Description
Crack Chicken Soup is a warm, creamy, and cheesy comfort food packed with tender shredded chicken, melted cheddar cheese, smoky bacon bits, and a velvety broth. Perfect for cold days, quick dinners, or meal prep, this soup delivers hearty protein and rich flavor in every cozy spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast or thighs
- 1/2 cup crispy bacon bits, plus extra for garnish
Dairy
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Optional: 1/4 cup cream or milk for extra smoothness
Liquids
- 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
Seasonings and Herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cook chicken breasts or thighs in boiling water or broth until fully cooked and tender. Shred into bite-sized pieces to create the protein base of the soup.
- Make the Creamy Broth: In a large pot over medium heat, combine the chicken broth, cream cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts smoothly into the broth, forming a rich and silky foundation.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Then add crispy bacon bits to infuse smoky and savory flavors into the soup.
- Combine Chicken and Simmer: Add the shredded chicken to the cheesy broth mixture. Let the soup simmer gently for a few minutes to meld all flavors together, ensuring every spoonful is warm and comforting.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish the soup with chopped green onions or chives for freshness and a vibrant pop of color before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded chicken for better flavor absorption and tender texture.
- Slowly melt cream cheese and cheddar to avoid curdling and achieve a smooth texture.
- Reserve some bacon bits for garnish to keep them crispy.
- Adjust salt and seasoning gradually throughout cooking.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control salt levels.
- Simmer gently and avoid boiling after adding cheese to prevent separation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg