Creamy Crack Chicken Soup Recipe

Cozy Homemade Crack Chicken Soup Recipe for Chilly Days

Comfort comes alive with this irresistible crack chicken soup that delivers pure deliciousness in every spoonful.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a meal that instantly warms your soul.

Home cooks adore this creamy, cheesy soup for its incredible depth of flavor and simple preparation.

Tender chicken mingles with rich cream cheese and savory seasonings, promising a bowl of pure satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Packed with protein and bursting with flavor, this soup stands ready to become your new favorite comfort food.

Dive into a culinary experience that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 580 kcal

Servings: 7

Crack Chicken Soup Ingredient Overview

For Protein Base:
  • Chicken: Tender, shredded meat adds hearty protein and rich flavor to the soup, choose boneless skinless chicken breasts for easiest preparation..
  • Bacon: Crispy, smoky element that provides depth and crunch, select thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and perfect texture..
For Aromatic Vegetables:
  • Onion, Celery, Carrots: Classic mirepoix blend creates a robust flavor foundation, opt for fresh, firm vegetables with vibrant colors..
  • Garlic: Intense, aromatic ingredient that elevates the entire dish's taste profile, select fresh cloves for most potent flavor..
For Creamy and Seasoning Elements:
  • Cream Cheese: Provides luxurious, velvety texture and tangy undertone, room temperature cheese melts more smoothly..
  • Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds instant richness and depth, choose low-sodium version for better salt control..
  • Whole Milk: Contributes silky smoothness and helps blend ingredients, whole milk creates a more indulgent soup..
  • Ranch Seasoning: Delivers zesty, herbal notes that complement chicken perfectly, use pre-mixed packet for consistent flavor..
  • Garlic Powder: Enhances overall seasoning with concentrated garlic essence, ensure it's fresh and fragrant..
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty topping that adds extra richness, shredded cheese incorporates most easily..
  • Chicken Stock: Builds fundamental liquid base with profound savory character, homemade or high-quality store-bought works best..
For Pasta Element:
  • Angel Hair Pasta: Delicate noodles that cook quickly and absorb soup's flavors, break.

Tools for Making Crack Chicken Soup

  • Stockpot: Large, deep cooking pot essential for making the soup base and combining ingredients.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending condensed soup and milk smoothly without lumps.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping onions, celery, and carrots with ease.
  • Sharp Knife: Crucial for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps accurately measure milk, seasonings, and stock.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring soup and preventing ingredients from sticking.
  • Shredding Tool or Forks: Necessary for shredding cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  • Oven (for bacon): Used to crisp bacon evenly and consistently.
  • Ladle: Ideal for serving hot soup into bowls neatly and safely.
  • Cheese Grater: Helpful for shredding fresh cheddar cheese directly into the soup.

Cooking Crack Chicken Soup – The Basics

Cooking Crack Chicken Soup – The Basics
  • Bacon Transformation

Crisp bacon in the oven until golden and crunchy. Shred chicken and set both ingredients aside for later magic.

  • Vegetable Symphony

Warm olive oil in a large pot and dance onions, celery, and carrots until they soften beautifully. Invite garlic to join the party for a quick sizzle.

  • Creamy Base Fusion

Blend cream of chicken soup with milk into a silky mixture. Pour into the pot with chicken stock, Ranch seasoning, and cream cheese. Stir until cream cheese melts into a dreamy landscape.

  • Flavor Marriage

Introduce shredded chicken and bacon into the simmering pot. Let ingredients mingle and whisper their delicious secrets for a few moments.

  • Pasta Finale

Gently fold angel hair pasta into the soup, guarding against sticky situations. Cook until pasta reaches tender perfection. Shower with cheddar cheese until it becomes a luxurious, creamy blanket.

  • Serving Delight

Ladle the steaming soup into waiting bowls. Sprinkle extra bacon or fresh herbs as a crowning touch. Serve alongside crusty bread or a crisp salad for a complete culinary experience.

