The Best Creamy Crack Chicken Soup Recipe You’ll Ever Taste

Comfort comes alive with this mouthwatering crack chicken soup that promises pure culinary magic.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in a creamy broth packed with incredible flavor.

Home cooks adore this soup for its rich, satisfying taste that warms every corner of your kitchen.

Tender chicken pieces nestle among velvety textures that make each spoonful absolutely irresistible.

Simple ingredients transform into a memorable meal that sparks joy around the dinner table.

The secret lies in perfectly balanced seasonings that elevate this soup from ordinary to extraordinary.

Prepare to savor every delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing comfort classic that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

• Can I use pre-cooked bacon?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon. Just chop it and add it at the end as a topping to maintain its crispiness.

• Is this soup keto-friendly?

The recipe is relatively low-carb but not strict keto. To make it keto, replace onions with less starchy alternatives and ensure cheese and cream are full-fat versions.

• What chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken or shredded chicken from boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly. You can also use leftover roasted chicken.

• Can I make this soup dairy-free?

It will be challenging since cheese and cream are key ingredients. You could try dairy-free cheese alternatives and coconut cream, but the flavor and texture will differ significantly from the original recipe.

What Makes Crack Chicken Soup So Addictive

• Packed with crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a medley of cheeses, this soup delivers an incredible taste experience without complicated techniques.
• Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pot wonder comes together rapidly, requiring minimal kitchen skills and offering maximum satisfaction.
• Creamy, rich, and loaded with nutritious ingredients like spinach and protein-packed chicken, this soup provides a warm, hearty embrace that feels like a culinary hug.
• Adaptable for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, the recipe appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, delicious flavors and customizable toppings.

Ingredients for Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

• Chicken: Tender and shredded meat that forms the main protein of the soup.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that provides a smoky and savory flavor to the dish.

• Cream Cheese: Adds rich and creamy texture to the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharp and melty cheese flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth consistency.

• Onions, Garlic: Foundational aromatics that build depth of flavor for the soup.
• Baby Spinach: Fresh green ingredient that adds nutritional value and color.

• Bay Leaves, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dried Dill, Chives: Blend of dried herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for balanced flavor.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the fundamental liquid foundation of the soup.

• Fresh Dill, Green Scallions: Bright and fresh herbs for garnishing and added flavor complexity.

• Butter: Helps sauté vegetables and adds richness.

Cooking Method for Crack Chicken Soup

Step 1: Crisp Up the Bacon

Heat a pot and add diced bacon.

Cook for 5 minutes until perfectly crispy.

Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon, keeping the delicious bacon fat in the pot for extra flavor.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Onions

Drop butter into the bacon fat and add diced onions.

Cook for 3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing a mouthwatering aroma throughout the kitchen.

Step 3: Introduce Garlic

Toss in minced garlic and stir quickly.

Cook for 20 seconds, being careful not to burn.

Burned garlic can turn bitter and ruin the entire dish’s flavor profile.

Step 4: Pour the Liquid Gold

Add chicken broth to the pot.

Use a spoon to scrape up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom – these are packed with intense flavor.

Step 5: Build the Flavor Foundation

• Bay leaves
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried dill
• Chives
• Salt
• Pepper

Lower the heat and let the soup simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to dance and blend together.

Step 6: Incorporate Chicken

Stir in shredded chicken and simmer for an additional 5 minutes.

Watch as the soup transforms and becomes more robust.

Step 7: Create Creamy Decadence

• Cream cheese
• Cheddar cheese

Whisk thoroughly until completely melted, creating a luxuriously thick and creamy broth.

Step 8: Add Fresh Greens and Cream

Gently fold in baby spinach and heavy cream.

Simmer for 3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the cream to warm through.

Step 9: Elevate and Serve

Remove bay leaves and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed.

Serve in bowls and garnish.

