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.
- Author: Judy
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soups
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: crack chicken soup, bacon soup, cream cheese soup, easy chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, quick soup recipe, keto soup, low carb soup