This Crack Chicken Soup is loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and spinach for a comforting bowl of goodness.
Do you ever have those days when all you want is something warm and comforting that requires almost zero brainpower to make? That’s exactly how this Crack Chicken Soup came to life in my kitchen. It was a cold, dreary day, and I was running on fumes. You know, one of those days.
I had some leftover shredded chicken from the night before, a lonely ranch packet in the pantry, and a block of cream cheese that was dangerously close to its expiration date. So, I thought, “Why not toss it all in a pot and see what happens?” Honestly, I wasn’t expecting much—just something edible to get through the evening. But oh my goodness, the result was next level.
My husband, who’s usually pretty neutral about soups, couldn’t stop raving about it. And my kids? They didn’t even notice the spinach, which is basically a parenting miracle. Now, this soup has become one of our go-tos, especially when life feels a little overwhelming. It’s the culinary equivalent of a weighted blanket, and who doesn’t need one of those every now and then?
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Crack Chicken Soup Recipe?
- Flavor Explosion: Ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and melty cheese make every bite unforgettable.
- Creamy Comfort: The richness of the cream cheese and sour cream gives it that cozy, indulgent vibe we all crave.
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, you’re looking at just 30 minutes. Dinner doesn’t get much easier than that.
- Family-Friendly: It’s one of those rare dishes that please picky eaters and foodies alike.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s dive into what makes this soup so special—and so addictive:
- Bacon: Adds smoky, salty goodness that balances the creaminess. Plus, it’s bacon. Enough said.
- Butter: Sautéing the veggies in butter gives them a rich, flavorful base.
- Onion, Celery, and Carrots: These veggies add depth and a touch of sweetness. Plus, they make you feel like you’re eating something healthy.
- Garlic: Just a couple of cloves to amp up the flavor. It’s subtle but important.
- Chicken Broth: The base of the soup. Go with low-sodium if you want to control the saltiness.
- Ranch Packet: This little packet is the secret ingredient that ties everything together.
- Shredded Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is my favorite shortcut here, but leftover chicken works just as well.
- Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: These make the soup rich, tangy, and oh-so-creamy.
- Cheddar Cheese: Melty, gooey, cheesy perfection. You can never have too much.
- Spinach: Adds color and a bit of nutrition without overpowering the flavors.
Before we dive into the steps, check out these quick tips to make sure your soup turns out just right.
Pro Tips for Perfect Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Before you dive into making this soup, here are a few little tricks to help everything go smoothly:
- Season Early and Often – Start with dry ranch seasoning when sautéing your veggies. It layers in flavor right from the beginning, making everything taste that much better. Add salt and pepper at the end to get it just right.
- Choose Your Chicken Adventure – Use whatever you have—leftover chicken, rotisserie, or fresh cooked in a skillet. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before it hits the soup.
- Watch the Salt – Ranch seasoning brings plenty of salt on its own, so low-sodium chicken broth helps keep the balance. This way, it’s flavorful without being too much.
- Thicken It Up – If the soup’s a little thinner than you like, a quick cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water) will do the trick. Stir it in and let the magic happen.
- Low and Slow – When adding cream cheese, keep the heat low to avoid curdling. Simmer gently—no aggressive boiling needed!
How To Make Cheesy Crack Chicken Soup?
This soup is as straightforward as it gets, but the result tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen.
- Cook the Bacon
Start by cooking the diced bacon in a big pot over medium-high heat. Let it get crispy—it’ll make your kitchen smell amazing. Scoop out the bacon and set it aside, but leave a little of that bacon grease in the pot for extra flavor. “Trust me, this step smells amazing—resist the urge to eat the bacon straight from the pan!” - Sauté the Veggies
Add the butter to the pot, followed by the onion, celery, and carrots. Cook them for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and just starting to caramelize. Toss in the garlic and let it cook for another minute—don’t skip this step; the aroma is everything. - Build the Base
Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in the ranch packet, black pepper, and parsley. Add the shredded chicken, sour cream, cream cheese, and the bacon you set aside earlier. Keep stirring until the cream cheese has melted into the broth, creating that signature creamy texture. - Add the Cheese and Spinach
Stir in the cheddar cheese and baby spinach. Let it all cook together for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and the spinach is wilted. It’ll look—and smell—like pure comfort in a pot. - Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and top each serving with a little extra cheddar cheese and some chopped green onions. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed (though it’s usually spot on). Then sit back and enjoy the coziest meal ever.
