Crack Chicken Soup

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup is the kind of dish that makes you feel right at home. It’s that comforting blend of flavors and warmth that wraps around you like a cozy blanket. Imagine simmering chicken, velvety cream cheese, and crispy bacon swirling together in a pot, releasing aromas that can have you dreaming of dinner before the day has even ended. This soup is perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends when you just want something hearty and satisfying. As your slow cooker works its magic, you can sit back, relax, and let the wonderful scents fill your kitchen. With every bite, you’ll savor the rich combination of spices and ingredients, culminating in a bowl full of happiness. So, let’s get started on this recipe that’ll become a staple in your home!

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
• Ingredients
• Preparing Your Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
• Place Chicken in Slow Cooker
• Season the Chicken
• Add Broth and Bacon
• Incorporate Cream Cheese
• Set Cooking Time
• Shred the Chicken
• Mix in Shredded Cheese and Greens
• Final Seasoning
• Serve and Garnish
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• FAQs
• Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?
• Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
• What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
• Can I freeze leftovers?
• How can I thicken the soup?
• More Easy Soups Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why This Recipe Works

This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup is more than just a combination of ingredients; it’s a culinary experience filled with flavor. To begin with, the spices do a wonderful job of adding a kick. A blend of onion powder, garlic powder, dill, and chives rounds out the chicken flavor perfectly. Plus, cooking it slowly enhances the flavors beautifully, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender. It practically falls apart. But the true magic lies in the combination of cream cheese and cheddar cheese, creating that rich, creamy texture that makes every bite feel like a warm hug.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup

You’re going to love this soup for so many reasons! First off, it’s incredibly convenient for busy weekdays. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it do the hard work for you. As the hours tick by, you’ll be rewarded with a delightful aroma wafting through your home. It’s also perfect for cozy weekends when you just want something comforting after a long day.

Finally, it’s hard to resist a recipe that combines chicken, cheese, and bacon, right? This trifecta of flavor is hard to beat. Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering or enjoying it alone on the couch with your favorite show, this soup never disappoints.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds chicken breasts
• 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
• 6 to 8 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (plus more for garnish)
• Bacon grease
• 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
• 1 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 cups chopped baby kale (optional; can substitute with baby spinach)
• Chopped scallions (for garnish)

Preparing Your Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup

Place Chicken in Slow Cooker

To kick things off, arrange the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. It’s important they sit at the base because they’ll absorb all those delicious flavors from the broth and seasonings.

Season the Chicken

Next, it’s time to add some flavor. Evenly sprinkle the onion powder, garlic powder, dried dill weed, dried chives, salt, and pepper over the chicken. Rub those seasonings in a bit to really infuse them into the meat. This step is where the magic begins and gives your soup that extra kick.

Add Broth and Bacon

Now, pour the chicken broth around (but not over) the chicken to keep those spices intact. After that, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy, crumble it up, and add both the crumbled bacon and some of that glorious bacon grease to the slow cooker. The bacon brings a fantastic depth of flavor that elevates the whole soup.

Incorporate Cream Cheese

Let’s not forget the cream cheese! Place the cubed cream cheese right on top of the mixture in your slow cooker. It looks a bit strange at first, but as it melts, it mixes beautifully with the broth.

Set Cooking Time

Cover the slow cooker and let it do its thing. You can set it to LOW for 5 to 6 hours or HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Either way, the slow cooking really helps meld the flavors together beautifully.

Shred the Chicken

Once your cooking time is up, carefully transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Use two forks or a shredder claw to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. It’s tender and pulls apart easily after simmering all day!

Mix in Shredded Cheese and Greens

Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped baby kale. Give it a good mix and cover, cooking for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until everything is melted and the kale is wilted.

Final Seasoning

Before you serve, take a moment to taste the soup. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Sometimes a little more seasoning can bring everything together perfectly.

Serve and Garnish

Ladle the soup into bowls and finish with a sprinkle of additional bacon crumbles and chopped scallions for that fresh touch. Each bite is packed with flavor, and it looks great too!

Serving Suggestions

This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup pairs amazingly with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls, which are perfect for dipping. You could also enjoy it alongside a light salad for a refreshing contrast. It’s the kind of meal that appeals to everyone and leaves no one hungry.

Tips for Success

To ensure perfect results, try these tips:

• Use low sodium chicken broth. This option helps you control the saltiness of your soup, letting the flavors shine.
• For even more creaminess, consider adding a bit more cream cheese or some heavy cream.
• Feel free to swap in different greens like spinach or Swiss chard for a slight variation and added nutrition.

Variations

Mix things up by adding vegetables like carrots or corn for some extra nutrition and color. If you’re feeling adventurous, swapping out the chicken for turkey provides a festive twist that’s especially fitting around the holidays.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes, frozen chicken works just fine! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time on LOW, and you’ll be golden.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

You can reduce the amount of cream cheese and cheddar cheese or use low-fat versions if you’re looking to lighten things up a bit.

What if I don’t have a slow cooker?

No problem! You can prepare this soup stovetop over medium heat. Just be sure to adjust cooking times to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Absolutely! Just let the soup cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers, and it will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer.

How can I thicken the soup?

For a thicker consistency, simply mix in a cornstarch slurry (equal parts water and cornstarch) during the last cooking phase. Stir it in, and you’ll have a heartier soup in no time.

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup is truly a delightful dish, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying all on your own. Each serving adds warmth and flavor, making it not just a meal, but an experience to savor. So grab your ingredients and enjoy the cooking journey; this comforting soup will surely become a go-to recipe you can’t wait to whip up over and over again!

More Easy Soups Recipes:

• Slow Cooker Shrimp Boil
• One-Pot Brothy Beans with Parmesan, Peas, and Lemon
• Thai Green Curry with Spring Vegetables
• Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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