Crack Chicken Soup with Bacon & Cream Cheese
Crack Chicken Soup with Bacon & Cream Cheese is a creamy, smoky, and protein-packed soup that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and smooth cream cheese for a comforting and flavorful meal. Easy to make in under an hour, this versatile soup is perfect for cozy dinners and can be customized with veggies or spices to suit your taste.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 slices crispy bacon
- 4 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
Liquids & Broth
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
Seasonings & Cheese
- 1 packet (about 1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Vegetables & Garnishes
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, fry the bacon until crisp. Remove bacon slices and drain on paper towels. Leave the bacon fat in the pot for flavor.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the bacon fat and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the pot and lightly brown on both sides. Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
- Blend in the Cream Cheese and Seasonings: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks. Stir the cream cheese into the hot broth until melted and smooth. Then mix in the ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Finish the Soup: Return the shredded chicken and crispy bacon to the pot. Stir everything together and simmer for a few more minutes. Finish by adding the chopped green onions to add freshness and color.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure it melts smoothly into the broth.
- Don’t skip browning the chicken to add depth of flavor and color.
- Reserve bacon grease for cooking garlic and chicken to enhance smoky richness.
- Shred chicken evenly for better distribution in the soup.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed to avoid over-seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: crack chicken soup, bacon, cream cheese, creamy chicken soup, comfort food, easy soup recipe, hearty soup