Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
This creamy Crack Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights! With its rich flavors and creamy texture, it’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. Packed with Turkey Bacon, chicken, and cheesy goodness, this soup promises to be a hit at any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a delicious way to warm up, this recipe has you covered!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor: The combination of cheesy goodness and ranch seasoning creates a flavor profile that will keep you coming back for more.
- Quick Prep Time: With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a delightful meal ready in no time.
- Versatile Ingredients: You can easily customize this soup by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Each bowl is loaded with protein and fiber, making it a filling option that’s perfect for dinner.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze some for later!
Tools and Preparation
To make this Creamy Crack Chicken Soup, you’ll need a few essential tools to get started. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Dutch Oven or Soup Pot
- Slotted Spoon
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Whisk
Importance of Each Tool
- Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: Ideal for cooking soups evenly, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Slotted Spoon: Perfect for removing crispy Turkey Bacon without excess grease.
- Whisk: Ensures that cream cheese blends smoothly into the soup without lumps.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 slices Turkey Bacon (diced)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 4 to 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
- ½ teaspoon dried chives
- salt and fresh ground pepper (to taste)
- 1 bay leaf
Protein & Dairy
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 ounces package cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables & Garnish
- 3 to 4 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- sliced green scallions (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon
Cook diced Turkey Bacon until crispy in a Dutch Oven or soup pot. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon while leaving the grease in the pot.
Step 2: Saute the Aromatics
Add butter to the pot and melt it over medium-high heat. Stir in diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes. Then add minced garlic and sauté for another 20 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in the Broth and Season the Soup
Pour in low sodium chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, chives, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Cook the Soup
Add one bay leaf and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Add Chicken and Cheese
Stir in cooked shredded chicken. Allow it to heat through for about 5 minutes. Then add softened cream cheese; whisk continuously until melted. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully combined.
Step 6: Stir in Spinach and Cream
Add baby spinach into the soup mixture; cook for about 2 minutes until wilted. Next, stir in heavy cream and heat through for another minute.
Step 7: Finish Your Soup
Taste your creamy Crack Chicken Soup; adjust seasonings if needed. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving!
Step 8: Serve
Remove from heat and ladle into bowls. Top each serving with scallions and some crispy Turkey Bacon before enjoying!
How to Serve Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, these serving suggestions will enhance your meal.
Top with Fresh Garnishes
- Green Scallions: Add sliced green scallions on top for a fresh crunch and burst of flavor.
- Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle grated Parmesan for an extra cheesy touch.
Pair with Bread
- Crusty Bread: Serve alongside warm, crusty bread or baguettes for dipping in the creamy soup.
- Garlic Bread: Enhance the meal with garlic bread for an aromatic and flavorful experience.
Add a Salad
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
- Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad with vinaigrette complements the creamy texture perfectly.
Serve in Bread Bowls
- Bread Bowls: For a fun twist, serve your soup in hollowed-out bread bowls. This makes for an interactive dining experience while soaking up all the delicious flavors.
How to Perfect Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
Creating the perfect Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried ones.
- Adjust Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth gradually until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Cook Bacon Crispy: Cooking your Turkey Bacon until crispy adds texture and flavor to the soup.
- Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust seasonings like salt and pepper gradually to achieve the perfect balance.
- Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer enhances the flavors; don’t rush this step!
- Serve Hot: For the best experience, serve your soup hot. It not only tastes better but also provides comforting warmth.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
To make your meal complete, consider pairing your Creamy Crack Chicken Soup with these delicious side dishes.
- Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted garlic bread pairs wonderfully with creamy soups.
- Mixed Green Salad: A refreshing mixed green salad balances out the richness of the soup.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Fluffy cheesy biscuits are great for dipping into your bowl of soup.
- Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful contrast to savory soups like this one.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables brings healthy color and flavor to your meal.
- Stuffed Peppers: Flavor-packed stuffed peppers offer a hearty option that complements the soup’s creaminess.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can make your Creamy Crack Chicken Soup turn out perfectly. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:
- Skipping the bacon: Not cooking the Turkey Bacon first can lead to a lack of flavor. Ensure you crisp it up to infuse the soup with a rich taste.
- Overcooking the spinach: Cooking the spinach for too long can make it mushy and lose its vibrant color. Add it near the end of cooking for the best texture.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Failure to taste and adjust seasoning can result in bland soup. Always taste before serving and tweak as needed.
- Using cold cream cheese: Adding cold cream cheese can cause lumps. Make sure it’s softened beforehand for a smooth texture.
- Not removing the bay leaf: Forgetting to take out the bay leaf before serving can lead to an unpleasant surprise. Always remember to remove it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in airtight containers.
- Keep for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
- Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Best used within 2-3 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl at medium power, stirring every minute until hot.
- Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Creamy Crack Chicken Soup:
Can I use regular bacon instead of Turkey Bacon?
Yes, you can use regular bacon if you prefer a richer flavor. Just be mindful of the added fat content.
How can I make this soup dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and cheddar with vegan alternatives and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
What can I serve with Creamy Crack Chicken Soup?
This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, salad, or even grilled cheese sandwiches for a comforting meal.
How do I thicken my Creamy Crack Chicken Soup?
If you want a thicker consistency, add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) while cooking, stirring until thickened.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also highly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting spices to suit your preferences. This comforting dish is perfect for chilly nights and will surely delight your family and friends!
Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights and cozy gatherings. This deliciously rich and creamy soup is made with tender shredded chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and a blend of flavorful seasonings that come together in just under 30 minutes. Each bowl is packed with cheesy goodness and wholesome ingredients, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or meal prep. Customize it with your favorite vegetables for added nutrition or serve it alongside warm crusty bread for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 slices turkey bacon, diced
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 to 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 3 to 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
- ½ teaspoon dried chives
- salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or large soup pot, cook the diced turkey bacon until crispy; remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat and sauté diced onion for about 3 minutes, then add minced garlic.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits; season with garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, chives, salt, and pepper.
- Add bay leaf and bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cooked chicken and allow it to heat through; whisk in cream cheese until melted followed by cheddar cheese.
- Add spinach and heavy cream; cook until spinach wilts.
- Remove bay leaf before serving; ladle into bowls topped with reserved turkey bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg