Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

This Creamy Crack Chicken Soup recipe is a delightful blend of rich flavors and comforting textures, making it an ideal choice for chilly evenings or gatherings with family and friends. The creamy base, combined with the savory taste of chicken and spices, will warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. It’s easy to prepare, ensuring that you can whip up this delicious soup without any hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: This soup is bursting with cheesy goodness and aromatic herbs that elevate every spoonful.
• Quick and Easy: With a total time of just 30 minutes, you can have a hearty meal ready in no time.
• Versatile Ingredients: Modify the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or swapping out the chicken for turkey or beef as desired.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week; it stores well in the fridge and freezes beautifully.
• Comforting Comfort Food: Perfect for colder days or when you’re in need of something cozy and satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking more efficient and enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to make this creamy soup:

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: Ideal for even cooking, allowing flavors to meld perfectly while providing ample space for all ingredients.
• Slotted Spoon: Helps remove cooked Turkey Bacon easily without transferring excess grease into your soup.
• Whisk: Ensures that the cream cheese integrates smoothly into the soup for a creamy texture.

Ingredients

To make this creamy Crack Chicken Soup, gather the following ingredients:

Main 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

Seasonings

• 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

Protein & Dairy

• 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 8 ounces package cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables & Garnish

• 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 in a Dutch Oven or soup pot until crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove it from the pot, leaving the grease behind.

Step 2: Saute the Aromatics

Add butter to the pot over medium-high heat. Once melted, stir in diced onions and cook for 3 minutes before adding minced garlic. Cook for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in Broth and Seasonings

Pour in 4 to 6 cups of low sodium chicken broth. Scrape 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 Base

Add a bay leaf to the pot. Bring everything to a boil, then lower heat to medium-low and let simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Cheese

Stir in shredded cooked chicken and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Then add softened cream cheese while whisking constantly until completely melted. Next, add shredded cheddar cheese, continuing to whisk until fully combined.

Step 6: Incorporate Spinach and Cream

Add baby spinach into the mixture; cook for about 2 minutes until wilted. Finally, stir in heavy cream and cook for another minute.

Step 7: Final Taste Test

Taste your creamy Crack Chicken Soup to adjust seasonings as needed. Be sure to remove the bay leaf before serving.

Step 8: Serve

Ladle your delicious soup into bowls. Top each serving with previously cooked Turkey Bacon pieces and sliced green scallions before enjoying!

How to Serve Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance its flavor and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Dill Sprigs: A few dill sprigs can enhance the soup’s herbal notes beautifully.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread for dipping.
• Garlic Breadsticks: These are perfect for sopping up the creamy goodness.

Add a Side Salad

• Caesar Salad: The crunch of romaine and the creaminess of Caesar dressing complement the soup well.
• Spinach Salad: A light spinach salad with vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup.

Serve in Individual Bowls

• Personal Touch: Serving the soup in individual bowls makes it feel special and inviting.
• Creative Bowls: Consider using unique or colorful bowls to add visual interest.

How to Perfect Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

To make sure your Creamy Crack Chicken Soup turns out just right, follow these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will give your soup a vibrant flavor.
• Control the Thickness: Adjust the amount of broth based on your preferred soup thickness; less broth for a thicker soup.
• Customize Seasoning: Taste as you go and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs to suit your palate.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to include other vegetables like carrots or celery for added nutrition.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days for best flavor retention.
• Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so on low heat to prevent curdling of the cheese.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

To create a complete meal around your Creamy Crack Chicken Soup, consider these delicious side dishes that pair well with it.

1. Garlic Breadsticks – Soft and buttery, these are perfect for dipping into your creamy soup.
2. Mixed Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the soup.
3. Cornbread Muffins – Sweet cornbread muffins add a delightful texture and flavor pairing.
4. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal roasted veggies provide a healthy side option that complements the soup’s richness.
5. Cheesy Quesadillas – Crispy quesadillas filled with cheese make for an indulgent yet delightful pairing.
6. Potato Wedges – Crunchy potato wedges seasoned with herbs can be a fun side addition.
7. Stuffed Peppers – Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa add nutrition and visual appeal.
8. Pasta Salad – A chilled pasta salad can balance out the warmth of the soup nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

• Skipping the aromatics: Failing to sauté onions and garlic can lead to a lack of flavor. Always cook these ingredients until fragrant for a richer soup.

• Not using low sodium broth: Using regular broth can make your soup too salty. Opt for low sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness.

• Overcooking the spinach: Cooking spinach for too long can make it mushy and lose its vibrant color. Add it last and cook just until wilted.

• Ignoring cream cheese temperature: Using cold cream cheese can result in lumps. Make sure it’s softened at room temperature for smooth incorporation.

• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Tasting your soup before serving is crucial. Adjust salt and pepper according to your preference for the best flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Creamy Crack Chicken Soup in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on medium power, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Add a splash of broth if it thickens too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about making Creamy Crack Chicken Soup:

Can I use other meats instead of chicken?

Yes! You can substitute turkey or beef if you prefer. Just ensure that the meat is cooked before adding it to the soup.

How do I make this soup healthier?

You can reduce the amount of cream cheese or use a lighter version. Adding more vegetables, like carrots or celery, also increases nutritional value.

What can I pair with Creamy Crack Chicken Soup?

This soup pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, crackers, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This soup stores well and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor!

Final Thoughts

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the seasonings. Whether you’re seeking comfort on a chilly day or a hearty dinner option, this creamy soup is sure to satisfy your cravings!