Name: Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices turkey bacon; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 small yellow onion (diced); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 4 to 6 cups low sodium chicken broth; 4 cups cooked shredded chicken; 8 ounces cream cheese (softened); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 3 to 4 cups baby spinach; ¼ cup heavy cream

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This creamy Crack Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to chilly evenings. With its rich, cheesy flavor and wholesome ingredients, it’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings. The standout feature of this recipe is its simplicity—ready in just 30 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights. You’ll love how the combination of turkey bacon, chicken, and spinach comes together to create a heartwarming bowl of goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This soup can be made in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of cheese, spices, and turkey bacon creates a deliciously rich flavor.
Versatile Ingredients: Easily customize with your choice of vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
Comforting Meal: Ideal for cold weather or when you need a comforting dish to warm you up.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this creamy soup—it’s a hit with everyone!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools on hand makes preparing this creamy Crack Chicken Soup even easier. Here are some essential items you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Dutch Oven or Soup Pot
Slotted Spoon
Cutting Board
Knife
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: Perfect for simmering soups evenly and thoroughly.
Slotted Spoon: Helps remove cooked turkey bacon without taking excess grease from the pot.
Whisk: Ensures your cheeses blend seamlessly into the soup without lumps.

Ingredients

This creamy Crack Chicken Soup recipe is loaded with incredible cheesy flavor! It’s the perfect winter comfort food, prepared with turkey bacon, chicken, cheese, spinach, and ranch seasoning.

For the Soup Base

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 Ingredients

4 cups cooked shredded chicken
8 ounces package cream cheese (softened)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Fresh Ingredients

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 to a crisp in a Dutch Oven or soup pot. Remove Turkey Bacon from pot using a slotted spoon, leaving the grease in the pot.

Step 2: Saute the Aromatics

Add butter to the pot and melt over medium-high heat. Stir in onions and cook for about 3 minutes; then add garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in the Broth and Seasonings

Pour in 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 bay leaf and bring the mixture to a boil. Lower heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Cheese

Stir in shredded chicken and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Then add cream cheese; whisk continuously until melted and combined. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted.

Step 6: Incorporate Spinach and Cream

Add baby spinach into the soup mixture; cook for about 2 minutes. Then stir in heavy cream; allow cooking for an additional minute.

Step 7: Finish Up

Taste your soup for seasonings; adjust as necessary. Make sure to remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 8: Serve

Remove your creamy Crack Chicken Soup from heat. Top it with scallions and previously prepared turkey bacon before enjoying!

How to Serve Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to keep it simple or elevate your serving style, these suggestions will help you make the most of this delicious soup.

With Crusty Bread

Freshly baked bread: Serve with a warm, crusty baguette or sourdough loaf for dipping.
Garlic bread: Pair with garlic butter toast for added flavor.

Topped With Fresh Herbs

Chopped parsley: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.
Basil or chives: Add finely chopped basil or chives for an aromatic touch.

As a Meal Prep Option

Store in mason jars: Perfect for lunch on the go; simply heat and enjoy throughout the week.
Freeze portions: Freeze individual servings for a quick meal later.

Accompanied by a Salad

Garden salad: A light garden salad adds crunch and freshness to balance the richness of the soup.
Spinach salad: A spinach salad with nuts and fruit complements the creamy texture perfectly.

How to Perfect Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

To achieve the ultimate Creamy Crack Chicken Soup, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance both flavor and texture, ensuring every bowl is a delight.

Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables and herbs for maximum flavor impact.
Control the thickness: Adjust the amount of broth or cream based on your preferred soup consistency.
Incorporate spices: Experiment with additional spices like paprika or cayenne for an extra kick.
Allow time to develop flavors: Letting the soup simmer longer helps meld all the flavors beautifully.
Add more greens: For added nutrition, toss in more spinach or kale towards the end of cooking.
Adjust seasoning last: Taste and adjust salt and pepper after all ingredients are combined to avoid over-seasoning.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

Serving side dishes alongside your Creamy Crack Chicken Soup can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent pairings:

Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter and sprinkled with parmesan cheese create a delightful accompaniment.
Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce topped with creamy Caesar dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the warm soup.
Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted vegetables add color and nutrients, making them a healthy side option.
Cheesy Biscuits – Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese are perfect for soaking up that creamy goodness from the soup.
Quinoa Salad – A light quinoa salad featuring colorful veggies provides a nutritious balance to your meal.
Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful sweetness that pairs well with savory soups.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Crack Chicken Soup, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Boldly skip the aromatics: Failing to sauté onions and garlic can result in a bland soup. Always cook these ingredients first for maximum flavor.
Boldly ignore the broth quality: Using low-quality broth can diminish the soup’s taste. Opt for low sodium chicken broth for a richer flavor without excess salt.
Boldly rush the cooking process: Cooking on high heat may cause uneven heating and prevent flavors from developing. Always bring the soup to a boil before lowering the heat.
Boldly forget to adjust seasonings: Not tasting your soup before serving may lead to unbalanced flavors. Always taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.
Boldly skip garnishing: Neglecting to top your soup with scallions or Turkey Bacon can make it less appealing. Garnish for added flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Consume within 3-4 days for best freshness.

Freezing Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

Place in freezer-safe containers or bags.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with date for reference.

Reheating Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring between intervals.
Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a pot, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Creamy Crack Chicken Soup.

What is Creamy Crack Chicken Soup?

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is a comforting dish featuring shredded chicken in a creamy, cheesy broth seasoned with ranch flavors.

Can I use other meats in this recipe?

Yes! You can substitute turkey bacon with chicken or even beef if you prefer. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, replace cream cheese and shredded cheese with plant-based alternatives and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

How long does it take to prepare Creamy Crack Chicken Soup?

The total time is approximately 30 minutes, including prep and cooking time, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile! Feel free to customize it by adding different vegetables or spices. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly evening or serving it at a gathering, this comforting dish is sure to please everyone at your table. Give it a try today!

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

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Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or any time you crave a warm and hearty meal. This delightful soup combines tender chicken with a rich and cheesy broth, enhanced by flavorful spices and fresh ingredients. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this family-friendly dish that will have everyone asking for seconds. With its creamy texture and savory taste, it’s an ideal choice for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.