This Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is the ultimate bowl of comfort, combining tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach in a luscious cream cheese and cheddar base. The soup is infused with delicious herbs like dill and chives, giving every spoonful a burst of flavor. Perfect for those following a low-carb or keto diet, it’s a dish that brings both nutrition and warmth. A quick and easy recipe ready in just 30 minutes, this soup is perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week. Whether served on its own or paired with a green salad or garlic bread, this creamy chicken soup will become a go-to favorite for its rich taste and satisfying texture.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 tsp dried chives
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
- Green scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
- In a large pot, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy (about 5 minutes). Remove bacon but leave the fat in the pot.
- Add butter and diced onion to the pot and sauté until translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 20-30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping the brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Add bay leaves, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, chives, salt, and black pepper.
- Lower heat and let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken to the pot and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in cream cheese and cheddar cheese, whisking until melted and well combined.
- Add baby spinach and heavy cream; let simmer for 3 minutes while stirring to combine.
- Remove from heat, discard bay leaves, and add additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with the reserved bacon, chopped dill, and scallions before serving. Enjoy warm.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 340 kcal | Servings: 6
A Rich and Creamy Delight
What sets this Creamy Crack Chicken Soup apart is its delightful creamy texture. The soup combines the lusciousness of cream cheese and heavy cream to produce a velvety broth that envelops each ingredient in delicious richness. The combination of cheeses adds depth and flavor to the soup, transforming basic chicken soup into a delightful, crave-worthy dish. The creamy base is balanced perfectly with a touch of herbs like dill and chives, providing a subtle earthiness that complements the richness. A hearty meal in itself, this soup doesn’t rely on traditional starches like potatoes or pasta to fill you up – the creaminess is fulfilling, while the chicken and bacon provide that protein punch to leave you satisfied.
Hearty and Wholesome: A Family Favorite
One of the best things about Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is that it’s both kid-friendly and adult-approved. It is hearty enough to serve as a stand-alone meal but light enough to leave you wanting more. The soup is filling without being overly heavy, making it a versatile choice for lunch, dinner, or even as a hearty appetizer before the main course. Its appealing combination of flavors makes it a great choice for picky eaters as well, while those who appreciate well-seasoned meals will enjoy the nuanced blend of garlic, onion, and herbs in every spoonful.
The Bacon Crunch and Cheddar Goodness
A major highlight of this dish is the added crunch from crispy bacon crumbles and the richness of sharp cheddar cheese. Once you stir in the shredded cheddar, it melts beautifully into the broth, adding an additional layer of cheesy goodness that complements the tender chicken pieces. The crispy bacon serves as a perfect contrast to the soup’s creaminess, adding that salty-savory touch that elevates every bite. Together, the bacon and cheese make this dish truly comforting – an absolute must-have for cheese lovers and anyone who enjoys a smoky, savory touch in their soups.
A Perfect Slow-Cooker Recipe for Busy Days
In a world where time is a luxury, this Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is a lifesaver for those who want a wholesome meal without spending hours in the kitchen. As a slow-cooker-friendly recipe, it’s designed to make your life easier. You can throw everything together, set the slow cooker to do its magic, and let it work while you focus on other activities. This is ideal for busy parents, professionals, or anyone who wants a meal that practically cooks itself. The slow-cooker approach not only simplifies the cooking process but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully as they simmer, making each spoonful more flavorful and well-rounded.
Customizable and Adaptable to Dietary Preferences
This soup is inherently versatile and can be easily adapted to suit different dietary preferences. For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, this soup is already a great option as it is, since it doesn’t contain pasta or rice. If you prefer an even lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream. Additionally, the bacon can be adjusted to suit individual tastes; whether you want extra bacon for a smokier flavor or opt for turkey bacon as a lighter alternative, this soup is flexible and customizable.
Vegetarians can also adapt this soup by substituting chicken with chickpeas, cauliflower, or diced potatoes for a heartier plant-based alternative. The key is to use flavorful seasonings and a vegetable broth base that complements the cream cheese and herbs used in the recipe.
How to Serve and Enjoy This Soup
Creamy Crack Chicken Soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, garlic breadsticks, or a simple side salad. The bread can be used for dipping into the creamy broth, enhancing the overall experience. For a lighter meal, serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad to balance the rich flavors of the soup. Topping the soup with fresh parsley or green onions just before serving gives a fresh finish and adds a pop of color.
To make this dish even more enticing, consider serving it with a sprinkle of additional cheese or even a dollop of sour cream for an extra touch of creaminess. And don’t forget a few more bacon crumbles for garnish – they add that irresistible crunch that makes every bite more enjoyable.
A Soul-Warming Meal for All Occasions
Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner, a cozy meal for a weekend lunch, or a dish to bring to a gathering or potluck, Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is a crowd-pleaser that fits the bill. It’s simple to make yet feels indulgent and luxurious, making it suitable for any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort. Its popularity stems from its rich flavor, creamy texture, and that satisfying balance between the savory elements of chicken, bacon, and cheese. Perfect for chilly fall or winter days, this soup will quickly become a household staple that everyone looks forward to enjoying.
Tips for Making the Best Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
- Use Fresh Herbs and Quality Cheese: For a flavor boost, fresh herbs like parsley or dill can be added right before serving. Quality cheese makes a difference; opt for freshly shredded cheddar as it melts better and enhances the soup’s flavor.
- Cook Bacon Separately: To ensure the bacon retains its crunchiness, cook it separately and add it to the soup just before serving. This will keep the texture intact and prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Make Ahead and Store: The soup can be made in advance and refrigerated for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove or in a slow cooker before serving. It can also be frozen for up to three months, making it a convenient meal prep option.
Conclusion:
Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is not just another chicken soup – it’s a flavorful, hearty dish that checks all the boxes for comfort, convenience, and taste. Its creamy texture, savory blend of bacon and cheese, and the ease of preparation make it an ideal meal for any time of the year. This versatile soup is easily customizable, suitable for different diets, and fits right in whether you’re looking for a quick family meal or a potluck showstopper. The combination of tender chicken, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon creates a symphony of flavors that will have you coming back for more. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor payoff, this soup will easily become a go-to recipe that delights both family and friends.
