Oh my goodness, friends, do I have a treat for you today! You know those chilly evenings, when all you want is a big, warm hug in a bowl? Well, this Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is exactly that, and then some! I swear, the first time I whipped this up, my family practically inhaled it. My little one, who usually eyeballs anything green, even asked for seconds of the carrots and celery in it! That’s when I knew I had a winner.
This isn’t just any chicken soup; it’s got this incredible richness, that perfect balance of savory and creamy, with just a hint of tang from the cream cheese. Plus, bacon and cheese? Come on! It’s so ridiculously easy to make, too. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can get this comforting goodness on the table. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Crack Chicken Soup, it’s going to become a regular in your rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
Okay, so why is *this* Creamy Crack Chicken Soup going to be your new favorite go-to? Well, for starters, it’s just so incredibly comforting, perfect for those days when you need a little extra warmth. It’s packed with flavor, super hearty, and honestly, pretty simple to throw together. Seriously, even on a busy weeknight, you can totally make this happen!
- It’s ridiculously flavorful and satisfying.
- Comes together quicker than you’d think for such a rich soup.
- Uses ingredients you probably already have or can easily find.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying cozy leftovers.
- It’s got bacon and cheese, people! Need I say more?
The Irresistible Appeal of Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
The magic here is in the name, right? That “crack” part comes from the addictive combination of creamy, savory chicken, the smoky crunch of bacon, and that perfectly tangy, cheesy goodness. It’s got a velvety smooth texture that just coats your mouth, making every spoonful an absolute delight. It’s rich without being heavy, and just so darn craveable!
Equipment for Your Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
Alright, let’s get our kitchen gear ready for this amazing Creamy Crack Chicken Soup! You really don’t need anything fancy, just a few basics that I’m sure you’ve got stashed away. The star of the show will be a nice, big pot – a Dutch oven or a large stockpot works perfectly for holding all this deliciousness. Beyond that, grab a good cutting board, a sharp knife for all that veggie chopping, and a trusty wooden spoon or spatula for stirring. Easy peasy!
Ingredients for Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! You’ll be happy to know that everything on this list is pretty standard, easy to find, and comes together to create pure magic. Make sure you have these goodies on hand before we dive in!
For the soup base, you’ll need 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then a glorious mirepoix of veggies: 1 cup of diced yellow onion, 1 cup of diced carrots, and 1 cup of diced celery. Don’t forget that aromatic punch from 2 cloves of minced garlic! Then, for the liquid gold, grab 6 cups of chicken broth. Now for the good stuff: 2 cups of cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works wonders here!), 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup, and a whole 8 oz block of softened cream cheese. A little richness from 1/2 cup of heavy cream, and then our secret flavor weapons: 1 teaspoon of dried ranch seasoning mix, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and just 1/4 teaspoon of salt to start (we can always add more!).
And for those irresistible toppings? You’ll want 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup of cooked crumbled bacon, and a sprinkle of fresh, bright 2 tablespoons of fresh chopped chives. See? Simple, delicious, and ready for action!
How to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
Alright, my friends, it’s time for the fun part – actually making this incredible Creamy Crack Chicken Soup! Don’t you worry, I’ll walk you through every step. It’s super straightforward, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your kitchen fills with the most delicious aromas. Just follow along, and you’ll have a big pot of cozy comfort in no time. We’re going to build layers of flavor, so each step is important, but honestly, it’s pretty hard to mess up!
Preparing the Base for Your Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
First things first, grab that big pot or Dutch oven and drizzle in your 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Get it nice and warm over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, carrots, and celery. We’re going to let these cook down until they’re nice and soft, about 5-7 minutes. Stir them occasionally so they don’t stick. Then, add your minced garlic and let it cook for just another minute until you can really smell it – oh, that’s the good stuff!
Achieving the Perfect Creamy Crack Chicken Soup Texture
Now, pour in those 6 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Once it’s bubbling a bit, stir in your shredded chicken and that can of cream of chicken soup. Give it a good mix to combine everything. Next, reduce the heat to low. This is important! Add your softened cream cheese, heavy cream, ranch seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Keep stirring until that cream cheese is completely melted and the soup is wonderfully smooth and creamy. Let it all simmer for about 15-20 minutes, giving all those amazing flavors time to get to know each other and meld beautifully.
Serving Your Delicious Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
Once your Creamy Crack Chicken Soup has simmered and thickened to your liking, it’s ready to serve! Ladle that hot, creamy goodness into bowls. Now for the best part: load it up with your favorite toppings! Sprinkle generously with that shredded cheddar cheese, a good handful of crumbled bacon, and a little pop of fresh chopped chives. Dig in and enjoy every single comforting spoonful!
Tips for the Best Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
Want to take your Creamy Crack Chicken Soup from “wow” to “OH MY GOODNESS, I NEED MORE!”? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve! First, don’t skimp on fresh veggies. While frozen works, the fresh stuff really shines here. Also, make sure your cream cheese is *really* softened. If it’s cold, you’ll end up with little lumps, and nobody wants that! Just leave it out on the counter for an hour or so before you start. And taste, taste, taste! Adjust the salt and pepper at the end. Sometimes a little extra ranch seasoning can really make it pop. Oh, and for a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth if you have it!
Creamy Crack Chicken Soup: Storage and Reheating
So, you’ve got some glorious leftover Creamy Crack Chicken Soup? Lucky you! To keep it fresh, let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready for another cozy bowl, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You might need to add a splash of extra chicken broth or milk to get that perfect creamy consistency back, as it can thicken quite a bit in the fridge. Don’t let it boil, just warm it through!
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
I get a lot of questions about this Creamy Crack Chicken Soup, which makes me so happy because it means you guys are loving it as much as I do! Here are some of the most common things people ask me. Hopefully, these answers help you make the absolute best batch of this delicious, creamy chicken soup every single time!
Can I make Creamy Crack Chicken Soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is actually fantastic for meal prepping. You can make it a day or two in advance, and the flavors will meld even more. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge!
What can I substitute for cream cheese in Creamy Crack Chicken Soup?
While cream cheese gives this creamy chicken soup its signature tang and richness, you could try a blend of sour cream and a little extra heavy cream for a similar creamy texture. Just add it in at the very end to prevent curdling.
How can I make my Creamy Crack Chicken Soup thicker or thinner?
If your creamy chicken soup is too thick, simply stir in a bit more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can let it simmer a little longer, uncovered, or mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a splash of cold water and stir it in slowly while simmering.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
So, you’re curious about the numbers behind this delicious Creamy Crack Chicken Soup, huh? I totally get it! While these are just estimates, based on the ingredients list, each serving (and remember, this recipe makes 8 generous servings!) comes in around 350 calories. You’re looking at about 15g carbs, a solid 25g protein, and 20g fat (with 10g of that being saturated fat). It also has around 80mg cholesterol, 900mg sodium, 400mg potassium, 2g fiber, and 5g sugar. Just remember, these can vary based on the exact brands and amounts you use!
Enjoy Your Creamy Crack Chicken Soup!
Alright, my friends, you’ve done it! You’ve made a big, glorious pot of Creamy Crack Chicken Soup. Now, go on, dig in and savor every single spoonful! I absolutely love hearing from you, so please, pretty please, come back and tell me how it turned out. Did your family love it? What’s your favorite topping? Drop a comment below or even better, leave a star rating!
Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
Equipment
- Large pot
Ingredients
For the Soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup diced yellow onion
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon dried ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked crumbled bacon
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in shredded chicken and cream of chicken soup.
- Reduce heat to low. Add softened cream cheese, heavy cream, ranch seasoning, black pepper, and salt. Stir until cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, and the soup is smooth and creamy.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and fresh chives.