Wondering if a homemade crack chicken soup can be quick to make and taste amazing?
This homemade crack chicken soup recipe is set to win hearts. It boasts a mix of addictive flavors and is quick to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you get tender chicken, creamy cheese soup, plus celery and carrots. It also includes zesty ranch, crispy bacon, and comforting noodles.
With rotisserie chicken, noodles, and cheese, dinner becomes a hit with kids. They will surely want a second helping.
Key Takeaways:
- Recipe serves 6 people.
- Preparation time is only 5 minutes.
- Cooking time is 25 minutes, for a total of 30 minutes.
- Key ingredients include chicken, cheese soup, bacon, and egg noodles.
- Rotisserie chicken is a useful shortcut to cut down on prep time.
- This easy crack chicken soup is highly addictive and perfect for family dinners.
Introduction: What Makes Crack Chicken Soup Irresistible?
Delicious crack chicken soup stands out because of its mix of flavors. The seasoned chicken, creamy cheese, and smoky bacon create a taste sensation. Its rich texture and warmth make it a top choice for comfort food lovers. It’s also easy to make in a slow cooker, perfect for any home chef.
Cook the crack chicken soup recipe in just 30 minutes for a quick, satisfying meal. It’s a beloved dish, bringing joy to every family that tastes it.
Featuring condensed cheese soup, milk, and bacon, it’s a meal full of indulgence. Using rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time, great for busy people.
You can make the soup your own by adding your favorite seasonings or veggies. Experimenting with cheeses like mozzarella offers a new twist. This flexibility caters to diverse tastes.
The delicious crack chicken soup is packed with chicken, veggies, bacon, noodles, and cheese. This balance of nutrients is perfect for a healthy meal. Offering tips on meal prepping and choosing low-sodium broth helps those watching their diet.
Statistical Data | Details |
---|---|
Prep Time | 10 minutes |
Cook Time | 20 minutes |
Total Time | 30 minutes |
Servings | 6 |
Calories per Serving | 515 |
Total Fat per Serving | 34.4g |
Saturated Fat per Serving | 19g |
Cholesterol per Serving | 168mg |
Sodium per Serving | 701mg |
Total Carbohydrates per Serving | 6.6g |
Dietary Fiber per Serving | 1.7g |
Total Sugars per Serving | 1.5g |
Protein per Serving | 44.3g |
Vitamin D per Serving | 6mcg |
Calcium per Serving | 317mg |
Iron per Serving | 3mg |
Potassium per Serving | 664mg |
This Crack Chicken Soup is more than just tasty. It’s a nutritious meal that fuels our bodies and supports good health.
Ingredients Needed for Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
The creamy crack chicken soup recipe is packed with tasty ingredients. It’s perfect for any meal. You get to choose from main items and extra bits to make this soup even yummier.
Main Ingredients
This creamy crack chicken soup starts with top-quality ingredients. They make the soup thick and flavorful:
- 4 slices of diced bacon
- 1 tablespoon of butter
- 1 small diced yellow onion
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- 4 to 6 cups of low sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill weed, and chives
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups of cooked shredded chicken
- 1 package (8 ounces) of softened cream cheese
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 to 4 cups of baby spinach
- 1/4 cup of heavy cream
For every serving, you get 309 calories and other key nutrients. This shows how it’s a balanced meal.
Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor
Extra ingredients can make this creamy crack chicken soup even tastier. They bring more flavor and goodness to the soup:
- Additional diced vegetables such as celery, carrots, and bell peppers
- 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach or broccoli for added nutrients
- 1 cup of sour cream to add a tangy creaminess
- Extra varieties of cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan
- A sprinkle of dry ranch dressing mix for an extra layer of flavor
- Fresh spinach and chopped green onion for garnish
- Substituting turkey bacon for lower calorie content
These extra bits keep the creamy crack chicken soup exciting. They make sure the creamy and rich taste remains. Pick what you like to make your soup perfect.
Step-by-Step Directions for Making Crack Chicken Soup Recipe
The step-by-step crack chicken soup recipe is simple. It’s perfect for a warm meal at home, especially on chilly days. Follow this guide to easily make this favorite soup.
Prepping the Chicken
First, make sure your chicken is cooked through. You can use slow-cooked, rotisserie, or another kind you like. Then, cut or shred it into small pieces so it mixes well later.
Cooking the Vegetables
Next, cook the veggies. In a big pot, sauté celery and carrots until soft. You can also add spinach for more nutrition.
Combining Ingredients
After the veggies are ready, you’ll add other ingredients. Toss in chicken stock, milk, the cooked chicken, ranch mix, cheddar and cream cheeses. Mix until everything is well-blended. Throw in some bacon and spaghetti too.
