Crack Chicken Soup
Introduction
Crack Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich, creamy flavors of a classic chicken soup with a twist of tangy ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. It’s a dish that’s sure to warm your soul and please your taste buds, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or serving up something special on the weekend, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
The Origin of Crack Chicken Soup
Crack Chicken Soup is an adaptation of the popular “Crack Chicken” recipe, which originated in the United States. The term “crack” refers to how addictive this dish is, thanks to its irresistible combination of flavors. The original dish features chicken breasts cooked with ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and bacon, resulting in a creamy, flavorful meal. Over time, this recipe has been transformed into a soup, incorporating the same beloved ingredients into a warm, comforting bowl of goodness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with Crack Chicken Soup. Here are just a few:
It’s Incredibly Flavorful
The combination of ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheese creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat. Each spoonful is packed with creamy, savory goodness that will leave you wanting more.
Easy to Make
Despite its rich flavors, this soup is surprisingly easy to prepare. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up a delicious pot of Crack Chicken Soup in no time.
Perfect for Meal Prep
This soup stores well and tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent option for meal prep. You can make a large batch and enjoy it throughout the week.
Family-Friendly
Kids and adults alike love this soup. The creamy texture and familiar flavors make it a hit with picky eaters, and it’s easy to customize to suit individual preferences.
Ingredients for Crack Chicken Soup
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s take a look at the key ingredients you’ll need to make Crack Chicken Soup:
Chicken
The star of the dish is the chicken. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. The chicken is cooked until tender and then shredded into bite-sized pieces.
Bacon
Bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that complements the creamy soup base. Be sure to cook it until it’s nice and crispy, as this will add a delightful crunch to the final dish.
Ranch Seasoning
Ranch seasoning is the secret ingredient that gives this soup its signature flavor. You can use store-bought packets or make your own blend using a mix of dried herbs and spices.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is what makes the soup so rich and creamy. It melts into the broth, creating a smooth, velvety texture that’s absolutely divine.
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese adds an extra layer of richness and flavor. Choose a sharp cheddar for a more pronounced taste, or opt for mild cheddar if you prefer something subtler.
Chicken Broth
Chicken broth serves as the base for the soup. Use a high-quality, low-sodium broth for the best flavor.
Vegetables
This soup typically includes a mix of onions, garlic, and green onions. You can also add other vegetables like carrots, celery, or spinach to boost the nutritional value.
Heavy Cream
Heavy cream adds richness to the soup, making it extra indulgent. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk.
Herbs and Spices
In addition to ranch seasoning, you’ll need a few basic herbs and spices like salt, pepper, and paprika to round out the flavors.
Step-by-Step Recipe for Crack Chicken Soup
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making Crack Chicken Soup. Follow these simple instructions to create a delicious, comforting meal that’s sure to impress.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool. Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In the same pot, add the chopped bacon and cook over medium heat until it’s crispy and golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the bacon drippings. Sauté over medium heat until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. If you’re adding other vegetables like carrots or celery, now is the time to throw them in and cook until they’re softened.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Chicken
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream Cheese and Cheddar
Reduce the heat to low and add the cream cheese to the pot. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the broth. Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until the cheese is melted and the soup is smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Finish with Heavy Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the soup simmer for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s thickened slightly and the flavors have fully developed. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Ladle the soup into bowls and top with the crispy bacon and chopped green onions. You can also add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese on top for an extra cheesy finish. Serve the soup hot with crusty bread on the side for dipping.
Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Soup
Here are a few tips to ensure your Crack Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time:
Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh chicken, bacon, and vegetables will give your soup the best flavor. Avoid using pre-cooked or frozen chicken, as it may not be as tender.
H3: Don’t Skip the Bacon Drippings
The bacon drippings add a ton of flavor to the soup, so be sure to use them when sautéing the vegetables.
H3: Adjust the Consistency
If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a cornstarch slurry (a mixture of cornstarch and water) to the pot and simmer until it thickens. If you like a thinner soup, simply add more chicken broth.
Customize to Your Taste
Feel free to add other ingredients like diced potatoes, pasta, or extra vegetables to make the soup your own. You can also spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Make It Ahead
This soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
Crack Chicken Soup is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
With Crusty Bread
A warm, crusty baguette or a slice of sourdough bread is the perfect accompaniment to this creamy soup. Use it to soak up every last bit of the delicious broth.
Over Rice or Pasta
For a heartier meal, serve the soup over a bed of rice or cooked pasta. The grains will soak up the flavorful broth, making each bite even more satisfying.
In a Bread Bowl
Turn your Crack Chicken Soup into a showstopper by serving it in a bread bowl. Simply hollow out a round loaf of bread and ladle the soup inside for a fun and tasty presentation.
With a Salad
Balance out the richness of the soup with a fresh, crisp salad on the side. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a great option.
Variations on Crack Chicken Soup
If you love Crack Chicken Soup, you might want to try these variations:
Spicy Crack Chicken Soup
Add some heat to your soup by incorporating diced jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or red pepper flakes. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra kick.
Keto Crack Chicken Soup
To make this soup keto-friendly, skip the potatoes or pasta and load up on low-carb vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or cauliflower. You can also use heavy cream or cream cheese for added fat.
Crack Chicken and Potato Soup
For a heartier version, add diced potatoes to the soup. The potatoes will cook in the broth, absorbing all the delicious flavors and adding a satisfying texture to the dish.
H3: Crack Chicken Soup with Spinach
Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale at the end of cooking for a pop of color and added nutrition. The greens will wilt into the soup, blending seamlessly with the creamy broth.
Please note that these values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used. If you’re following a particular diet, it’s always a good idea to calculate the nutritional information based on the exact ingredients you’re using.
Storing and Reheating Crack Chicken Soup
Crack Chicken Soup is a great option for meal prep, as it stores well and tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat your soup:
Storing
Allow the soup to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you’re making a large batch, you can also freeze the soup for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the soup will expand as it freezes.
Reheating
To reheat the soup, simply place it in a pot over low heat and stir occasionally until warmed through. If the soup has thickened in the fridge, you can add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency. If reheating from frozen, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Crack Chicken Soup:
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the soup when you would normally add the cooked, shredded chicken.
Can I Make This Soup in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! To make Crack Chicken Soup in a slow cooker, follow these steps:
- Place the chicken, bacon, onion, garlic, and chicken broth in the slow cooker.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and heavy cream.
- Cook for an additional 30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy.
Can I Use Turkey Instead of Chicken?
Yes, turkey is a great substitute for chicken in this recipe. You can use leftover turkey from a holiday meal or cook some turkey breasts specifically for this soup.
How Can I Make This Soup Dairy-Free?
To make a dairy-free version of Crack Chicken Soup, use dairy-free cream cheese and cheddar cheese substitutes. You can also use coconut milk or almond milk instead of heavy cream.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Soup is a versatile, delicious dish that’s sure to become a staple in your home. With its creamy texture, rich flavors, and comforting warmth, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or making a big batch to enjoy throughout the week, this soup is sure to satisfy.
Try out this recipe, customize it to your liking, and enjoy a bowl of crack chicken soup that’s packed with flavor and love!
Crack Chicken Soup
Crack Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining the rich, creamy flavors of a classic chicken soup with a twist of tangy ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. It’s a dish that’s sure to warm your soul and please your taste buds, making it the perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or serving up something special on the weekend, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup bacon, diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 ribs celery, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 pkg dry ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons parsley
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish
- 2 cups baby spinach
- green onion, chopped for garnish
Instructions
Heat a large pot over medium high heat and cook the diced bacon. Remove the cooked bacon from the pot and set aside.
Add the butter, onion, celery, and carrots. Saute the vegetables until they are softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic to the pot and saute for just a minute.
Add the chicken broth, ranch packet, pepper, parsley, shredded chicken, sour cream, cream cheese, and cooked bacon. Cook and stir continually until the cream cheese melts into the soup evenly.
Add in the cheddar cheese and spinach, cook until the spinach has wilted and the cheese is melted.
Serve soup with additional cheddar cheese and chopped green onions. Salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.You can keep leftovers in the freezer in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
To cook in the slow cooker, Follow the instructions up to sauteing the vegetables. Once the vegetables have cooked add them along with all the cooked bacon, chicken broth, ranch packet, pepper, parsley, shredded chicken, sour cream, cream cheese into a large crockpot. Set the heat to low and cook for 3 hours, check the soup and stir it after about 2 hours. Add in the cheddar cheese and spinach, cook until the spinach has wilted and the cheese is melted.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 550