Discover the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly easy Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup! It brings together tender chicken, savory bacon, a hint of ranch, and creamy cheese into one irresistible bowl. Perfect for chilly evenings, this hands-off recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup will quickly become a family favorite for its creamy texture and satisfying taste.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
This comforting chicken soup truly simplifies your meal prep. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe rotation:
- Effortless Preparation: Simply toss ingredients into your slow cooker for a stress-free meal.
- Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy the addictive blend of chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheddar cheese.
- Ultimate Comfort: It’s the perfect warm hug in a bowl for cold weather days.
- Customizable: Easily add your favorite vegetables or pasta for a personalized touch.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the rich and creamy taste of this satisfying dish.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
Gather these simple ingredients to create a phenomenal Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup. You’ll combine tender chicken with savory seasonings, a rich and savory broth, and creamy elements for an unforgettable flavor.
- Chicken Breasts: 2 pounds, boneless, skinless. These cook down perfectly for shredding.
- Ranch Seasoning: 1 tablespoon onion powder, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried dill weed, 1 teaspoon dried chives, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper. This homemade blend offers fresh flavor.
- Chicken Broth: 6 to 8 cups, low sodium. Adjust to your desired consistency.
- Bacon: 4 slices, cooked and crumbled, plus extra for garnish. Don’t forget the flavorful bacon grease!
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, cut into cubes. Softened cream cheese melts seamlessly.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 to 2 cups, shredded. Adds a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Baby Kale: 3 cups, chopped, optional. Spinach also works well for a nutritional boost.
- Scallions: Chopped, for garnish. Provides a fresh, mild onion crunch.
Notes & Substitutions
You have flexibility when making your Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup. Feel free to adjust ingredients to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.
- Chicken: For a richer flavor, swap boneless, skinless chicken thighs for breasts. They stay incredibly moist in the slow cooker.
- Broth: Use homemade chicken broth or bone broth for added depth and nutrients. Always opt for low-sodium to control salt levels.
- Cream Cheese: Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature. This prevents it from clumping and helps it melt into a silky smooth soup.
- Greens: If kale isn’t your favorite, use fresh spinach. Stir it in at the very end as it wilts quickly.
- Ranch Seasoning: A store-bought ranch seasoning packet (about 1 ounce) works in a pinch if you don’t want to mix your own spices.
Equipment Needed
Preparing this easy slow cooker meal requires just a few basic kitchen tools. You likely already have most of these items on hand for a stress-free cooking experience.
- Large Slow Cooker: A 6-quart or larger model works best to accommodate all ingredients.
- Skillet: For crisping up your bacon before adding it to the soup.
- Cutting Board: Essential for preparing chicken, kale, and garnishes.
- Shredder Claws or Two Forks: Makes shredding the cooked chicken quick and easy.
- Airtight Containers: Perfect for storing any delicious leftovers.
How to Make Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
Get ready to create a truly delightful Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup with these straightforward steps. This cozy chicken preparation makes weeknight dinners a breeze, delivering amazing flavor without the fuss.
- Prepare Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts evenly inside your large slow cooker. Arrange them in a single layer if possible to ensure even cooking.
- Season Chicken Generously: In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, dried dill weed, dried chives, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this aromatic spice blend over the chicken breasts, then gently rub it all around to coat them thoroughly.
- Add Broth: Carefully pour 6 to 8 cups of low-sodium chicken broth around the seasoned chicken breasts. Avoid pouring directly over the chicken to keep the seasoning intact.
- Cook Bacon: While the chicken begins its slow cooking journey, cook 4 slices of bacon in a skillet until they are perfectly crisp. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and add the bacon crumbles to the slow cooker. Pour in the flavorful bacon grease, too, for extra richness.
- Add Cream Cheese: Distribute the cubed cream cheese evenly around the chicken in the slow cooker. Ensure it’s softened, as this helps it melt smoothly later.
- Slow Cook: Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 5 to 6 hours for tender, fall-apart chicken, or on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours if you are short on time.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken breasts from the slow cooker and transfer them to a cutting board. Using two forks or shredder claws, easily shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker for the crack chicken soup.
- Stir in Cheese: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the slow cooker with the shredded chicken. Stir everything gently until the cheese has completely melted, creating a wonderfully creamy and smooth consistency.
- Add Kale: Stir in the chopped baby kale (or spinach, if using) into the hot soup. Continue to stir until the kale has wilted down and is fully incorporated.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and check for salt and pepper. Add more if needed to achieve your perfect flavor balance. This step is crucial for customizing the taste.
- Ladle Soup: Carefully ladle generous portions of the hot Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup into individual soup bowls.
- Garnish: Top each serving with extra crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of fresh chopped scallions for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve Hot: Serve your delicious and comforting soup immediately. Enjoy every warm and creamy spoonful!
Pro Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Soup
Elevate your next batch of this delightful slow cooker soup with these expert tips. They help ensure perfect results and incredible flavor every time.
- Prevent Clumpy Cream Cheese: Always start with softened, room-temperature cream cheese. For extra smoothness, whisk the softened cream cheese with a small amount of warm broth from the slow cooker before adding it back in.
- Ensure Tender Chicken: Avoid overcooking the chicken breasts on the HIGH setting for too long. They can become dry. Check for an internal temperature of 165°F for doneness, then shred promptly.
- Boost Flavor: If you desire an even more intense ranch flavor, consider adding a small portion of a store-bought ranch seasoning packet (about half) along with your homemade spice blend. Taste and adjust.
- Manage Bacon Grease: The bacon grease adds fantastic flavor, but you can skim off some if you prefer a lighter soup. For maximum richness, leave it in.
- Achieve Perfect Consistency: If your soup is too thick, add more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency. For a thicker soup, reduce the initial amount of broth or cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile chicken stew is wonderfully adaptable for any occasion or dietary need. You’ll find it’s just as good served fresh as it is reheated the next day.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve alongside warm, crusty bread or soft dinner rolls for dipping.
- Pair it with fluffy homemade biscuits or cornbread.
- For a low-carb option, enjoy it with crispy zucchini fritters.
- Balance the richness with a light and refreshing fresh garden salad, like a tomato avocado salad.
- For a fun presentation, serve the soup directly inside hollowed-out bread bowls.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigerate Leftovers: Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat on Stovetop: Gently warm individual or larger portions over medium-low heat on the stovetop. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent scorching.
- Microwave Individual Portions: For quick reheating, place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring well after each, until thoroughly hot.
Freezing Instructions
- Cool Completely: Always ensure the Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup is fully cooled before freezing. This prevents ice crystal formation.
- Portion Wisely: Divide the soup into individual freezer-safe bags or containers. This makes thawing and reheating easier.
- Leave Headspace: If using containers, leave about an inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Freeze Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality. Label with the date.
- Thaw Overnight: For optimal results, thaw frozen soup overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Vegetables: Enhance nutrition and flavor by adding diced carrots, celery, corn, or peas during the last hour of cooking.
- Pasta: Stir in some pre-cooked egg noodles, macaroni, or orzo during the final 10-15 minutes of cooking for a heartier meal.
- Potatoes: Include cubed potatoes for a thick, starchy soup, or use steamed cauliflower florets for a low-carb alternative.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, or a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Cheese Blend: Experiment with other shredded cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend for a different cheesy profile.
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup Nutrition
This wholesome chicken recipe provides a hearty and satisfying meal. Enjoy a balanced bowl of flavor and comfort with this easy slow-cooked dish.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 378 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 126 mg |
| Sodium | 593 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Serving Size | 1 serving |
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup: Easy & Cozy Comfort Food
This easy and cozy Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup combines tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and savory bacon, all slow-cooked to perfection for a comforting meal. It’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor, making it ideal for a chilly day.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Instructions
- Place chicken breasts inside the slow cooker and season them thoroughly with onion powder, garlic powder, dried dill weed, dried chives, salt, and pepper.
- Pour chicken broth around the chicken breasts, avoiding pouring directly over them.
- Cook 4 slices of bacon until crisp, then crumble and add to the slow cooker along with the bacon grease.
- Add the cubed cream cheese to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours OR on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
- Remove the cooked chicken, shred it on a cutting board using two forks or shredder claws, and then return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped kale.
- Cover and cook for 5 to 8 more minutes, or until the cheese is melted, kale is wilted, and everything is heated through.
- Taste for salt and pepper and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with more bacon crumbles and scallions, and serve.
Notes
This hearty soup is perfect for a chilly evening and is easily customizable with your preferred amount of cheese or greens. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about this easy weeknight dinner, helping you make the most of your cooking experience.
- What is “crack chicken soup” called that? This dish earns its name from its incredibly addictive flavor profile. The term “crack” in food names often describes dishes with a highly desirable and unforgettable taste, as explored in discussions about the origin of “crack” in food names. The combination of savory chicken, smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and tangy ranch seasoning creates an irresistible taste that keeps you coming back for more.
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts directly in the slow cooker. Be aware that this will extend the cooking time by an additional 1-2 hours on both LOW and HIGH settings.
- How can I make the soup thicker? To achieve a thicker consistency, you can create a cornstarch slurry by whisking 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water, then stirring it into the hot soup during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Alternatively, use less broth initially.
- Is this recipe keto or low-carb friendly? Absolutely! This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup is inherently keto and low-carb friendly. To keep it that way, simply omit any high-carb add-ins like pasta or potatoes.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup delivers ultimate comfort and incredible flavor with minimal effort. Its creamy texture, rich blend of chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheese makes it a standout dish. This easy, satisfying slow-cooked meal is versatile, perfect for busy weeknights, and guaranteed to please the whole family. Your family will ask for this Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup again and again! We encourage you to try this fantastic recipe soon and share your comments and ratings below.
