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Creamy Crack Chicken Soup Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 92 reviews

Creamy Crack Chicken Soup is a rich and comforting dish loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, fresh spinach, and creamy cheeses simmered in a flavorful broth. This hearty soup combines the smokiness of bacon with aromatic herbs and a velvety texture, making it perfect for cozy meals. Vegetarian substitutions are also suggested, making it adaptable to different dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

  • 4 slices bacon (diced) – for vegetarian option, substitute with mushrooms
  • 1 tbsp butter (or ghee)
  • 8 oz cream cheese (full-fat)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated, or Pepper Jack for spice)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (can substitute coconut cream or Greek yogurt)

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 white onion (diced) – yellow onion optional
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced) – or garlic flakes
  • 4 cups baby spinach – kale or spinach-kale mix can be used
  • Fresh dill (chopped) for garnish
  • Green scallions (chopped) for garnish

Broth and Seasonings

  • 5 cups chicken broth
  • 3 bay leaves
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (or garlic flakes)
  • 1 tsp onion powder (or onion flakes)
  • 1/2 tsp dried dill
  • 1/2 tsp dried chives
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Protein

  • 4 cups cooked shredded chicken – tofu for vegetarian option

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the diced bacon for about 5 minutes until crispy and fat is rendered.
  2. Sauté onions: Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon fat in the pot. Add diced onions and butter to the bacon fat and cook until onions are translucent, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 20 to 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add broth and scrape: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits, enhancing flavor without burning.
  5. Add herbs and seasonings: Add bay leaves, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried chives, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
  6. Add shredded chicken: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and simmer for another 5 minutes to combine flavors.
  7. Melt cheeses: Add cream cheese and grated cheddar cheese and whisk continuously until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy and smooth.
  8. Add greens and cream: Stir in baby spinach and heavy cream, simmering for 3 minutes, stirring frequently to combine everything well.
  9. Finish and season: Remove the pot from heat and take out the bay leaves. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  10. Garnish and serve: Stir in diced bacon, chopped fresh dill, and chopped green scallions. Serve the soup warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute bacon with mushrooms and chicken with tofu.
  • Using full-fat cream cheese provides the best creamy texture.
  • You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or Greek yogurt, though flavor will vary.
  • Scraping the pot after adding broth ensures flavorful bits are incorporated without burning.
  • Use fresh herbs like dill and scallions to brighten the soup before serving.

Keywords: creamy chicken soup, crack chicken soup, bacon soup, comfort food, creamy soup, shredded chicken soup

Find it online: https://tastybynova.com/creamy-crack-chicken-soup-recipe/