Description
Creamy crack chicken soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending rich flavors with irresistible charm. Hearty ingredients and zesty seasonings create a satisfying meal that draws you back for another delightful spoonful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs chicken breast
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 cups diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 medium onion, diced
Finishing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot and set it over medium-high heat, ensuring all ingredients are ready for a quick, efficient cooking process.
- Nestle chicken breasts into the pot, pouring chicken broth around them to create a flavorful poaching liquid that will infuse the meat with rich taste.
- Simmer the chicken for approximately 15-20 minutes until fully cooked through, with internal temperature reaching 165°F, then carefully remove and shred using two forks.
- In the same pot, sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery until they become tender and release their aromatic essence, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reintroduce shredded chicken to the vegetable mixture, stirring to combine and distribute ingredients evenly.
- Incorporate cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy base.
- Pour heavy cream into the pot, allowing the soup to simmer and thicken for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the soup, stirring until completely melted and integrated.
- Garnish with crispy crumbled bacon and chopped green onions just before serving, adding a delightful crunch and fresh flavor profile.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls, ensuring each serving receives a generous portion of chicken, vegetables, and toppings.
Notes
- Optimize chicken poaching by using bone-in breasts for enhanced flavor and moisture retention.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version that still maintains creamy consistency.
- Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to introduce a spicy kick for heat-loving palates.
- Transform leftovers into a casserole by mixing with cooked pasta and baking with extra cheese on top for a delicious next-day meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg