If you are searching for a soul-comforting dish that charms with its creamy texture and bold flavors, you simply must try this Crockpot Crack Chicken Soup Recipe. It beautifully combines tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and savory bacon with the zest of ranch seasoning and cheddar cheese, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crockpot. The result is an irresistible, hearty soup that feels like an indulgent hug in a bowl—a true crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for busy days or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a pivotal role, balancing taste, texture, and visual appeal. With simple pantry staples and fresh elements, this dish effortlessly comes together and delivers layers of flavor that are both familiar and exciting.
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The base of the soup, providing tender protein that shreds beautifully after slow cooking.
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix: Adds a punch of herby, tangy flavor that’s essential to the dish’s signature taste.
- 8 ounces cream cheese: Gives the soup its luxurious, creamy texture and richness.
- 4 cups chicken broth: Creates the comforting liquid foundation, bringing warmth and depth.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts in for sharp, cheesy goodness that perfectly complements the creamy base.
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled: Adds smoky crunch and irresistible savoriness.
- 1 cup green onions, chopped: Provides a fresh, bright finish and a pop of color that lifts the whole dish.
How to Make Crockpot Crack Chicken Soup Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This foundation will slowly cook and become tender enough to shred later.
Step 2: Add Seasoning and Broth
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken, then pour in the chicken broth. This seasoning and broth combo infuses the chicken with that unforgettable ranch flavor while keeping everything moist.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crockpot to low and let the mixture cook gently for 6 to 7 hours. If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours works well too. This slow cooking ensures the chicken becomes perfectly tender and juicy.
Step 4: Add Cream Cheese for Creaminess
About one hour before the cooking time ends, add the cream cheese in chunks to the crockpot. It will melt into the broth, transforming it into a luscious, velvety soup that’s hard to resist.
Step 5: Shred the Chicken
Once the cooking is complete, take two forks and shred the chicken breasts right in the crockpot. Doing this at this stage helps the chicken absorb even more of the creamy, flavorful broth.
Step 6: Stir in Cheese and Bacon
Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and cooked, crumbled bacon. These add both sharpness and crunch, giving your soup that crave-worthy richness and texture everyone loves.
Step 7: Garnish Before Serving
Finally, sprinkle the chopped green onions over the soup to add a fresh burst of flavor and a vibrant green color that makes the dish visually inviting.
How to Serve Crockpot Crack Chicken Soup Recipe
Garnishes
To really elevate this soup, a sprinkle of extra green onions or fresh cracked black pepper works wonderfully. For some added creaminess, a dollop of sour cream or a bit of sliced avocado on top brings exciting contrast and indulgence.
Side Dishes
Pairing this hearty soup with crusty bread or garlic baguettes is a match made in heaven. A light spinach salad or roasted vegetables are also great to add freshness if you want a balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the bowl by serving Crockpot Crack Chicken Soup Recipe in bread bowls for a rustic touch. You can also turn it into a dip for chipotle or kettle-cooked chips at gatherings or spoon it over baked potatoes for a satisfying weeknight dinner variation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its creamy consistency and rich flavor for quick and easy reheating later.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the Crockpot Crack Chicken Soup Recipe, transfer it to a freezer-safe container once cooled. It freezes well for up to 3 months, just be sure to leave some space for expansion and thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat portions gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or separation. If the soup seems too thick after refrigeration, simply add a splash of chicken broth or water to bring it back to your desired consistency.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add extra moisture and flavor due to their higher fat content. Just adjust cooking times slightly, as bone-in thighs may take longer to become tender.
Is there a dairy-free or low-fat version of this soup?
Yes, you can substitute cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese to lighten the recipe while keeping it creamy and delicious.
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crockpot?
Definitely! Use the pressure cooker function for about 20 minutes and then do a quick release. Add cream cheese at the end and stir until melted for the same creamy effect.
How spicy is the Crockpot Crack Chicken Soup Recipe?
This soup is mild, with the ranch seasoning providing herbaceous and tangy notes rather than heat. You can always add crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.
What can I use if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?
If ranch mix isn’t on hand, blend equal parts dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt to mimic the flavor profile. It won’t be exact but still delicious!
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make this Crockpot Crack Chicken Soup Recipe, it will quickly climb to the top of your go-to comfort foods list. Its unbeatable combination of creaminess, savory bacon, and melt-in-your-mouth chicken makes every spoonful pure joy. So grab your crockpot, gather the simple ingredients, and let the magic happen—you’ll be rewarded with a bowl full of warmth and happiness that feels like it was made just for you.
Print
Crockpot Crack Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crockpot Crack Chicken Soup is a rich and creamy comfort food made with tender chicken breasts, savory ranch seasoning, and a blend of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon. Slow-cooked to perfection in a crockpot, this hearty soup is easy to prepare and perfect for cozy dinners. Garnished with fresh green onions, it offers a delicious combination of flavors that will satisfy any craving.
Ingredients
Chicken & Broth
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (around 1 oz)
Dairy & Cheese
- 8 ounces cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Additional Toppings
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Place chicken in crockpot. Arrange the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly at the bottom of your crockpot to ensure even cooking.
- Add seasoning and broth. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken, then pour in the chicken broth to cover the ingredients.
- Slow cook the chicken. Cook the mixture on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the chicken to become tender and infused with flavor.
- Add cream cheese. About one hour before the cooking time ends, add the cream cheese to the crockpot so it can soften and blend into the soup.
- Shred the chicken. When fully cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot, mixing it thoroughly with the creamy broth.
- Incorporate cheese and bacon. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled cooked bacon until the cheese melts and everything is evenly combined.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle chopped green onions over the soup just before serving for a fresh, mild onion flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked bacon or cook bacon ahead of time for convenience.
- For a thicker consistency, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to reduce some of the liquid.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese for a slightly tangy, lower-fat version.
- This soup freezes well; store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Serve with crusty bread or over cooked rice for a more filling meal.
