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Crack Chicken Soup with Bacon & Cream Cheese

Crack Chicken Soup with Bacon & Cream Cheese

Crack Chicken Soup with Bacon & Cream Cheese is a creamy, savory, and indulgent soup that combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, and rich cream cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting soup is perfect for cozy evenings and family dinners, offering a velvety smooth texture and a satisfying flavor explosion with every spoonful.

Ingredients

Proteins

  • Chicken breast or thighs, boneless and skinless (about 1.5 pounds)
  • Bacon strips (6-8 strips, cooked crispy and crumbled)

Dairy & Creaminess

  • Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup)
  • Heavy cream or half-and-half (1 cup)

Liquids & Broth

  • Chicken broth (4 cups)

Aromatics

  • Onions (1 medium, diced)
  • Garlic (2-3 cloves, minced)

Seasonings & Extras

  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)
  • Paprika or cayenne pepper (1/4 tsp, optional)
  • Fresh parsley or chives (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bacon: Start by frying your bacon until it’s perfectly crisp. Remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the pot. This flavorful fat is key for sautéing your aromatics in the next step.
  2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the warm bacon fat, cook diced onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for another minute—this wakes up incredible aroma and flavor without overpowering the soup.
  3. Add Chicken and Broth: Add cut or whole chicken pieces to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and tender, about 15 minutes.
  4. Incorporate Cream Cheese and Heavy Cream: Stir in softened cream cheese, letting it melt fully into the broth for that rich, velvety texture. Then, add heavy cream or half-and-half to deepen the creaminess.
  5. Shred Chicken and Add Cheese: Remove chicken to shred with forks, then return it to the soup. Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon, stirring gently until everything melts together into pure deliciousness.
  6. Season and Garnish: Adjust seasonings with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you love. Finish with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives to brighten the bowl before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese to ensure it melts seamlessly without lumps.
  • Don’t overcook chicken; simmer just until cooked through to keep it tender and juicy.
  • Reserve some bacon for garnish to add a crunchy texture contrast.
  • Stir often while melting the cream cheese to prevent sticking and ensure even mixing.
  • Allow the soup to simmer gently after adding cream cheese for a naturally thickened, luscious consistency.

Nutrition

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