Let it simmer on low. This helps the cheese not to clump up. The cooking instructions for crack chicken soup will be done in less than 30 minutes. You’ll have a smooth and tasty soup.
This soup is great to store for later. You can also add more spices or veggies to make it your own. This makes it popular with families and kids.
Nutritional Information per Serving | |
---|---|
Calories | 935 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 51g |
Protein | 45g |
Fat | 60g |
Saturated Fat | 23g |
Polyunsaturated Fat | 8g |
Monounsaturated Fat | 23g |
Cholesterol | 161mg |
Sodium | 1865mg |
Potassium | 872mg |
Fiber | 2g |
Sugar | 9g |
Vitamin A | 5864IU |
Vitamin C | 4mg |
Calcium | 309mg |
Iron | 2mg |
Net Carbs | 4g |
Tips for Using a Slow Cooker
Get ready to make your dishes taste amazing with a slow cooker. Here’s how to make your slow cooker crack chicken soup perfect each time.
Best Practices for Slow Cooker Cooking
Here are top tips for your slow cooker crack chicken soup to turn out great:
- Layer ingredients wisely, with veggies like carrots and potatoes at the bottom.
- Cook chicken breasts before to get the texture and doneness right.
- Stick to the right cooking times: high for 2-3 hours, low for 4-5 hours.
- Wait to add dairy like cream cheese until the end to stop it from curdling.
- Make sure the lid is tight to keep heat in for even cooking.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Steering clear of these errors will get you the best slow cooker crack chicken soup results:
- Don’t fill the pot too full, as it can mess up how evenly things cook.
- Using the wrong cooking times can make your food over or undercooked.
- Layer your ingredients right to keep the texture and taste good.
- Don’t forget to partly cook meat to avoid strange textures.
- Check that you’ve sealed the lid tight to prevent cooking troubles.
By keeping to the best practices and avoiding these mistakes, your slow cooker crack chicken soup will taste amazing and cook perfectly every time.
The Secret to Achieving Perfect Creaminess
To make the best creamy soups, choose the right dairy. Cream cheese, cheddar, and milk or cream are great. Adding them slowly and at the right time makes the soup silky. Experts also soften the cream cheese before using it.
Starting with the cream cheese is a secret for creamy soups. Whisk it into the soup first to avoid lumps. This smooths out the soup. Then, add the cheddar, letting it blend in well.
Add dairy slowly to keep the soup creamy. This stops it from separating and keeps the texture rich. Softening cream cheese helps it melt better. Slowly pour in milk or cream for a finer touch.
Keep whisking as you add cheese to make an even mix. This makes the soup smooth and creamy. Experts like those at Eatwell101, who’ve cooked tasty cream cheese crack chicken soup, swear by this tip.
Choosing the Right Cheese for Your Soup
When you pick cheese for soup, flavor and texture are key. Your choice can make the soup rich and smooth or add balance. Consider these aspects to get the perfect taste.
Choose full-fat cheeses for their smooth melt. Sharp cheddar works well in crack chicken soup. It adds a tangy flavor and makes the dish richer. Colby-jack is another good option. It’s creamier but less tangy.
Processed cheeses are good if you want a very smooth soup. Still, avoid cheeses that get too oily or stringy when melted. They might mess up the texture you’re aiming for.
Here’s an overview of the nutrients in cheese for your crack chicken soup for 6 servings:
Nutritional Component | Value per Serving | Percentage of Daily Intake |
---|---|---|
Calories | 370 kcal | 19% |
Carbohydrates | 13g | 4% |
Protein | 28g | 56% |
Fat | 24g | 37% |
Saturated Fat | 14g | 88% |
Cholesterol | 97mg | 32% |
Sodium | 695mg | 30% |
Potassium | 547mg | 16% |
Fiber | 1g | 4% |
Sugar | 4g | 4% |
Vitamin A | 793IU | 16% |
Calcium | 363mg | 36% |
Iron | 1mg | 6% |
When choosing cheese, think of how it will boost your soup’s taste and texture. Pick the best ones to make your dish truly delicious.
How to Achieve the Best Flavor with Bacon
Using bacon is key to great flavor in your crack chicken soup. It adds a layer of smokiness that matches the soup’s richness well. Here’s how to make the most of bacon in your soup:
- Cooking to Crispness: Make sure your bacon is crispy. It stops the soup from getting soggy and adds a tasty crunch.
- Reserving Bacon Grease: Save some bacon grease to cook your veggies. This gives them a bacon flavor boost. It makes the whole soup taste better.
- Choosing the Right Bacon: Pick thick, high-quality bacon for better texture and taste. Thick bacon works well in the soup.
Mix these bacon tips with ranch mix and cheddar. It takes your soup to a whole new level. The mix of flavors is outstanding.
This not only makes the soup tastier. It also improves how it feels, making each bite very enjoyable.
Adding Vegetables for Extra Nutrients
Want to boost your Crack Chicken Soup’s nutrition? Just add lots of veggies to it. Not only will the soup get healthier, but it will also get tastier and more interesting.
Best Vegetables to Use
For your crack chicken soup, consider adding celery, carrots, onions, garlic, and spinach. These veggies are packed with vitamins and minerals. They fit well with the soup’s creamy nature. For the best taste and nutrients, choose fresh vegetables.
How to Prepare and Add Vegetables
First, chop your veggies into similar sizes. This makes sure they cook evenly and mix well. Here’s how to do it:
- Celery: Wash it well, remove the leaves, and chop it small.
- Carrots: Peel them, then cut into tiny cubes for a good texture.
- Onions: Peel and chop finely. They’ll make the soup more flavorful.
- Garlic: Mince or crush it to make the garlic’s taste stronger.
- Spinach: Toss in spinach at the end. It’s a quick way to add more nutrients.
Add the vegetables early in cooking to let their flavors mix well with the soup. Spinach and other quick-cooking veggies can be added near the end. This keeps their color and texture. Using these tips will help make your soup more nutritious and delicious.
Customizing Your Crack Chicken Soup Recipe
Customizing your crack chicken soup can be fun and creative. You can change ingredients or spices to suit your tastes. This lets you make your crack chicken soup special.
Possible Ingredient Swaps
There are many ways to swap ingredients without losing flavor. Try turkey or ham instead of chicken. Change up the cheese with gouda or mozzarella. Adding veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers boosts flavor and nutrition. These swaps help create soups for different tastes.
Adjusting Spice Levels
You can easily adjust the spiciness of your soup. To make it hotter, add red pepper flakes. For a milder taste, use less ranch mix and try paprika. This gives you more ways to make your soup just how you like it.
Why You Should Use Rotisserie Chicken
Rotisserie chicken adds a special touch to crack chicken soup. Its seasoning and texture are just right. You save a lot of time because the chicken is already cooked.
It’s not just about saving time, though. The chicken also adds rich, tasty flavors. For quick, tasty dinners, this is a top choice.
Having some in the freezer makes cooking easier. It fits many recipes and diets, like the 21 Day Fix or Weight Watchers.
A serving of crack chicken soup is packed with nutrition. Each serving has 322 calories, 34g protein, and only 1g of carbs. This makes it a healthy choice for many.
Dietary Plan | Points/Containers |
---|---|
21 Day Fix | 6 Red, 4 1/2 Green, 1 Yellow |
Weight Watchers (2023 Plan) | 3 Points |
Weight Watchers (Blue Plan) | 3 Points |
Weight Watchers (Green Plan) | 5 Points |
Weight Watchers (Purple Plan) | 0 Points |
Using rotisserie chicken is good for your meals and your diet. It’s quick, healthy, and tasty. A great choice for many cooking styles.
Serving Suggestions for Crack Chicken Soup
Make your Crack Chicken Soup stand out by choosing the perfect sides and toppings. The right choices can boost taste and looks.
Best Side Dishes to Pair With
A garden salad, fresh bread, or garlic rolls are great with crack chicken soup. They go well with its creamy feel. You could also try it over rice or pasta for a full meal. These sides mix it up and cut through the soup’s richness.
- Garden Salad
- Crusty Bread
- Garlic Rolls
- Rice
- Pasta
- Biscuits
Garnishing Ideas
Garnishing turns an ordinary soup into an attractive and tasty treat. Top your Crack Chicken Soup with:
- Extra shredded cheese
- Crumbled bacon
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh parsley
These toppings provide crunch and a flavor kick. They make every bowl more delightful. Try various toppings to discover the best mix and make your meal even better.
Making Your Soup Keto-Friendly
Adapting classic soup recipes to a keto diet is simpler than it seems. You can keep the rich flavors without the carbs. Let’s dive into how you can make your favorite crack chicken soup keto-friendly.
Keto Ingredients
A keto crack chicken soup recipe focuses on high-fat, low-carb elements. Use cream cheese and heavy whipping cream for a rich base. Xanthan gum thickens the soup without adding carbs.