Add-In Tips for Crack Chicken Soup

Add-In Tips for Crack Chicken Soup
  • Bacon Lover's Delight: Experiment with different bacon types like peppered, maple, or applewood-smoked to add unique flavor dimensions to your soup.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the soup base a day in advance and refrigerate. The flavors will intensify overnight, creating an even more delicious meal when reheated.
  • Gluten-Free Hack: Swap angel hair pasta with gluten-free alternatives like rice noodles or zucchini spirals for a celiac-friendly version of this comforting soup.
  • Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a little extra kick in their crack chicken soup.
  • Protein Power-Up: Replace shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even pulled pork to give the recipe a delightful protein twist while maintaining the soup's creamy, rich essence.

Crack Chicken Soup – How to Serve It

Crack Chicken Soup – How to Serve It
  • Cozy Bread Companion: Slice up a warm, crusty baguette or rustic sourdough to dip into the creamy soup, soaking up all those rich, savory flavors.
  • Refreshing Green Sidekick: Whip up a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the hearty soup's richness and add a fresh crunch to your meal.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra sharp cheddar or crumbled blue cheese on top for an intense flavor boost that complements the Ranch and bacon notes.
  • Herb Fresh Finish: Chop some fresh chives, parsley, or green onions to scatter over the soup, bringing a bright, garden-fresh touch to this comforting dish.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips for Crack Chicken Soup

  • Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover soup into airtight containers, keeping fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to maintain optimal taste and texture.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Carefully pack soup in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Pro tip: Exclude pasta when freezing to prevent mushy texture during reheating.
  • Reheating Magic: Thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator. Warm gently on stovetop, adding a splash of chicken stock to restore original consistency. Stir frequently to prevent burning and ensure even heating.
  • Portion Control Technique: Divide soup into individual serving sizes before storing. This strategy allows quick, convenient meals and helps prevent unnecessary waste while maintaining freshness and flavor.
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Creamy Crack Chicken Soup Recipe

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty crack chicken soup offers a comforting blend of creamy broth, tender chicken, and irresistible flavors. Ranch seasoning and crispy bacon elevate this simple dish into a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups/720 ml cooked shredded chicken breast
  • 10 strips bacon (cooked and diced)
  • 6 cups/1.4 L low sodium chicken stock
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 8 oz/226 g cream cheese
  • 10.5 oz/298 g condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)
  • 8 oz/226 g angel hair pasta (broken into smaller lengths)
  • 1 small onion (chopped)
  • ½ cup diced carrots
  • ½ cup diced celery
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 2 tbsps ranch seasoning mix
  • ½ tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Bacon Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread bacon slices on a baking sheet and roast until golden and crisp, approximately 12-15 minutes. Cool and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Vegetable Foundation: In a large stockpot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions, celery, and carrots until softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic notes.
  3. Liquid Base Creation: Whisk condensed cream of chicken soup with whole milk until smooth. Pour into stockpot and combine with chicken stock, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and cream cheese. Stir continuously until cream cheese melts completely and ingredients integrate.
  4. Protein and Flavor Integration: Fold shredded chicken and crumbled bacon into the simmering liquid. Allow flavors to meld for 5-7 minutes over reduced heat. Add angel hair pasta, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and cook until al dente, approximately 6-8 minutes.
  5. Final Touches: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the soup, stirring until fully melted and creating a luxurious, creamy consistency. Ladle into serving bowls and optionally garnish with additional bacon crumbles or fresh chopped herbs. Serve alongside crusty artisan bread or a crisp green salad.

Notes

  • Bacon Brilliance: Crisp bacon in the oven ensures even cooking and provides a perfect crunch without greasy splatters.
  • Chicken Perfection: Poaching or roasting chicken beforehand allows for tender, easily shredded meat that absorbs soup flavors beautifully.
  • Cheese Melting Magic: Add cheddar cheese gradually and stir constantly to prevent clumping and create a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Pasta Precision: Watch angel hair pasta closely during cooking to avoid overcooking, which can make the soup mushy and lose its delightful texture.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 36 g
  • Saturated Fat: 18 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 33 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Jessica Martin

Jessica Martin

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography​, Seasonal and Local Ingredients​, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine​, Culinary Education​

Education

Portland Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles

Oregon Culinary Institute

  • Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.​

Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking. 

Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes. 

Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.

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