The warm aroma of chicken simmering on the stove instantly transports me to sweet memories of family gatherings and cozy evenings. My favorite dish during those times? This Creamy Crack Chicken Soup! Packed with tender chicken, silky cream cheese, and those irresistible crunchy bacon bits, it’s a comforting hug in a bowl that keeps you coming back for more. The beauty of this quick recipe is that it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the ideal weeknight solution for those tired of typical fast food fare. Plus, its customizable nature means everyone at the table can savor it in their own way, whether by opting for gluten-free ingredients or adding their favorite veggies. Ready to dive into a bowl of homemade goodness? Let’s get cooking! Why is Crack Chicken Soup a must-try? Comforting Warmth: This delicious soup wraps you in a cozy embrace, making it perfect for chilly evenings. Quick & Easy: With just 30 minutes of prep, you can serve a hearty meal without the fuss. Customizable Delight: Tailor it to fit every dietary need—swap in veggies for a vegetarian option or choose gluten-free alternatives! Flavor Bomb: The combination of creamy cheese and crispy bacon creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that’s hard to resist. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether for dinner parties or family meals, this soup will impress guests and satisfy even the pickiest eaters. For more comforting inspiration, check out my Honey Bourbon Chicken or try a warm bowl of Mushroom Soup Without. Crack Chicken Soup Ingredients • Get ready for a cozy feast with these must-have ingredients! For the Soup Base Chicken Breasts/Thighs – The star of the show; cooked and shredded for optimal tenderness. Chicken Broth – Use low-sodium for a healthier soup that still packs in the flavors. For Creaminess Cream Cheese – This brings rich, velvety goodness; low-fat options keep it lighter. Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Adds a cheesy punch; substitute with mozzarella or gouda if desired. For Crunch Bacon Bits – Optional, but they add delightful crispiness; turkey bacon works for a healthier twist. For Freshness Green Onions/Chives – Sprinkle on top for a fresh flavor and garnish that brightens the dish. For Seasoning Salt and Pepper – Essential for enhancing all the delicious flavors; season to your taste. Now that you have everything you need, let’s dive into crafting this heavenly Crack Chicken Soup! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crack Chicken Soup Step 1: Boil the Chicken In a large pot, fill with water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Check for doneness by ensuring the juices run clear when pierced. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces with two forks, and set aside to prepare for the Crack Chicken Soup. Step 2: Create the Soup Base In the same pot, pour in the chicken broth over medium heat and add the cream cheese along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to melt smoothly into the broth. Keep an eye on it, as the mixture should become silky and creamy. Once combined, it sets the perfect base for your delicious Crack Chicken Soup. Step 3: Add the Cheese Next, sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring gently as it melts into the soup. Allow this to simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring the cheese is fully incorporated. You’ll know it’s ready when the soup is thick and creamy with a rich cheese flavor permeating through. This step makes the Crack Chicken Soup indulgently creamy and satisfying. Step 4: Stir in the Chicken Introduce the shredded chicken back into the pot and gently fold it into the soup mixture. Lower the heat and let it simmer for another 5 minutes; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully. As you stir, watch for the soup to bubble slightly, signaling that it’s warmly heating through. This will add a comforting richness to your Crack Chicken Soup. Step 5: Garnish and Serve Finally, ladle the steaming Crack Chicken Soup into bowls. To elevate the dish, sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or chives on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot, optionally alongside crusty bread for dipping or in bread bowls for fun presentation. Enjoy the comforting warmth of this hearty soup with your family! Make Ahead Options These Crack Chicken Soup is a fantastic choice for meal prep lovers! You can cook and shred the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, storing it in the refrigerator to maintain its tenderness. Additionally, the creamy base of the soup can be prepared ahead—combine the chicken broth and cream cheese, then refrigerate. When you’re ready to finish cooking, simply reheat the mixture on low heat, stir in the cheddar cheese, and add the shredded chicken just before serving. This method not only saves you time during busy weeknights but also ensures your soup remains just as delicious and comforting! Expert Tips for Crack Chicken Soup • Avoid Dry Chicken: Ensure your chicken is fully cooked but not overboiled. Overcooking can render chicken dry and less enjoyable in the Crack Chicken Soup. • Smooth Creaminess: Continuously stir while adding cream cheese to prevent lumps. This helps achieve that perfect, silky texture in your soup. • Season Gradually: Taste your soup as you adjust the seasoning. Adding salt and pepper gradually ensures a balanced flavor throughout. • Reheat Gently: When reheating leftovers, use low heat. This helps maintain the creaminess of your Crack Chicken Soup without making it curdle. • Prep Ahead: To save time, prepare your chicken and chop ingredients in advance. This makes it even quicker to whip up on a busy weeknight. How to Store and Freeze Crack Chicken Soup Fridge: Store leftover Crack Chicken Soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Allow it to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation. Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the soup in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. This helps retain the creamy texture without curdling. Portioning: Consider freezing in individual servings for quick, easy meals. Simply thaw and heat as needed for a comforting bowl anytime! Crack Chicken Soup Variations You’ll Love Embrace the joy of personalizing your Crack Chicken Soup with these fun and tasty twists that will make your family swoon! Vegetarian: Omit chicken and bacon; add hearty vegetables like mushrooms and carrots for a satisfying alternative. Creamy textures from the veggies can elevate the flavor and make this dish entirely plant-based! Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a fiery kick. This spicy variation brings great flavor harmony and warmth that will exhilarate your taste buds. Creamy Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter tang that still maintains creaminess. The yogurt will give a refreshing twist while keeping that comforting texture. Herb-Infused: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for an aromatic boost. Not only do they add wonderful fragrance, but they also create a depth of flavor that enhances the entire dish. Coconut Edition: Swap cream cheese for coconut cream for a unique flavor twist. This substitution offers a creamy richness with a subtle sweetness, adding an exotic flair to your soup. Broccoli Cheese: Mix in steamed broccoli to make it a broccoli cheese soup experience. This addition not only brings nutrition but also adds a lovely color contrast and fresh taste! Bacon Lovers: Crumble extra crispy bacon on top for ultimate indulgence. If you’re a bacon enthusiast, this extra crunch will make each spoonful even more delightful! Cheesy Delight: Increase the amount of shredded cheddar cheese or try a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and gouda for even more deliciousness. Melty cheese will create a delightful ooey-gooey texture that everyone will enjoy. Why not play around with different flavors? For more comforting inspirations, don’t forget to check out my delicious Bang Bang Chicken and savory Colcannon Soup Flavorful. Happy cooking! What to Serve with Crack Chicken Soup? This creamy bowl of joy is perfect for a full meal experience that will delight your senses and warm your heart. Crusty Bread: A thick slice serves as the perfect vehicle for scooping up that rich soup while adding a satisfying crunch. Side Salad: A light, vibrant salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the creamy soup beautifully. Garlic Cheese Bread: This indulgent twist adds a flavorful touch, making every bite of soup even more fulfilling. Steamed Vegetables: Tender and colorful veggies like broccoli or carrots provide a nutritious contrast and a pop of freshness alongside the rich flavors. Corn Muffins: Sweet, moist cornbread pairs wonderfully, soaking up the creamy soup and adding a delightful sweetness to each spoonful. Sparkling Water: Crisp and refreshing, a sparkling drink cleanses the palate, enhancing the flavors of the soup. Chocolate Chip Cookies: End the meal on a sweet note! The classic cookie’s warmth and sweetness complement the savory soup perfectly for a comforting finish. Crack Chicken Soup Recipe FAQs What type of chicken should I use for Crack Chicken Soup? Absolutely! For the best results, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. They cook evenly and shred beautifully after boiling. I prefer thighs for their juiciness, but both options work wonderfully! How can I store leftovers of Crack Chicken Soup? Store your soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To ensure freshness, let it cool down before sealing. When you reheat it, do so gently on the stove to preserve its creamy goodness. Can I freeze Crack Chicken Soup? Yes, you can freeze this delicious soup! Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags and it will last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly on the stove, stirring frequently. How do I prevent the cream cheese from curdling? To avoid curdling, add cream cheese gradually while stirring continuously over medium heat. This ensures that it dissolves smoothly into the broth. If you’re ever uncertain, temper the cream cheese by mixing a small amount of hot broth into it before adding it to the pot. Is Crack Chicken Soup suitable for special diets? Very! You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free broth and checking your cream cheese for any gluten ingredients. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and bacon, replacing them with hearty vegetables like carrots and mushrooms. Feel free to customize it to fit your dietary preferences! Hearty Crack Chicken Soup: Comfort in Every Creamy Spoonful Enjoy a comforting bowl of Crack Chicken Soup with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon bits in under 30 minutes. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsTotal Time 30 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SoupCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Soup Base2 pieces Chicken Breasts/Thighs cooked and shredded4 cups Chicken Broth low-sodium recommendedFor Creaminess8 oz Cream Cheese can use low-fat1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese substitute with mozzarella or gouda if desiredFor Crunch1 cup Bacon Bits optional, turkey bacon works for a healthier twistFor Freshness2 tablespoons Green Onions/Chives for garnishFor Seasoningto taste Saltto taste Pepper Equipment Large pot Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a large pot, fill with water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and let them simmer for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Check for doneness by ensuring the juices run clear when pierced. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces with two forks, and set aside.In the same pot, pour in the chicken broth over medium heat and add the cream cheese along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes, allowing the cream cheese to melt smoothly into the broth.Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring gently as it melts into the soup. Allow this to simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes.Introduce the shredded chicken back into the pot and gently fold it into the soup mixture. Lower the heat and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.Ladle the steaming Crack Chicken Soup into bowls and sprinkle freshly chopped green onions or chives on top for a pop of color and flavor. Serve hot. Nutrition Serving: 1bowlCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg NotesStore leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It can be frozen for longer storage, up to 3 months. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
