Crack Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that has taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason! This creamy, flavorful soup combines tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and a medley of spices to create a comforting bowl that warms the soul. Originating from the popular “Crack Chicken” recipe, which gained fame on social media, this soup version has quickly become a favorite for busy families and meal preppers alike.
What I love most about Crack Chicken Soup is its incredible taste and texture. The combination of savory chicken and creamy broth creates a satisfying experience that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient to make, whether you’re using a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. People adore this dish not only for its delicious flavor but also for its versatility; you can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices. Join me as we dive into this irresistible recipe that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamier soup)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Chicken
1. Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large pot or slow cooker. If youre using a slow cooker, you can set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, depending on your schedule. If youre using a pot, well be cooking it on the stovetop. 2. Pour in the 4 cups of chicken broth over the chicken. This will not only help cook the chicken but also infuse it with flavor. 3. Sprinkle the entire packet of ranch seasoning mix over the chicken. This is where the magic begins! The ranch seasoning will give the soup its signature flavor. 4. If youre using a slow cooker, cover it and let it cook. If youre using a pot, bring the broth to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender. 5. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot or slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Allow it to cool for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks. This step is crucial as it allows the chicken to absorb more of the broth’s flavor.Making the Soup Base
6. In the same pot or slow cooker, add the softened cream cheese. If youre using a pot, you can cut the cream cheese into smaller chunks to help it melt faster. 7. Stir the cream cheese into the broth until its fully incorporated. This will create a creamy base for your soup. If youre using a slow cooker, you can let it sit for a few minutes to soften before stirring. 8. Once the cream cheese is mixed in, return the shredded chicken to the pot. If youre using the optional frozen corn, add it at this stage. The corn adds a nice sweetness and texture to the soup. 9. If you want a creamier soup, pour in the cup of heavy cream. This step is optional, but I highly recommend it for that extra richness. 10. Stir everything together until well combined. Taste the soup and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remember, the ranch seasoning already has some salt, so be cautious with additional salt.Adding the Finishing Touches
11. Now its time to add the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it in until it melts and blends into the soup, creating a cheesy goodness that youll love. 12. Next, fold in the crumbled bacon. This adds a delightful crunch and smoky flavor that complements the creaminess of the soup. 13. Finally, add the chopped green onions. They not only add a pop of color but also a fresh flavor that brightens up the dish.Cooking Process
14. If youre using a pot, let the soup simmer on low heat for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together. If youre using a slow cooker, you can leave it on low for another hour or so. 15. Stir occasionally to prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot. If the soup is too thick for your liking, you can add a bit more chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. 16. Once everything is heated through and the flavors have melded, its time to serve! Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with extra green onions, shredded cheese, or crumbled bacon if desired.Serving Suggestions
17. This Crack Chicken Soup is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with some crusty bread or crackers for dipping. A side salad can also complement the meal nicely. 18. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even tastier the next day! 19. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of broth or water to
Conclusion:
In summary, this Crack Chicken Soup is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to warm their hearts and bellies with a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish. The combination of tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and zesty ranch seasoning creates a comforting bowl of goodness that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or bringing it to a potluck, this soup is sure to impress your family and friends. For serving suggestions, I love to pair this soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh garden salad to balance out the richness. You can also get creative with variations by adding in your favorite vegetables like spinach or corn, or even swapping out the chicken for turkey if you have leftovers. The possibilities are endless, and I encourage you to make it your own! I can’t wait for you to try this Crack Chicken Soup! It’s a recipe that has quickly become a favorite in my household, and I know it will be in yours too. After you whip up a batch, please share your experience and any tweaks you made. Id love to hear how it turned out for you! Happy cooking! Print
Crack Chicken Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe You Need to Try
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
Enjoy a comforting bowl of Crack Chicken Soup, featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and a zesty ranch flavor. Topped with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and fresh green onions, this hearty soup is perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup green onions, chopped
- 1 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream (optional for a creamier soup)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a large pot or slow cooker. For a slow cooker, set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. For a pot, prepare to cook on the stovetop.
- Pour 4 cups of chicken broth over the chicken.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken.
- If using a slow cooker, cover and cook. If using a pot, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 20-30 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pot or slow cooker and shred it with two forks after cooling for a few minutes.
- In the same pot or slow cooker, add the softened cream cheese. Cut into smaller chunks if using a pot to help it melt faster.
- Stir the cream cheese into the broth until fully incorporated.
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot. If using frozen corn, add it now.
- For a creamier soup, pour in the heavy cream (optional).
- Stir everything together and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Fold in the crumbled bacon.
- Add the chopped green onions for freshness.
- If using a pot, let the soup simmer on low for an additional 10-15 minutes. If using a slow cooker, leave it on low for another hour.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add more chicken broth or water if the soup is too thick.
- Once heated through and flavors melded, serve in bowls and garnish with extra green onions, cheese, or bacon if desired.
Notes
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste, especially since ranch seasoning can be salty.
- Feel free to customize with additional vegetables or spices as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
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