Crack Chicken Soup Recipe

Quick & Creamy Crack Chicken Soup Recipe for Comfort Meals

Crack chicken soup emerges as a tantalizing culinary sensation that captivates taste buds with its irresistible blend of flavors.

Rich, creamy textures dance across your palate, creating an instant comfort food experience.

Savory ingredients meld together in a harmonious symphony of deliciousness.

Home cooks adore this dish for its simplicity and crowd-pleasing appeal.

Warm, hearty spoonfuls promise to soothe and satisfy even the most discerning palates.

Imagine a meal that combines creamy indulgence with soul-warming goodness in every single bite.

This recipe will become your new go-to solution for quick, delectable dining that impresses everyone at the table.

Crack Chicken Soup That’s Creamy, Cheesy, and Addictive

Crack Chicken Soup That’s Creamy, Cheesy, and Addictive
  • This crack chicken soup blends creamy textures with bold Ranch and bacon flavors, creating a hearty meal that warms you from the inside out.
  • Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pot wonder simplifies cooking with minimal prep and maximum taste, perfect for busy families craving a delicious dinner.
  • Easily adaptable with optional garnishes like fresh herbs or extra bacon, this soup appeals to different taste preferences while maintaining its irresistible core recipe.
  • Combining crispy bacon, tender chicken, creamy broth, and soft pasta delivers a multidimensional eating experience that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.

Ingredients for Making Crack Chicken Soup

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Shredded protein that adds hearty texture and flavor to the soup, choose boneless and skinless for easier preparation.
  • Bacon: Crispy meat that provides smoky depth and salty crunch, thick-cut bacon works best for maximum flavor.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Celery, Carrots: Classic soup base vegetables that create a robust flavor foundation, fresh and crisp produce recommended.
  • Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall taste profile, fresh minced garlic provides more intense flavor.
Dairy and Soup Base:
  • Cream Cheese: Adds rich, creamy texture and tangy flavor, softened cheese melts smoothly into the soup.
  • Whole Milk: Contributes to smooth, creamy consistency, full-fat milk recommended for best results.
  • Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides primary soup base and additional creaminess, standard canned version works well.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Melts into soup for extra cheesy flavor, sharp variety adds more pronounced taste.
Seasonings and Extras:
  • Ranch Seasoning: Delivers signature herb and tangy flavor profile, pre-mixed packet convenient for quick preparation.
  • Garlic Powder: Boosts overall garlic essence, ensures consistent seasoning throughout soup.
  • Angel Hair Pasta: Thin pasta that cooks quickly and absorbs soup flavors, breaks easily for comfortable eating.

How to Cook Crack Chicken Soup from Scratch

How to Cook Crack Chicken Soup from Scratch

Step 1: Prepare Crispy Bacon

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange bacon strips on a baking sheet. Bake until golden and crunchy, about 12-15 minutes. Remove and let cool. Crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces. Meanwhile, cook chicken and shred into tender strips.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Grab a large stockpot and warm olive oil or butter over medium heat. Toss in:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped celery
  • Sliced carrots

Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables soften and release their sweet flavors. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 3: Create Creamy Soup Base

In a mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Condensed cream of chicken soup
  • Whole milk
Pour this silky mixture into the stockpot. Add:
  • Chicken stock
  • Ranch seasoning
  • Garlic powder
  • Cream cheese

Stir continuously until cream cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious, velvety texture.

Step 4: Combine Protein and Flavors

Introduce shredded chicken and crumbled bacon to the simmering soup. Reduce heat and let ingredients mingle for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to dance and develop.

Step 5: Add Pasta and Cheese

Carefully stir in angel hair pasta, moving frequently to prevent sticking. Cook 6-8 minutes until pasta reaches perfect tenderness. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted, creating a rich, creamy consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle steaming soup into bowls. Optional garnishes include:
  • Extra bacon bits
  • Fresh chopped herbs
  • Green onion sprinkles

Serve alongside crusty artisan bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Creamy Crack Chicken Soup

Pro Tips for Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
  • Crisp Bacon Perfectly: Cook bacon in the oven for even, flat, and consistently crispy results without messy stovetop splattering.
  • Prevent Pasta Clumping: Stir angel hair pasta frequently and immediately after adding to the soup to stop it from sticking together or becoming mushy.
  • Melt Cream Cheese Smoothly: Cut cream cheese into small cubes and stir continuously to ensure it melts evenly without creating lumpy chunks in the soup.
  • Layer Flavor Strategically: Sauté vegetables before adding liquid ingredients to enhance their natural sweetness and develop a deeper, more complex taste profile.
  • Customize Cheese Consistency: Add shredded cheese gradually and stir until completely melted for a silky, creamy texture that coats each spoonful perfectly.

