Description
Crack chicken soup delivers comfort with its rich, cheesy blend of tender meat and savory broth. Hearty ingredients meld together, promising a satisfying meal that will warm souls and delight taste buds, leaving you craving another spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 4 slices bacon, chopped
Dairy and Cream Components:
- 1 (8 ounces/225g) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 cup (120 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
Base and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 4 cups (1 liter) chicken broth
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup baby spinach or kale (optional, for extra greens)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Render crispy, golden bacon in a spacious pot, transferring the pieces to a side plate while preserving approximately one tablespoon of rendered fat.
- Introduce olive oil or butter to the residual bacon drippings, then gently sauté diced onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot and submerge whole chicken pieces, allowing the liquid to reach a vigorous boil before reducing heat and covering for gentle poaching until protein is completely cooked.
- Extract chicken from the broth and meticulously shred using two forks, then return the tender meat to the simmering liquid.
- Incorporate cream cheese, whisking thoroughly to create a silky base, then introduce heavy cream, creating a luxurious texture.
- Blend in shredded cheddar, ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, and leafy greens, stirring until the cheese melts and vegetables soften.
- Calibrate seasoning with salt and pepper, allowing the soup to simmer briefly for flavor integration.
- Ladle the creamy concoction into serving vessels, crown with crispy bacon fragments, fresh parsley, and additional cheese before presenting piping hot.
Notes
- Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispiness, ensuring it renders plenty of delicious fat for sautéing.
- Keep chicken breasts or thighs at room temperature before cooking to guarantee even cooking and tender meat texture.
- Use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt as healthier alternatives to traditional heavy cream for a lighter version of the soup.
- For gluten-free adaptation, replace ranch seasoning with homemade blend using dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Swap chicken with rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken to reduce overall cooking time and add extra depth of flavor.
- Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for those wanting a spicy kick without compromising the creamy base.
- Opt for baby spinach instead of kale for quicker wilting and a milder green vegetable component.
- Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to prevent cream from separating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 525
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 130mg