Include veggies like spinach and mushrooms. They work well with the chicken, bacon, and ranch flavors. Remember, keep it low-carb to stay on track.
Low-Carb Substitutes
For low-carb crack chicken soup, choose veggies wisely. Avoid high-carb options like carrots and corn. Instead, go for nutrient-dense choices such as zucchini or cauliflower.
Swap out regular bacon for turkey bacon to cut calories. This change doesn’t sacrifice taste. And consider using full-fat mozzarella or gouda. It adds a new flavor layer while being keto-friendly.
Ingredient | Regular Version | Keto Version |
---|---|---|
Milk | 2 cups | Heavy Whipping Cream |
Flour | 2 tbsp | Xanthan Gum |
Carrots | 1 cup, diced | Spinach |
Corn | 1 cup | Mushrooms |
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
After you finish eating, it’s vital to cool your crack chicken soup before storing. Use airtight containers for storage to keep its flavors and texture. You can keep the soup in the fridge for 3-4 days. This makes it a great option for quick lunches. Want to save it for later? Freeze it in containers that can handle the cold. Remember to leave room for the soup to expand. Then, you can enjoy it up to 2-3 months later.
How to Properly Store Soup
Cooling the soup completely before storing prevents it from getting watery. Once it’s cool, put the soup in a clean, airtight container and into the fridge. If you’re freezing it, again, choose the right container. And still, remember to leave space for it to expand. It’s good to label the containers with the storage date.
Best Methods for Reheating
If you’ve frozen your soup, thaw it in the fridge overnight first. To warm it up on the stove, use medium heat and stir occasionally. Don’t let it boil to keep it creamy. A microwave is another option. Use a microwave-safe bowl and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway. This way, your soup will taste just as great as the first time.
FAQ
What makes crack chicken soup so irresistible?
Crack chicken soup is all about the delicious mix of flavors. Imagine seasoned, shredded chicken, melted cheese, and smoky bacon. These come together to make a tasty and addictive dish. Its thick texture and rich ingredients make it great for cold days.
What ingredients are needed for creamy crack chicken soup?
For this tasty soup, you’ll need cooked chicken, cheese soup, and chicken broth. You also want milk, celery, carrots, and ranch mix. Don’t forget bacon, cheddar cheese, and egg noodles. You can also add onion, garlic, spinach, cream, and different cheeses if you like.
How do I make crack chicken soup?
First, cook the chicken. You can use a slow cooker or buy it already cooked. Then, cook the veggies until they’re soft. Add everything else and simmer for about 30 minutes. This makes a creamy and delicious soup.
Can I make crack chicken soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Cook the chicken first, then layer all the ingredients in your pot. Be careful when adding milk and cheese at the end. This prevents them from curdling.
How do I achieve perfect creaminess in crack chicken soup?
To make your soup creamy, add cheeses and milk during cooking. Make sure to mix well. Use high-quality cheese for the best result.
What kind of cheese should I use for crack chicken soup?
When choosing cheese, pick ones that melt nicely and taste good. Sharp cheddar makes it rich. Colby-jack adds a nice touch. Processed cheese can also make it smooth and creamy.
How can I maximize the flavor of bacon in crack chicken soup?
Start by cooking the bacon until it’s really crispy. Use its grease to fry the veggies. This gives them a savory flavor. Thick, high-quality bacon makes the soup taste amazing.
What vegetables can I add to crack chicken soup for extra nutrients?
For extra flavor and nutrients, add celery, carrots, onions, garlic, and spinach. Use the freshest vegetables you can find. Cut them evenly for even cooking. Adding them early helps make the flavors blend well.
Can I customize my crack chicken soup recipe?
Yes, you can make it your own. Try different meats, cheeses, or veggies. You can even change how spicy it is. This lets you create a soup that’s just right for you.
Why is rotisserie chicken recommended for crack chicken soup?
Using rotisserie chicken saves time and tastes great. It’s seasoned and cooked well. This makes the soup-making process easier and gives a flavorful result.
What are the best side dishes to serve with crack chicken soup?
To go with the soup, choose things like salads, bread, or garlic rolls. For a bigger meal, add rice or pasta. Top the soup with more cheese, bacon, or herbs for a tasty finish.
How can I make crack chicken soup keto-friendly?
For a keto version, swap high-carb foods with low-carb ones. Use cream, xanthan gum, and low-carb veggies. Keep the main flavors by using chicken, bacon, and ranch mix.
How should I store and reheat leftover crack chicken soup?
To save leftovers, cool the soup and store it in sealed containers. You can keep it in the fridge for a few days or freeze it for months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave. Just don’t let it boil to keep it creamy.