Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

This creamy Crack Chicken Soup is an ideal dish for cozy nights and family gatherings. Loaded with cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and flavorful spices, it brings warmth to any table. Perfect as a hearty dinner or a comforting lunch, this soup is not just delicious but also easy to make. The combination of Turkey Bacon and fresh spinach adds a unique twist, making it a standout choice for winter comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful: The blend of cheeses and spices creates a rich, savory flavor that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or alongside crusty bread for dipping; it fits any occasion.
• Healthy Twist: Using Turkey Bacon and spinach keeps the dish lighter without sacrificing taste.
• Freezes Well: Make a big batch and freeze leftovers for a quick meal later.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Creamy Crack Chicken Soup, gather your tools and prepare your cooking space. Having the right equipment will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch Oven or Soup Pot
• Slotted Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Knife
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: Provides even heat distribution for simmering the soup perfectly.
• Slotted Spoon: Ideal for removing cooked Turkey Bacon while retaining the flavorful grease in the pot.
• Whisk: Helps combine cheeses smoothly into the soup without lumps.

Ingredients

For this delightful Creamy Crack Chicken Soup, you will need the following ingredients:

• 4 slices Turkey Bacon (diced)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 to 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
• ½ teaspoon dried chives
• salt and fresh ground pepper (to taste)
• 1 bay leaf
• 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 8 ounces package cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 to 4 cups baby spinach
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• sliced green scallions (for garnish)

How to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Cook diced Turkey Bacon until crispy in your Dutch Oven or soup pot. Once done, remove it with a slotted spoon but keep the grease in the pot.

Step 2: Saute the Aromatics

Add butter to the leftover grease in the pot over medium-high heat. Stir in diced onions and cook for about 3 minutes. Then add minced garlic and cook for another 20 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in the Broth and Season the Soup

Pour in 4 to 6 cups of low sodium chicken broth while scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, chives, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Cook the Soup

Add a bay leaf and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low and let it simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Cheese

Stir in 4 cups of shredded chicken into the pot. Let cook for another 5 minutes. Then add softened cream cheese; whisk continuously until it’s melted and well combined. Follow with shredded cheddar cheese until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Stir in Spinach and Cream

Add 3 to 4 cups of baby spinach to the pot; cook for about 2 minutes until wilted. Pour in heavy cream afterward and let it simmer for another minute.

Step 7: Finish

Taste your soup for seasoning adjustments if needed. Don’t forget to remove the bay leaf before serving!

Step 8: Serve

Remove your creamy crack chicken soup from heat. Top each serving with sliced scallions and some crispy Turkey Bacon before enjoying!

How to Serve Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want it as a main course or alongside other dishes, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance your meal experience.

Garnish with Fresh Ingredients

• Green Scallions: Top your soup with sliced green scallions for a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
• Fresh Herbs: Add chopped parsley or cilantro for an aromatic touch that brightens up the flavors.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping. The bread soaks up the creamy soup, making each bite more satisfying.
• Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread adds a buttery, garlicky flavor that complements the soup perfectly.

Add Crunchy Toppings

• Crushed Tortilla Chips: Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top for a delightful crunch and added texture.
• Cheese Croutons: Use cheese-flavored croutons to add both crunch and cheesy goodness to your soup.

How to Perfect Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

Creating the perfect Creamy Crack Chicken Soup involves a few simple techniques. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Quality Chicken: Opt for high-quality shredded chicken for better flavor and texture in your soup.
• Melt Cheese Slowly: When adding cream cheese, whisk continuously and allow it to melt slowly for a smooth consistency.
• Adjust Seasonings: Always taste your soup before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, and spices as needed for optimal flavor.
• Prevent Clumping: Mix cream cheese with some broth before adding it to the pot. This helps prevent clumping in your soup.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Garden Salad: A light garden salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the creamy soup.
2. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a hearty side that is both nutritious and flavorful.
3. Stuffed Peppers: Baked stuffed peppers filled with rice and veggies create a fulfilling meal alongside the soup.
4. Cheesy Garlic Biscuits: Fluffy biscuits loaded with cheese pair excellently, soaking up all the delicious broth.
5. Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad brings a nice balance of temperatures and textures when served alongside hot soup.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins add a hint of sweetness that complements the savory elements of the soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Crack Chicken Soup, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Skipping the aromatics: Not sautéing onions and garlic can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always cook these ingredients until fragrant.
• Using low-quality broth: Poor-quality broth can make your soup taste bland. Opt for low-sodium chicken broth for a better flavor base.
• Overcooking spinach: If you cook spinach too long, it will lose its vibrant color and nutrients. Add it towards the end of cooking for best results.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings might leave your soup underwhelming. Always taste before serving and tweak as necessary.
• Forgetting the bay leaf: Leaving out the bay leaf may result in missing complex flavors. Don’t skip this step—it’s essential for a well-rounded taste.
• Not allowing cream cheese to soften: Using cold cream cheese can create lumps in your soup. Make sure it’s softened at room temperature before adding.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Creamy Crack Chicken Soup in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

• Pour the cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place soup in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer soup to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring between intervals.
• Stovetop: Heat on medium-low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Creamy Crack Chicken Soup:

What is Creamy Crack Chicken Soup?

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is a rich and cheesy soup made with chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning. It’s hearty and comforting!

Can I use regular bacon instead of Turkey Bacon?

Yes, you can use regular bacon if preferred; however, it may alter the flavor slightly. Turkey bacon keeps it lighter.

How can I customize my Creamy Crack Chicken Soup?

Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or potatoes or swap out chicken for turkey or even shrimp for variation.

Is there a way to make this recipe low-carb?

To make it lower in carbs, skip any added starches and focus on greens like spinach while using low-carb substitutes for cream and cheese if needed.

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup tastes even better after sitting overnight as flavors meld together; just store it properly!

What should I serve with Creamy Crack Chicken Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Final Thoughts

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is not just delicious; it’s also versatile! You can easily customize it with different proteins or veggies based on your preferences. Perfect for cozy dinners, this creamy delight will surely warm your heart. Try making it soon!