Best Tips for Creamy Crack Soup Success

• Reserve bacon fat for an extra flavor boost when sautéing onions, creating a rich and depth base for the soup.
• Whisk cheeses slowly and steadily to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy texture throughout the soup.
• Add spinach at the last moment to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, preserving nutrients and fresh taste.
• Taste and adjust seasonings gradually, understanding that bacon and cheeses already contribute significant saltiness to the dish.
• Top each serving with crispy bacon bits, fresh herbs, and green onions to add texture, brightness, and visual appeal to the creamy soup.

How to Store and Reheat Crack Chicken Soup

• Transfer cooled soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors and maintain freshness.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Seal completely and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing soup with cream to prevent separation.
• Gently warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to restore original consistency if needed. Heat until steaming and thoroughly warm.
• Place portion in microwave-safe bowl, cover with microwave-safe lid or paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches desired temperature.

What Goes Well with Crack Chicken Soup

• Savor Bacon-Cheese Companion: A crisp, hoppy pale ale cuts through the soup's richness, balancing its creamy texture with refreshing bitterness.
• Complementary Green Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a tangy, fresh counterpoint to the heavy, rich soup.
• Rustic Bread Pairing: Serve warm, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the creamy broth, adding textural contrast and hearty satisfaction.
• Wine Elevation: Choose a medium-bodied Chardonnay with buttery notes that harmonize with the soup's creamy cheese and chicken profile.

Fun Twists on Crack Chicken Soup

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace cream cheese and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast and cashew cream. Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a rich, velvety texture.
• Low-Carb Champion: Swap onions with cauliflower or zucchini to reduce carbohydrates. Skip bacon and use turkey bacon or pancetta for a leaner protein option.
• Vegetarian Victory: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra mushrooms for a meaty texture.
• Keto-Friendly Kickoff: Use full-fat cream cheese and heavy cream. Replace onions with radishes or celery. Add extra butter and choose high-fat protein like rotisserie chicken for perfect macronutrient balance.

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty Creamy Crack Chicken Soup brings comfort and indulgence to your dinner table with its rich, savory blend of tender chicken, creamy broth, and irresistible flavors. Each spoonful promises warmth and satisfaction, inviting you to savor this soul-soothing culinary delight.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein Ingredients:

• 4 slices bacon (diced)
• 4 cups cooked chicken (shredded)

Dairy and Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 white onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 cups baby spinach
• 5 cups chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
• 3 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Garnish:

• Fresh dill (chopped)
• Green scallions (sliced)

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a pot over medium heat for 5 minutes until crisp and golden. Extract bacon pieces with a slotted spoon, preserving the rendered fat for subsequent cooking.
2. Melt butter into bacon drippings, then incorporate diced onions. Sauté for 3 minutes until translucent and softened, developing a fragrant base.
3. Introduce minced garlic and quickly stir for 20 seconds, avoiding burning to prevent bitter undertones.
4. Deglaze the pot with chicken broth, scraping accumulated browned bits from the bottom to capture concentrated flavor essence.
5. Incorporate seasonings including bay leaves, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and chives. Season with salt and pepper, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
6. Fold in shredded chicken and continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes, allowing ingredients to harmonize.
7. Gradually whisk cream cheese and cheddar into the liquid, stirring continuously until completely melted and creating a luxurious, velvety texture.
8. Gently integrate baby spinach and heavy cream, simmering for 3 minutes until spinach wilts and cream warms through.
9. Discard bay leaves and fine-tune seasoning. Garnish each serving with reserved crispy bacon, fresh dill, and chopped green scallions for vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Crisp the bacon slowly to render out maximum fat, creating a flavor-packed base that elevates the entire soup’s depth and richness.
• Whisk cheeses gradually and off direct heat to prevent clumping and ensure a silky, smooth texture without graininess.
• Replace baby spinach with kale or Swiss chard for added nutrition, or use frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available, just squeeze out excess moisture before adding.
• Skip the potatoes and use cauliflower rice as a lighter alternative, or reduce overall carbohydrate content by using less broth and more cream.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg