This Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, featuring tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach in a creamy base made with cream cheese and cheddar. Infused with herbs like dill and chives, this low-carb, keto-friendly soup is rich in flavor and perfect for a quick family dinner or meal prep. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a hearty, delicious option for chilly days or any time you crave a soul-warming meal.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 tsp dried chives
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
- Green scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook diced bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy (about 5 minutes). Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Add butter and diced onion to the pot; sauté until translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 20–30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape the brown bits from the pot bottom. Add bay leaves, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, chives, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken to the pot and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in cream cheese and cheddar cheese, whisking until melted and combined.
- Add baby spinach and heavy cream. Simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat, discard bay leaves, and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with reserved bacon, fresh dill, and scallions before serving. Serve warm.
Nutritional Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 340 kcal per serving
- Servings: 6
Enjoy this creamy, hearty, and flavorful soup as a comforting meal or a quick weeknight dinner option!
Creamy Crack Chicken Soup: A Hearty Comfort Meal for Any Occasion
Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is a dish that has quickly risen to fame for its irresistible blend of flavors, rich texture, and ease of preparation. This hearty soup brings together tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy base infused with cream cheese and cheddar. The result is a warm and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a variety of occasions, from a quick weeknight dinner to meal prepping for the week ahead.
This soup is not only a comfort food champion but also a practical option for those looking to maintain a low-carb or keto-friendly lifestyle. Its creamy texture and savory ingredients make it feel indulgent without being overly heavy. Let’s dive into the details of why this recipe is a must-have in your culinary repertoire.
The Allure of Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
The magic of this soup lies in its combination of flavors and textures. At the heart of the dish is the tender, shredded chicken, which provides protein and substance. Paired with crispy bacon, the soup gains a smoky and savory dimension that enhances its overall richness. Spinach, a nutritional powerhouse, not only adds a burst of color but also balances the dish with a fresh, earthy flavor.
What truly sets this soup apart is its creamy base. Made with cream cheese and cheddar cheese, it boasts a velvety consistency that coats the ingredients beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying. The use of heavy cream further enhances the luxurious texture, making it the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out.
The herbs and spices used in this recipe, including dill and chives, elevate the flavor profile, adding subtle aromatic notes. Garlic and onion, essential to many comfort dishes, lay the foundation with their savory depth, while garlic powder and onion powder amplify these classic flavors.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best features of Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is its versatility. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner for the family, planning a meal for a casual gathering, or looking to prep lunches for the week, this soup fits the bill. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you need a wholesome, home-cooked meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
This soup also transitions seamlessly between seasons. While it’s particularly comforting on chilly days, its bright flavors and fresh ingredients make it enjoyable year-round. Pair it with crusty bread or serve it as a stand-alone dish for a lighter option.
A Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly Delight
For those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, finding recipes that are both satisfying and compliant can be a challenge. This soup checks all the boxes. With its high-fat, low-carb ingredients like cream cheese, cheddar, and heavy cream, it supports ketosis without compromising on flavor.
The absence of flour or starchy thickeners is another win for keto enthusiasts. Instead, the soup relies on the natural creaminess of its dairy components to achieve its thick, hearty consistency. Fresh spinach adds vitamins and minerals without adding significant carbs, making it a nutrient-dense addition to the recipe.
Meal Prep Made Easy
Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is also a dream for meal prep enthusiasts. It stores well in the refrigerator for several days and can be reheated without losing its creamy texture or vibrant flavors. For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. Just be sure to thaw it gently and stir well while reheating to maintain the creamy consistency.
This soup is also easily adaptable. If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the broth slightly or add a touch more cream cheese. For those who enjoy a spicier kick, a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce can be stirred in. These simple adjustments allow you to tailor the recipe to your preferences.
Nutritional Benefits
While Creamy Crack Chicken Soup feels indulgent, it also offers a range of nutritional benefits. Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and overall health. Spinach contributes a wealth of vitamins, including A, C, and K, as well as minerals like iron and magnesium.
Bacon, while often considered a guilty pleasure, provides a rich source of flavor and fat. In this recipe, it’s used in moderation, ensuring that the dish remains balanced. The cheeses and cream deliver calcium and healthy fats, important for bone health and energy.
Tips for Success
To ensure your Creamy Crack Chicken Soup turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh spinach, high-quality cheddar, and a good cream cheese brand can make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Herbs: Dill and chives are small but mighty contributors to the soup’s overall flavor. Fresh dill and scallions as garnishes add a burst of freshness that complements the creamy base.
- Adjust Seasoning as Needed: Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving. The saltiness of bacon and cheese can vary, so make sure the flavors are balanced.
- Cook Bacon Crisp: Crisp bacon adds a delightful texture contrast. Be sure to reserve some for garnishing to keep it crispy.
- Serve Warm: This soup is best enjoyed piping hot, with the cheese fully melted and flavors melded together.
Conclusion
Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting hug in a bowl. Its creamy base, packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach, offers a symphony of flavors that are both indulgent and nourishing. Whether you’re seeking a quick dinner option, a keto-friendly meal, or something to warm you up on a cold day, this soup delivers.
Its versatility and ease of preparation make it a go-to recipe for cooks of all skill levels. With the added benefit of being low-carb and nutrient-rich, it’s a dish you can feel good about serving to your family and friends. So, the next time you’re craving something hearty and satisfying, give Creamy Crack Chicken Soup a try—it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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Creamy Crack Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
This Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is the ultimate comfort dish, featuring tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh spinach in a creamy base made with cream cheese and cheddar. Infused with herbs like dill and chives, this low-carb, keto-friendly soup is rich in flavor and perfect for a quick family dinner or meal prep. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a hearty, delicious option for chilly days or any time you crave a soul-warming meal.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon, diced
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 white onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 5 cups chicken broth
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried dill
- 1/2 tsp dried chives
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
- Green scallions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook diced bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy (about 5 minutes). Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the fat in the pot.
- Add butter and diced onion to the pot; sauté until translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 20–30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape the brown bits from the pot bottom. Add bay leaves, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, chives, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add shredded chicken to the pot and let it simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Stir in cream cheese and cheddar cheese, whisking until melted and combined.
- Add baby spinach and heavy cream. Simmer for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat, discard bay leaves, and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Garnish with reserved bacon, fresh dill, and scallions before serving. Serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes