Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

This creamy Crack Chicken Soup is your go-to comfort food for chilly nights! Perfectly cheesy and satisfying, it’s a delightful blend of turkey bacon, chicken, and fresh spinach. Whether you’re hosting a cozy dinner or just need a quick meal, this soup is sure to please everyone at the table. Its unique flavors and rich texture make it a standout dish that will warm you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This creamy Crack Chicken Soup can be made in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and creamy cheese creates a rich and satisfying taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand, ensuring this soup fits any pantry situation.
• Healthy Option: Loaded with protein from the chicken and packed with nutrients from spinach, it’s a hearty yet healthy choice.
• Family Friendly: Kids love the cheesy flavor, making it an excellent option for family dinners.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, gather the necessary tools before you start. Having everything ready will help streamline the process of making this delicious soup.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch Oven or large soup pot
• Slotted spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch Oven: Perfect for even heat distribution, ideal for cooking soups thoroughly.
• Slotted Spoon: Great for removing cooked ingredients without excess liquid, ensuring your soup stays flavorful.
• Whisk: Helps to combine ingredients smoothly, especially when melting cream cheese into the soup.

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Ingredients

This creamy Crack Chicken Soup recipe is loaded with incredible cheesy flavor! It’s the perfect winter comfort food, prepared with turkey bacon, chicken, cheese, spinach, and ranch seasoning.

For the Soup Base

• 4 slices Turkey turkey bacon (diced)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 4 to 6 cups low sodium chicken broth

For Seasoning

• 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

For Creaminess

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

For Freshness

• 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 turkey bacon to a crisp in a Dutch Oven or soup pot. Remove the turkey bacon from the pot with a slotted spoon while leaving the grease in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add butter to the pot and melt it over medium-high heat. Stir in onions and cook for about 3 minutes; then add garlic and sauté for an additional 20 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Stir in Broth and Seasonings

Pour in enough chicken broth to cover your ingredients—about 4 to 6 cups. Scrape up brown bits from the bottom of the pot. Then 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. After boiling, lower heat to medium-low and let simmer for about 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Cheeses

Stir in shredded chicken and continue cooking for another 5 minutes. Gradually add cream cheese while whisking continuously until fully melted. Follow with shredded cheddar cheese until thoroughly combined.

Step 6: Incorporate Spinach and Cream

Add baby spinach into the mixture and cook just until wilted—about 2 minutes. Then stir in heavy cream and let cook for another minute.

Step 7: Finish Your Soup

Taste your creamy Crack Chicken Soup for seasoning adjustments. Be sure to remove the bay leaf before serving!

Step 8: Serve

Ladle your soup into bowls and top each with scallions and reserved turkey bacon pieces before serving hot. Enjoy your comforting bowl of goodness!

How to Serve Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in multiple ways. Whether you prefer a casual dinner or an elegant gathering, this soup is versatile enough to fit any occasion.

With Crusty Bread

• Pair your soup with a warm, crusty bread for dipping. Sourdough or French baguette works beautifully.

As a Main Course

• Serve the soup as the star of your meal. It’s hearty enough to stand alone, especially on a chilly evening.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Enhance the flavor by garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. This adds color and freshness to each bowl.

With a Side Salad

• A light green salad complements the richness of the soup. Consider a simple vinaigrette dressing to keep it refreshing.

How to Perfect Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

Making the perfect Creamy Crack Chicken Soup requires attention to detail and a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions to elevate your soup-making skills.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs enhance flavor and nutrition. Opt for fresh spinach rather than frozen for the best texture.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more cream cheese or reduce broth during cooking.
• Season Gradually: Taste as you go! Adjust seasonings incrementally to avoid overpowering flavors.
• Cook Low and Slow: Allowing the soup to simmer gently helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but note that it may thicken as it cools.
• Reheat Gently: When reheating, do so over low heat and add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

While Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is satisfying on its own, pairing it with side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Bread: This classic side is perfect for soaking up every drop of creamy goodness from your soup.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons tossed in Caesar dressing provide a nice contrast.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables add color and nutrition, making them an excellent complement.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad packed with veggies offers protein and fiber for a wholesome meal.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice, beans, or ground turkey make for a filling side dish.
6. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes topped with butter or sour cream can serve as a hearty addition alongside your soup.
7. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins offer a delightful sweetness that pairs well with savory soup flavors.
8. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and brightens up the palate after each spoonful of creamy soup.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Crack Chicken Soup, it’s easy to overlook some important details. Here are common mistakes you should avoid:

• Using pre-cooked chicken: While convenient, pre-cooked chicken may result in a less flavorful soup. Always opt for freshly cooked shredded chicken for the best taste.
• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your soup properly can lead to bland flavors. Be sure to add salt, pepper, and herbs at each stage of cooking for a well-rounded taste.
• Overcooking the spinach: Adding spinach too early can cause it to lose its vibrant color and nutrients. Stir it in towards the end of cooking for optimal freshness.
• Not adjusting consistency: If your soup is too thick, it can become unpleasant. Add more chicken broth or cream to adjust the consistency as needed.
• Ignoring the bay leaf: Leaving the bay leaf in until serving can introduce an overwhelming flavor. Remember to remove it before serving for a perfect balance in taste.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• The soup can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot, about 3-5 minutes.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until simmering and heated throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Creamy Crack Chicken Soup:

Can I use other meats for this soup?

Yes! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even beef for a different flavor profile.

How can I make this soup spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking for an added kick.

Can I use low-fat cream cheese?

Absolutely! Using low-fat cream cheese will reduce calories while still providing creaminess.

What can I serve with Creamy Crack Chicken Soup?

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

How long does it take to make Creamy Crack Chicken Soup?

From prep to finish, this delicious soup takes about 30 minutes to prepare.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is not only comforting but also versatile. You can customize it with various vegetables or spices according to your preference. Give this delightful recipe a try; it’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings!