A cozy, creamy chicken-and-bacon soup that’s quick to make and irresistibly comforting.
introduction
Crack Chicken Soup is a rich, cheesy, ranch-flavored chicken soup inspired by the popular "crack chicken" recipe. It combines tender shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and ranch seasoning in a flavorful chicken broth base. The result is a velvety, savory soup that tastes indulgent while being simple to prepare.
why make this recipe
- Fast and easy: Ready in about 30–40 minutes with minimal hands-on time.
- Crowd-pleaser: Familiar flavors (cheddar, bacon, ranch) that both kids and adults enjoy.
- Comfort food: Creamy texture and savory profile make it perfect for chilly days or when you need something soothing.
- Versatile: Works as a weeknight meal, potluck dish, or meal-prep option.
how to make Crack Chicken Soup
Start by simmering the chicken in flavorful chicken broth with ranch seasoning to infuse the meat. Once the chicken is cooked, soften the cream cheese into the hot broth, shred the chicken right in the pot for easy cleanup, then melt in the cheddar for a smooth, cheesy finish. Top with crispy bacon and bright green onions before serving. Use salt and pepper to balance the flavors to your taste.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup chopped bacon
- 1/2 cup green onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- In a large pot, combine the chicken, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce to simmer.
- Add the cream cheese and cook until melted, stirring frequently.
- Shred the chicken in the pot.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and mix until melted.
- Serve topped with bacon and green onions.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
how to serve Crack Chicken Soup
- Ladle into bowls and top with extra chopped bacon and green onions for texture and color.
- Serve with crusty bread, garlic bread, or buttery crackers.
- Offer a side salad or steamed vegetables to round out the meal.
- For a heartier bowl, add cooked rice, egg noodles, or cauliflower rice.
how to store Crack Chicken Soup
- Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, transfer to an airtight container, and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: For best texture, avoid freezing if possible because dairy can change consistency. If necessary, cool thoroughly and freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove, stirring to recombine.
- Reheating: Warm slowly over low-medium heat, stirring often. If the soup separates, whisk in a splash of milk or broth to smooth it.
tips to make Crack Chicken Soup
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken to shorten cook time — add it near the end to warm through.
- Soften cream cheese before adding (cut into cubes) so it melts faster and more smoothly.
- Taste for seasoning after adding cheese and bacon; the ranch mix and bacon add saltiness.
- For creamier soup, stir in a little half-and-half or heavy cream at the end.
- Crisp the bacon separately and add just before serving to maintain crunch.
variation (if any)
- Slow cooker: Combine chicken, broth, and ranch in a slow cooker; cook on low 4–6 hours. Remove chicken to shred, then stir in cream cheese and cheddar until melted.
- Low-carb/Keto: Skip any starch additions and serve over cauliflower rice.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Veggie boost: Stir in chopped spinach or kale at the end until wilted.
FAQ
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Thighs add more flavor and stay moist; adjust cook time until fully cooked.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Substitute dairy-free cream cheese and shredded dairy-free cheddar alternatives; texture and flavor will vary.
Q: Is ranch seasoning necessary?
A: It defines the “crack” flavor, but you can use a mix of dried herbs and dried onion/garlic if needed.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
A: Shred the cheese finely and add it slowly over low heat while stirring to encourage smooth melting.
Conclusion
For a tested version of this creamy, comforting soup with extra tips and step-by-step photos, see the full Creamy Crack Chicken Soup Recipe on Diethood: Creamy Crack Chicken Soup Recipe | Diethood
Crack Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, combine the chicken, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning.
- Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
- Add the cream cheese and cook until melted, stirring frequently.
- Shred the chicken in the pot.
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and mix until melted.
- Serve topped with bacon and green onions.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
