Crack chicken soup is the kind of cozy, creamy comfort food that brings everyone to the table, and this easy crack chicken soup recipe everyone will love is perfect for busy weeknights, chilly evenings, or anytime you need a warm and satisfying meal.
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Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Soup
This crack chicken soup is rich, creamy, and packed with comforting flavors that feel indulgent without being complicated. It comes together in one pot, making cleanup simple and stress free. The combination of tender chicken, melty cheese, and ranch-inspired seasoning creates a savory balance that appeals to both kids and adults. It is also easy to customize, whether you want it lighter, thicker, or loaded with extra vegetables.
Another reason this soup is so popular is how forgiving it is. You can use fresh or cooked chicken, adjust the seasoning to taste, and even make it ahead for meal prep. It reheats beautifully, making it a great option for leftovers and freezer meals.
Ingredients for Crack Chicken Soup
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Protein and Broth
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 6 cups chicken broth, low sodium
Creamy Additions
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasoning and Extras
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix or 2 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup cooked and chopped turkey bacon or chicken bacon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions, optional
Ingredient Notes
If you prefer a lighter soup, reduced fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese work well. Turkey bacon or chicken bacon keeps the recipe pork free and family friendly while still adding a smoky flavor. If you are sensitive to sodium, choose low sodium broth and seasoning, then adjust salt at the end.
You can also add extra vegetables such as corn, spinach, or peas for more color and nutrition. For a thicker soup, a small amount of mashed potatoes or cauliflower can be stirred in near the end.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Saute the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts into the pot with the vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle in the ranch seasoning and black pepper. Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Add the cubed cream cheese to the soup, stirring gently until it melts completely and the broth becomes creamy and smooth. This may take a few minutes, so be patient and keep the heat low.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Bacon
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped turkey bacon. Continue to simmer the soup for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is fully melted and the soup is thick and well blended.
Step 6: Taste and Finish
Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions if desired, then remove from heat and serve warm.
Pro Tips for Success
- Soften the cream cheese before adding it to prevent lumps.
- Shred the chicken while it is still warm for the best texture.
- Keep the heat low once the dairy is added to avoid curdling.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting.
- Let the soup rest for a few minutes before serving to thicken naturally.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos for heat.
- Low Carb Option: Skip carrots and add cauliflower or zucchini instead.
- Extra Veggie: Stir in fresh spinach or kale during the last few minutes.
- Thicker Soup: Add a small amount of cornstarch slurry if desired.
- Herb Boost: Mix in fresh dill or chives for extra ranch flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve crack chicken soup with crusty bread, garlic toast, or warm dinner rolls. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs nicely with the creamy soup. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside baked potatoes or rice for dipping and scooping.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Store leftover crack chicken soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often.
This soup can be frozen, but keep in mind that dairy based soups may change texture slightly. Freeze in freezer safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating slowly.
Easy Crack Chicken Soup Recipe Everyone Will Love
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crack chicken soup is a cozy, creamy comfort food made with tender chicken, melty cheese, and ranch-inspired seasoning, perfect for busy weeknights and chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 medium carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast
- 6 cups chicken broth, low sodium
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix or 2 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 cup cooked and chopped turkey bacon or chicken bacon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions, optional
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Add chicken breasts to the pot.
- Pour in chicken broth.
- Stir in ranch seasoning and black pepper.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer until chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pot.
- Shred chicken into bite sized pieces.
- Return shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add cubed cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese.
- Add chopped turkey bacon.
- Simmer until soup is creamy and well blended.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Garnish with parsley or green onions if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Soften the cream cheese before adding and keep the heat low once dairy is added to ensure a smooth, creamy soup. This soup reheats well and is great for leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
FAQ About Crack Chicken Soup
Can I make crack chicken soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can add all ingredients except the cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Shred the chicken, then stir in the dairy and bacon at the end until smooth and creamy.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. Using cooked rotisserie chicken saves time. Simply add shredded chicken during Step 4 and reduce the simmer time since the chicken is already cooked.
How do I thicken crack chicken soup?
The soup thickens naturally as the cheese melts and cools slightly. If you want it thicker, you can mash some vegetables, add extra cream cheese, or stir in a small cornstarch slurry.
Is crack chicken soup gluten free?
Most versions are gluten free, but always check the ranch seasoning and broth labels to be sure. Using homemade ranch seasoning is a safe option if you need to avoid gluten.
Can I make this soup dairy free?
You can use dairy free cream cheese and cheese alternatives, but the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Choose unsweetened, neutral flavored substitutes for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This easy crack chicken soup recipe everyone will love is creamy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. It is simple enough for weeknights yet special enough to serve guests. With flexible ingredients and rich flavor, it is a recipe you will find yourself making again and again.