Crack Chicken Soup Recipe – Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Soup with Cheese
This Crack Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with flavor. Made with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and cheddar, it’s a one-pot wonder that’s warm, hearty, and totally addictive. Perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd, this soup delivers everything you love about crack chicken in cozy, spoonable form. Top with green onions or extra cheese for a crave-worthy finish!
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ladle
Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, chopped
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (or 2 tbsp homemade mix)
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Optional: 1 cup chopped spinach, 1 cup diced carrots or celery, cooked pasta or noodles, sliced jalapeños
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Bacon and Aromatics Cook bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove and set aside. Sauté onion and garlic in bacon fat until soft.
- Add Broth and Seasonings Pour in chicken broth. Stir in ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Chicken and Veggies Add shredded chicken and optional vegetables. Simmer for 10–15 minutes.
- Melt in Cream Cheese and Cheddar Lower heat. Stir in cream cheese until smooth. Add cheddar and stir until melted.
- Finish with Cream and Spinach Stir in heavy cream and spinach. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
- Rest and Serve Let soup rest for 5 minutes before serving. Top with reserved bacon and desired garnishes.
Notes
- Use full-fat cream cheese to prevent curdling
- Add dairy after simmering to maintain creamy texture
- Customize with pasta, veggies, or spice
- Great for keto and low-carb diets
- Freeze without dairy; add cream and cheese when reheating
- Reheat gently with a splash of broth to preserve texture
- Serve with crusty bread, garlic toast, or green salad for balance