Easy Crack Chicken Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Spoonful

Culinary enthusiasts adore this hearty crack chicken soup that promises comfort in every spoonful.

Steaming bowls of creamy goodness await your taste buds with minimal effort.

Tender chicken chunks melt into a rich, savory broth that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions, and this recipe delivers perfectly.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly the ingredients come together without complicated techniques.

Minimal prep means maximum flavor, creating a meal everyone will request again and again.

One taste, and you’ll understand why this soup has become a modern classic.

Why Crack Chicken Soup Is a Family Favorite

• Conquer Comfort Food: Crack chicken soup delivers a warm, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds with rich, creamy goodness packed with simple ingredients.
• Minimize Kitchen Hassle: This one-pot wonder requires minimal prep and cleanup, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows quick modifications like adding bacon bits, swapping cheeses, or including extra vegetables to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Magic: Guaranteed to win over both kids and adults with its irresistible blend of cheesy, tangy ranch flavors that make everyone ask for seconds.

Ingredients for Creamy, Flavorful Crack Chicken Soup

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that provides the hearty base for this comforting soup.

• Cream Cheese: Adds rich, creamy texture and smooth flavor to the soup.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp, melty cheese element that enhances the overall taste.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the flavorful liquid foundation for the soup.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: Provides a zesty and tangy seasoning that gives the soup its signature crack chicken flavor.

• Green Onions: Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and bright color to the finished soup.

How to Make Crack Chicken Soup Step by Step

Step 1: Boil Tender Chicken

Place chicken breasts in a large pot and pour chicken broth over them. Heat the mixture on medium flame until it reaches a rolling boil, ensuring the chicken begins to cook evenly.

Step 2: Slow Simmer Chicken

Lower the heat and let the chicken gently simmer. Allow the liquid to bubble softly for about 20 minutes until the chicken becomes completely cooked through and tender.

Step 3: Shred The Protein

Carefully remove the chicken from the broth using tongs. Using two forks, pull the chicken apart into soft, delicate shreds.

Return the shredded chicken back into the pot with the warm broth.

Step 4: Create Creamy Base

• Ranch dressing mix
• Cream cheese

Stir thoroughly until the ingredients blend smoothly and create a rich, velvety texture.

Step 5: Enhance Flavor Profile

Continue simmering the mixture for an additional 10 minutes. Gently stir occasionally to prevent sticking and help ingredients meld together perfectly.

Step 6: Finish With Cheese And Garnish

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped green onions

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious and comforting soup ready to serve.

Helpful Suggestions for Perfect Crack Chicken Soup

• Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick and even cooking.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in the soup.
• Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich alternative.
• Prepare ranch seasoning mix from scratch to reduce processed ingredients.
• Garnish with crispy bacon bits or additional green onions for extra crunch and flavor.

Different Takes on Crack Chicken Soup to Try

• Hearty Herb Fusion: Replace ranch mix with Italian seasoning for an herbal Mediterranean profile.
• Low-Carb Keto Comfort: Swap cream cheese for full-fat Greek yogurt and add extra butter for richness.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth as base liquid.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Mix in diced green chiles, jalapeños, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.

Pairings That Go Well with Crack Chicken Soup

• Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy, rich flavors of the crack chicken soup, cutting through its richness with refreshing acidity.
• Create crunchy, golden breadsticks topped with garlic and parmesan cheese to provide a perfect dipping companion that adds texture and enhances the soup's savory profile.
• Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the soup's creamy intensity, offering a crisp, peppery contrast that cleanses the palate between spoonfuls.

How to Store Crack Chicken Soup Without Losing Flavor

• Refrigerate: Store leftover soup in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space for expansion. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Microwave Reheat: Transfer desired portion to microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming. Check temperature before serving.
• Stovetop Reheat: Pour soup into saucepan. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add splash of chicken broth if soup seems too thick. Heat until steaming and reach 165°F internal temperature.

FAQs

• What makes crack chicken soup different from regular chicken soup?

This soup stands out with its unique ranch and cream cheese flavors, creating a rich, creamy texture that’s more indulgent than traditional chicken soup.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly and can add more flavor and tenderness to the soup.

• Is this soup considered spicy?

No, the soup is not spicy. It’s creamy and savory with ranch seasoning, making it mild and family-friendly.

• Do I need any special cooking skills to make this soup?

Absolutely not! This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking skills like boiling, shredding chicken, and stirring ingredients.

Crack Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting crack chicken soup delivers rich, creamy flavors packed with tender chicken and bold seasonings. Home cooks can enjoy this hearty midwestern-style dish that satisfies hunger and warms souls with minimal preparation effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz (226 g) cream cheese
• 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 cups (960 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) chopped green onions
• 1 packet ranch dressing mix
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Submerge whole chicken breasts in chicken broth within a spacious cooking vessel, elevating heat to medium and bringing liquid to a rolling boil.
2. Lower temperature and allow chicken to gently poach for approximately 20 minutes until protein reaches complete doneness.
3. Extract chicken from broth and utilize two forks to meticulously shred meat into delicate, tender strands.
4. Reintroduce shredded chicken back into the simmering liquid, integrating ranch seasoning and cream cheese until mixture achieves a smooth, uniform consistency.
5. Continue simmering for an additional 10-minute interval, periodically stirring to prevent ingredient separation and ensure even flavor distribution.
6. Incorporate sharp cheddar cheese and freshly chopped green onions, gently stirring until cheese melts completely and creates a luxurious, creamy texture.

Notes

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure quick and even cooking without extra fat.
• Choose full-fat cream cheese for richer, more luxurious texture and deeper flavor profile.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels, allowing more flexibility in seasoning.
• Consider adding crispy bacon bits for extra crunch and smoky depth without overwhelming the soup’s creamy base.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 310 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg