Name: Cozy Up with Crack Chicken Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 225 g (1 cup) bacon, diced; 28 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter; 1 yellow onion, diced; 2 ribs celery, diced; 2 large carrots, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1.4 L (6 cups) chicken broth; 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix; 1 tsp (5 g) black pepper; 2 tsp (10 g) parsley; 560 g (4 cups) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade); 240 g (1 cup) sour cream; 225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed; 200 g (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish; 60 g (2 cups) baby spinach; Green onion, chopped, for garnish

Jump to Recipe

There are nights when all you want is a big bowl of comfort, and that’s exactly where Crack Chicken Soup swoops in like a warm hug. Between the creamy broth, melty cheese, smoky bacon, and tender chicken, this soup is the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes and say, “Yep, this is it.” Whether you’ve had a long workday, wrangled kids through soccer practice, or just want something hearty without a ton of fuss, this recipe delivers.

The beauty of this soup is that it’s quick enough for a busy weeknight (just 30 minutes!) but cozy enough to serve when you’re craving a slow weekend meal. Think of it as a hybrid between creamy chicken soup, a ranch-flavored chowder, and a big cheesy hug. It’s hearty comfort food at its finest, and the kind of dish that’ll have your family asking, “Is there more?”

So grab your biggest soup pot and let’s cook up a bowl of happiness.

Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Soup

Ready in 30 minutes—weeknight dinner solved!
Combines the flavors of bacon, ranch, cheese, and chicken in one pot.
Creamy, filling, and downright addictive (hence the name).
Crowd-pleasing for both picky eaters and adventurous foodies.

Ingredients

225 g (1 cup) bacon, diced
28 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
1 yellow onion, diced
2 ribs celery, diced
2 large carrots, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1.4 L (6 cups) chicken broth
1 packet dry ranch dressing mix
1 tsp (5 g) black pepper
2 tsp (10 g) parsley
560 g (4 cups) cooked shredded chicken
240 g (1 cup) sour cream
225 g (8 oz) cream cheese, cubed
200 g (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
60 g (2 cups) baby spinach
Green onion, chopped, for garnish

How to Make Crack Chicken Soup

Cook the bacon. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving just a bit of that glorious bacon fat in the pot.
Sauté the veggies. Add butter, onion, celery, and carrots. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook another minute until fragrant.
Build the base. Pour in chicken broth. Stir in ranch mix, black pepper, parsley, shredded chicken, sour cream, cream cheese, and the reserved bacon. Simmer gently, stirring often, until the cream cheese fully melts into the soup.
Add the finishing touches. Stir in cheddar cheese and spinach. Let the cheese melt and spinach wilt into the creamy broth.
Serve and enjoy. Adjust seasoning as needed. Ladle into bowls, top with extra cheddar and green onion, and dig in!

Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Soup

Use rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time. It’s tender, flavorful, and makes this recipe even faster.
Don’t rush the cream cheese. Let it melt slowly into the broth so you don’t end up with clumps.
Go lighter if you like. Swap full-fat sour cream for Greek yogurt or use reduced-fat cheese if you’re watching calories (but hey, this is supposed to be indulgent comfort food!).
Add extra veggies. Mushrooms, zucchini, or even corn fit right in without changing the cozy vibe.
Freeze in portions. This soup reheats beautifully, making it a lifesaver for future busy nights.

A Little Story Behind This Recipe

This cheesy chicken soup first became a family favorite one chilly January night. I was trying to use up leftover chicken and a half-block of cream cheese staring at me from the fridge. The result? A bubbling pot of creamy, bacon-ranch goodness that had my kids slurping happily and my husband asking if I’d made a double batch (spoiler: I had not, and regretted it instantly).

Since then, this soup has become my go-to when I need a guaranteed win at the dinner table. It’s not just about feeding hungry bellies—it’s about those little “mmm” sounds around the table, the comfort of a shared meal, and maybe even a few second (or third) helpings.

What to Serve with Crack Chicken Soup

This soup is hearty enough to stand alone, but it pairs beautifully with:

Warm crusty bread or garlic knots for dipping into the creamy broth.
A crisp side salad with ranch or balsamic dressing for balance.
Roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or green beans if you want to sneak in extra greens.
And if you’re going all out? A grilled cheese sandwich alongside a bowl of this soup is downright dreamy.

How to Store Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store cooled soup in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even better the next day.
Freezer: Ladle into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stove over medium-low heat. If it seems too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring it back to life.

FAQs

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, like most hearty comfort food, it tastes even better the next day.

Can I substitute the sour cream?

Yes—Greek yogurt works well if you want a tangy twist with less fat.

What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?

A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and parsley makes a quick DIY version.

Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Definitely! Leftover Thanksgiving turkey works beautifully in this soup.

Is this soup gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your ranch seasoning packet is gluten-free. Always check the label to be sure.

Wrapping Up

When life calls for cozy, cheesy comfort, there’s nothing quite like Crack Chicken Soup. It’s rich, creamy, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat without being fussy to make. Whether you’re ladling it out for a weeknight dinner, serving it to guests, or freezing a batch for later, this bacon ranch soup is sure to become a family favorite.

So next time you’re standing in your kitchen wondering what to make, remember this recipe. Because a pot of this soup isn’t just dinner—it’s a mood, a memory, and the kind of comfort that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

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