Name: Crack Chicken Soup Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup bacon, diced; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 cup sour cream; 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, plus more for garnish; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 ribs celery, diced; 2 large carrots, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups baby spinach; Green onion, chopped for garnish; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 package dry ranch dressing mix; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 2 teaspoons parsley

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Introduction

Crack Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting dish packed with savory flavors like bacon, cheddar, and ranch seasoning. This hearty soup is perfect for chilly days when you need something warm and satisfying. It’s easy to make and quickly becomes a family 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 package dry ranch dressing mix
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

Step 1: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat and cook the diced bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon from the pot and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 2: Add the butter to the pot. Once melted, add the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the dry ranch dressing mix, black pepper, and parsley. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Add the cooked shredded chicken, sour cream, cream cheese cubes, and the reserved cooked bacon. Stir continually until the cream cheese has fully melted and the soup is creamy.
Step 5: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and baby spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts completely.
Step 6: Serve the soup hot, garnished with extra cheddar cheese and chopped green onion. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free option, substitute sour cream and cream cheese with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle smoky or spicy twist.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time and boost flavor.
Including baby spinach adds color and nutrients, but kale or collard greens work well too.

Storage

Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also freeze the soup for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Two white bowls with speckled rims hold creamy chicken soup. The soup has a thick white base with chunks of white chicken meat, orange carrot pieces, green spinach leaves, and small bits of bacon scattered throughout. One bowl has a topping of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese and cracked black pepper. A silver spoon is placed in the front bowl, and pieces of crusty bread rest beside it. A striped yellow and white cloth lies under the bowls on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can. Cook the bacon separately, then add all ingredients except the cheddar cheese and spinach to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours. Stir in cheese and spinach during the last 15 minutes before serving.

Is it possible to make this soup gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just make sure to use a gluten-free ranch dressing mix and check that your chicken broth is gluten-free as well. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.