Saving and Reheating Crack Chicken Soup Leftovers

Saving and Reheating Crack Chicken Soup Leftovers
  • Refrigerate: Transfer leftover soup to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Reheat: Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken stock to restore creamy consistency if the soup has thickened. Avoid boiling to prevent pasta from becoming mushy.
  • Freeze: Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.

Great Additions and Pairings for Crack Chicken Soup

  • Brew Bold Beer Companions: Crack chicken soup pairs wonderfully with a crisp pale ale or hoppy IPA that cuts through the creamy richness and complements the smoky bacon notes.
  • Wine Wisdom Selection: Choose a buttery chardonnay or light-bodied pinot noir to balance the soup's creamy texture and enhance its savory depth without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
  • Bread Sidekick Strategy: Grab a rustic sourdough or garlic-rubbed crusty French bread to soak up the delicious broth, adding a satisfying crunch and extra layer of comfort to each spoonful.
  • Fresh Salad Freshness Boost: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette on the side to provide a bright, tangy contrast that cuts through the soup's richness and adds a refreshing element to the meal.

Ways to Change Up Crack Chicken Soup

  • Spicy Southwest Crack Chicken Soup: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and replace Ranch seasoning with taco seasoning for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
  • Veggie-Packed Protein Soup: Substitute chicken with white beans or tofu, include additional vegetables like zucchini and spinach for a nutritious plant-based alternative.
  • Creamy Mushroom Lovers Soup: Replace bacon with sautéed wild mushrooms, incorporate dried porcini for deeper umami flavor, and use parmesan cheese instead of cheddar.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Crack Soup: Swap angel hair pasta with riced cauliflower, reduce milk quantity, and maintain the rich, creamy texture while cutting carbohydrates.

FAQs About Crack Chicken Soup You’ll Want to Know

  • Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the soup in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra milk or chicken stock if it’s too thick.

  • How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute the angel hair pasta with gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup. Ensure your Ranch seasoning is also gluten-free.

  • Can I use different types of meat instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can swap chicken for turkey, or use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation. The bacon adds great flavor regardless of the meat you choose.

  • What are some good side dishes to serve with this soup?

Crusty bread, garlic bread, green salad, or a simple side of roasted vegetables complement this creamy soup perfectly.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crack Chicken Soup Recipe

Crack Chicken Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this crack chicken soup recipe, where creamy textures and rich flavors meld together effortlessly. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a go-to meal that satisfies hungry families with its irresistible, cheesy goodness.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast
  • 10 strips bacon (cooked and diced)

Dairy and Liquids:

  • 6 cups low sodium chicken stock
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 10.5 ounces (298 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • ½ cup diced carrots
  • ½ cup diced celery
  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) angel hair pasta (broken into smaller lengths)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and arrange bacon slices on a baking sheet, cooking until golden and crisp, approximately 12-15 minutes. Remove and let cool, then crumble into pieces.
  2. While bacon cooks, prepare chicken by poaching or roasting, then shred into bite-sized fragments using two forks.
  3. Select a large stockpot and warm olive oil over medium heat. Introduce diced onions, sliced celery, and chopped carrots, sautéing until vegetables soften and become translucent, about 5-6 minutes.
  4. Incorporate minced garlic and briefly sauté, releasing its aromatic essence for approximately 30-45 seconds.
  5. In a separate mixing bowl, thoroughly blend condensed cream of chicken soup with whole milk until smooth and consistent.
  6. Pour the soup mixture into the stockpot, followed by chicken stock, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and cream cheese. Stir continuously until cream cheese melts completely and ingredients integrate.
  7. Gently fold shredded chicken and crumbled bacon into the simmering liquid, allowing flavors to harmonize for 5-7 minutes over reduced heat.
  8. Introduce angel hair pasta, stirring frequently to prevent adherence to the pot’s bottom. Cook until pasta reaches al dente texture, roughly 6-8 minutes.
  9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the soup, stirring until fully melted and creating a luxurious, creamy consistency.
  10. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls. Optional: Garnish with additional bacon crumbles or fresh chopped herbs. Complement with crusty artisan bread or a crisp green salad.

Notes

  • Meal Prep Champion: Easily make this soup ahead and refrigerate for up to 3 days, ensuring quick and delicious meals during busy weekdays.
  • Bacon Brilliance: Crisp bacon in the oven for maximum flavor and less mess compared to stovetop cooking.
  • Pasta Perfection: Angel hair pasta cooks quickly, so watch carefully to prevent overcooking and maintain ideal texture.
  • Cheese Tip: Use freshly shredded cheddar for superior melting and richer flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
  • Creamy Secret: Cream cheese creates an ultra-luxurious and velvety soup base that elevates the entire dish.
  • Customization Magic: Swap proteins or add vegetables like spinach or kale to personalize this crowd-pleasing soup.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 459
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 1012 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 102 mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star