Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

This creamy Crack Chicken Soup is your go-to recipe for a cozy night in. Perfect for chilly evenings, this dish combines the rich flavors of turkey bacon, cheese, and tender chicken. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, making it suitable for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With its creamy texture and savory taste, this soup will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This soup takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of creamy cheese and spices creates a warm, inviting dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use leftover chicken or customize with your favorite veggies; this recipe easily adapts to what you have on hand.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its rich flavor and satisfying texture, it’s sure to impress family and friends alike.
• Nutritious Option: Packed with protein from the chicken and spinach, this soup is both filling and nourishing.

Tools and Preparation

To make Creamy Crack Chicken Soup efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools. These items will help ensure everything cooks evenly and quickly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch Oven or Soup Pot
• Slotted Spoon
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch Oven or Soup Pot: Ideal for simmering soups evenly; retains heat well.
• Slotted Spoon: Helps remove cooked turkey bacon without excess grease; keeps the texture perfect.
• Whisk: Ensures cream cheese blends smoothly into the soup without lumps.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 4 slices Turkey Bacon (diced)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 small yellow onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)

For the Broth

• 4 to 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 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 the Creaminess

• 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 8 ounces package cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 to 4 cups baby spinach
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Garnish

• Sliced green scallions (for garnish)

How to Make Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

Cook diced turkey bacon until crispy in a Dutch oven or soup pot. Remove it with a slotted spoon, leaving the grease in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Add butter to the pot over medium-high heat. Stir in diced onions and cook for 3 minutes. Next, add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 20 seconds.

Step 3: Stir in Broth and Seasonings

Pour in the chicken broth while scraping up 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

Add a bay leaf. Bring to a boil then lower heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Cheese

Stir in shredded chicken and cook for another 5 minutes. Add softened cream cheese, whisking continuously until melted. Then stir in shredded cheddar cheese until fully incorporated.

Step 6: Stir in Spinach and Cream

Add baby spinach to the pot; cook for about 2 minutes until wilted. Stir in heavy cream and let it cook for an additional minute.

Step 7: Finish Up

Taste your creamy crack chicken soup for seasonings before removing bay leaf. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8: Serve

Remove from heat and serve hot, topped with scallions and previously cooked turkey bacon for added crunch.

How to Serve Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re looking for a light meal or something heartier, there are plenty of delicious serving ideas to elevate this comforting soup.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Chives: Sprinkle finely chopped chives for an onion-like flavor.
• Basil: A few basil leaves can enhance the taste and aroma.

Pair with Bread

• Crusty Bread: Serve the soup with slices of crusty bread for dipping.
• Garlic Bread: The rich flavors complement the cheesy soup perfectly.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft rolls can soak up the creamy broth beautifully.

Enjoy with Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad pairs well with the creamy texture of the soup.
• Garden Salad: A simple garden salad offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the soup.

How to Perfect Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

Achieving the perfect Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is all about balancing flavors and textures. Here are some tips to ensure your soup turns out great every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more cream cheese or reduce the broth slightly.
• Taste as You Go: Regular tasting allows you to adjust seasoning before serving.
• Let It Simmer: Allowing the soup to simmer helps meld all the flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

Pairing side dishes with your Creamy Crack Chicken Soup can create a more satisfying meal. Here are some excellent options that complement this hearty soup.

1. Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of soup.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce and creamy dressing balance the richness well.
3. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread adds a delightful contrast to the savory flavors.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies give extra nutrition and flavor to your meal.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Flavorful stuffed peppers make for a filling side dish that pairs nicely.
6. Quinoa Salad: Light yet filling, quinoa salad adds protein and texture to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Creamy Crack Chicken Soup, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the bacon: Not using Turkey Bacon can result in a less flavorful soup. Always start with crisping the bacon for added depth.
• Overcooking the spinach: If you cook the spinach too long, it loses its vibrant color and nutrients. Add it towards the end of cooking for best results.
• Ignoring seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings can lead to bland soup. Always check and tweak flavors before serving.
• Not using softened cream cheese: Using cold cream cheese can cause clumps. Make sure it’s softened for a smooth finish.
• Cooking at too high heat: Boiling the soup can lead to overcooked chicken and curdled cream. Keep the heat low for gentle simmering.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days.
• Let the soup cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months.
• Leave space at the top of containers as soup may expand when frozen.

Reheating Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium-low heat on the stove, stirring frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How do I customize my Creamy Crack Chicken Soup?

You can add vegetables like carrots or bell peppers or use different cheeses for varied flavors.

Can I make this soup low-carb?

Yes! Skip any high-carb ingredients like heavy cream or use alternatives like cauliflower puree.

What type of chicken should I use?

Cooked shredded chicken works best, but you can also use rotisserie chicken for ease.

Can I make Creamy Crack Chicken Soup ahead of time?

Absolutely! This soup actually tastes better after sitting overnight as flavors meld beautifully.

Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

You can substitute turkey bacon with smoked tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is not only comforting but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it perfect for any occasion. Give it a try and enjoy a warm bowl of deliciousness!