Friend
This Crack Chicken Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl. With its creamy texture, cheesy flavor, and bacon-y goodness, it’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create a soup that will have everyone begging for more. Happy cooking!
What makes this soup recipe “Crack Chicken Soup?”
The recipe is called “Crack Chicken Soup” because it’s described as outrageously flavorful, undeniably comforting, and unbelievably easy, making it highly addictive and satisfying.
Can I cook the chicken using a method other than on the stovetop?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. Instructions are provided in the ‘Pro Tips’ section of the article.
How can I prevent the cream cheese from separating when reheating the soup?
Avoid overheating the soup. When reheating on the stovetop, use medium heat and stir frequently. In the microwave, use 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
What are some variations I can make to the Crack Chicken Soup recipe?
You can make it low-carb by omitting the corn, add noodles for a heartier meal, or make it healthier by using reduced-fat cream cheese, turkey bacon, and low-sodium chicken broth, or by adding more vegetables.
Ultimate Crack Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the chicken breasts to the pot and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside, about 7-10 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Set aside.
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom.
- Bring the broth to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth.
- Add the ranch dressing mix and stir well to combine.
- Add the shredded chicken back to the pot.
- Stir in the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
- If using, add the corn and diced tomatoes.
- Heat through until the cheese is melted and everything is warmed through. Do not boil!
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add salt, pepper, or hot sauce to your liking.
- Ladle the Crack Chicken Soup into bowls.
- Garnish with extra shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions, if desired.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