How to Make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup in a Crockpot
Want to let the crockpot do the heavy lifting? This slow-cooked version delivers all the creamy, comforting flavors with minimal effort.
What You’ll Need:
- The same list of ingredients – no need to switch things up!
Crockpot Instructions:
- Layer the Base – Toss the diced onion, celery, and carrots into the bottom of your crockpot. Lay the chicken breasts (or thighs) right on top.
- Season and Pour – Sprinkle the dry ranch packet evenly over the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth, and add black pepper and parsley. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shredded.
- Shred and Stir – Take the chicken out and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded chicken to the crockpot and stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Let it melt into the soup over LOW heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Finishing Touches – Stir in the cooked bacon and spinach, letting them soften and blend for another 5-10 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve and Enjoy – Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra cheddar and green onions.
Pro Tip: If the soup feels thinner than you like, mix up a quick cornstarch slurry (2 tablespoons cornstarch + 2 tablespoons cold water) and stir it in. Let it simmer until it thickens up nicely.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the creamy texture.
- Freezer: Yes, you can freeze this soup! Let it cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat slowly.
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to put your own spin on it? Here are some ideas:
- Add Some Spice: A pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce can take this soup to the next level.
- Extra Veggies: Mushrooms, kale, or zucchini would all work beautifully here.
- Cheese Swap: Try Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a little pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative to make it dairy-free.
- Protein Switch: Crumbled sausage or turkey would be a delicious twist on the original.
Want More Ideas?
- Switch Up the Protein – If you’re not feeling chicken breast, no worries—chicken thighs, tenderloins, or even some leftover turkey can slide right in. Dice it up, shred it, or leave it chunky. Whatever works for you!
- Crank Up the Heat – Like things spicy? Throw in some jalapeños, splash in a little hot sauce, or sprinkle in red pepper flakes. Cayenne works too if you’re feeling bold. Start light—you can always add more (but you can’t take it out, trust me).
- Side Dish MVPs – This soup’s a meal on its own, but who’s gonna say no to a little something on the side? Grab some crusty bread for dunking, toss together a fresh salad, or steam up some veggies to keep things balanced.
Honestly, the best part of this recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Play around and see what sticks—there’s no wrong way to enjoy it!
What to Use if You Don’t Have Chicken Breast
Ran out of chicken breast? No biggie—there are plenty of tasty stand-ins that’ll work just as well. Here are a few to keep in your back pocket:
- Chicken Thighs – Honestly, I kind of love thighs more than breasts sometimes. They’re juicier, have a little more flavor, and won’t dry out as easily.
- Chicken Tenderloins – Tender, quick to cook, and super easy to work with. They’re like the laid-back cousin of chicken breast.
- Turkey Breast – A leaner option, but it still gets the job done. Plus, it brings a slightly different vibe to the dish (in a good way).
- Pork Tenderloin – If you’re feeling adventurous, pork tenderloin fits right in. It’s mild, tender, and adds a fun twist.
- Tofu – Yep, tofu works! Go for firm or extra-firm, marinate it, and toss it in. It soaks up flavor like a champ.
A Few Things to Remember:
Want To Save This Recipe?
- Watch the clock – Different proteins cook at different speeds, so keep an eye on things to avoid overcooking.
- Season like you mean it – Tofu especially needs a little extra love with spices or marinade to hit the same flavor notes.
What to Serve with Cheesy Crack Chicken Soup?
This soup is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal:
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for dunking and soaking up all that creamy goodness.
- Side Salad: A light, fresh salad with a tangy vinaigrette is a great contrast to the richness.
- Baked Potatoes: Serve a small baked potato on the side, or even scoop the soup over it. Game-changer.
- Grilled Cheese: Because more cheese is always a good idea.
What’s the Deal with Crack Chicken Noodle Soup?
If you’ve been anywhere near food blogs or Pinterest lately—oh, and if you’re not following me yet… we need to fix that. Like, right now. Click here to join the fun!, you’ve probably seen Crack Chicken Noodle Soup popping up. It’s like regular chicken noodle soup went to a party, met cream cheese and bacon, and never looked back.
So, what makes it stand out?
Key Players in This Soup Glow-Up:
- Chicken – Tender, juicy bites that keep things hearty.
- Bacon – Because… bacon. Smoky, crispy, and packed with flavor.
- Cream Cheese – Makes it ridiculously creamy (like, “let me lick the spoon” creamy).
- Dry Ranch Mix – Adds that tangy, herby kick that makes you wonder why ranch isn’t in every soup.
- Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the broth and brings it all together.
Why’s Everyone Obsessed?
- Flavor Bomb – It’s like your taste buds are at a party. Every bite is rich, creamy, and just plain good.
- Total Comfort Food – Perfect for chilly days, long weeks, or just because you need a hug in a bowl.
- Crowd-Pleaser – Adults, kids, picky eaters—everyone’s on board with this one.
- Internet Famous – Let’s be real, once it hit social media, this soup took off. People can’t stop talking about it.
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup isn’t just dinner. It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a culinary rockstar and leaves everyone asking for seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently before serving.
Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Yes, and it’s a huge time-saver! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here.
What if my soup is too thick?
No problem—just add a little extra chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
What if the soup isn’t thick enough?
So, your soup’s looking a little too soupy? No worries—this happens to the best of us. The fix is super simple: make a quick cornstarch slurry, and you’ll have it thickened up in no time.
Here’s what you do:
- Mix it up – Grab a small bowl and whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Stir until it’s nice and smooth (no lumps allowed).
- Add it in – Slowly pour the slurry into your soup while stirring. Go easy—it’s better to add a little at a time and see how it thickens up.
- Simmer and wait – Let the soup hang out on the stove for a few minutes. The heat will activate the cornstarch and bam—thicker, creamier soup.
Pro tip: Give it a minute to work its magic before adding more. It’s tempting to keep pouring, but trust me, patience pays off.
This Crack Chicken Soup is more than just a recipe—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of bold flavors that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try, and let me know how it turned out for you! Did you follow the recipe exactly, or did you add your own twist? I can’t wait to hear about it! If you make this, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Tag me or send a pic—I’m always here for good soup talk.
Delicious Soup Recipes to Try
If Crack Chicken Noodle Soup has you hooked, I’ve got a few more cozy, comforting bowls you’ll want to dive into. These soups are packed with flavor and that same ‘hug-in-a-bowl’ magic. Because honestly, can you ever have too much soup? I think not
- Butternut Sausage Tortellini Soup – Creamy butternut squash pairs perfectly with savory sausage and tender tortellini. It’s rich, hearty, and tastes like fall in every spoonful.
- Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup – Imagine your favorite cheeseburger… but as a warm, cheesy, and totally slurpable soup. Toss it in the slow cooker and let the magic happen.
- Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup – A lighter option, this one blends tender chicken with sweet bursts of corn in a silky, satisfying broth. Simple but oh-so comforting.
- Keto Cheeseburger Soup – All the flavors of a juicy cheeseburger but without the carbs. Rich, cheesy, and perfect for keto lovers (or anyone who just wants more cheese in their life).
- Greek Lemon Chicken Soup – Bright, zesty, and refreshing—this soup combines tender chicken with lemony goodness and rice. It’s light yet filling and perfect for when you need a little sunshine in a bowl.
There’s a soup for every craving here, so why stop at just one? Cozy up with a bowl (or two) and enjoy the delicious comfort these recipes bring.
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
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Cheesy Crack Chicken Soup
Ingredients
- 1 c bacon diced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 2 ribs celery diced
- 2 large carrots diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 6 c chicken broth
- 1 packet dry ranch dressing
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsps parsley
- 4 c cooked shredded chicken
- 1 c sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese cubed
- 2 c shredded cheddar cheese plus extra for garnish
- 2 c baby spinach
- Chopped green onion for garnish
Instructions
- First, grab a big pot and heat it up over medium-high. Let it get nice and hot before you get started! Toss in the diced bacon and cook it until it’s nice and crispy. Once it’s done, scoop the bacon out and set it aside for later—but keep all that bacon grease in the pot!
- Now, add the butter to the pot, along with the diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté everything for about 5 minutes, just until the veggies soften up a bit. Then, throw in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it smells amazing.
- Next, pour in the chicken broth and stir in the ranch seasoning, black pepper, parsley, shredded chicken, sour cream, and cream cheese. Don’t forget to add the cooked bacon back in too! Stir constantly to make sure the cream cheese melts smoothly into the soup.
- After that, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and spinach. Let the soup cook for a few more minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese is fully melted.
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top it off with some extra cheddar and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
