Crack Chicken Soup Recipe
Introduction
Crack Chicken Soup is a comforting, creamy dish packed with tender shredded chicken, smoky bacon, and rich cheddar cheese. This easy-to-make soup warms you up with every spoonful and is perfect for chilly days or anytime you crave a hearty meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast or thighs
- 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits, plus extra for garnish
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup cream or milk for extra smoothness
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the chicken by cooking breasts or thighs in boiling water or broth until fully cooked and tender. Shred into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: In a large pot over medium heat, combine chicken broth, cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts into a smooth, rich broth.
- Step 3: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Then add crispy bacon bits to infuse smoky, savory flavor.
- Step 4: Add shredded chicken to the broth mixture. Let the soup simmer gently for a few minutes to blend all the flavors together.
- Step 5: Garnish with chopped green onions or chives and extra bacon bits before serving for a fresh, colorful finish.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother texture, stir in 1/4 cup of cream or milk when melting the cheese.
- Use freshly cooked and seasoned bacon for the best flavor instead of store-bought bacon bits.
- Add diced celery or carrots during simmering for a veggie boost.
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a mild spicy kick.
Storage
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain a creamy consistency. If the soup thickens too much when reheated, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen it.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for this soup?
Yes, pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred it before adding to the soup.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Freezing is possible, but the texture of cream cheese and shredded cheese may change slightly. If freezing, cool the soup completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
PrintCrack Chicken Soup Recipe
A rich and creamy Crack Chicken Soup featuring tender shredded chicken, smoky bacon bits, and a luscious blend of cream cheese and cheddar. This comforting soup is easy to prepare on the stovetop, perfect for a cozy meal that satisfies with every warm spoonful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast or thighs
- 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits, plus extra for garnish
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup cream or milk for extra smoothness
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook chicken breasts or thighs in boiling water or broth until fully cooked and tender. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces to form the protein base of the soup.
- Make the Creamy Broth: In a large pot over medium heat, combine the chicken broth, cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts fully into the broth, creating a rich and silky foundation for the soup.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and becomes creamy. Then add crispy bacon bits to infuse smoky and savory flavors throughout the soup.
- Combine Chicken and Simmer: Add the shredded chicken to the cheesy broth mixture. Allow the soup to simmer gently for a few minutes to meld all flavors, ensuring the soup is warm and comforting.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions or chives on top for a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can use cream or milk to make the soup even creamier; add 1/4 cup when melting the cream cheese if desired.
- Low sodium chicken broth is preferred to control salt levels, especially if adding bacon bits that are already salty.
- For a thicker soup, reduce the chicken broth slightly or add more cream cheese.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a light salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: Crack Chicken Soup, creamy chicken soup, bacon cheese soup, easy chicken soup recipe, comfort food
