SLOW COOKER CRACK CHICKEN SOUP is an absolute game-changer, especially on those busy weekdays when you need something filling, comforting, and oh-so-easy to make. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken, savory bacon, and a cream cheese broth, all enriched with the nourishing touch of baby kale. Trust me, it’s the kind of soup that makes your kitchen feel like a culinary haven!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Family-Friendly: This soup is loved by both kids and adults, making it a perfect all-around family meal.
- Effortless Cooking: Just set it up in the morning, and by dinner time, enjoy a meal that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day.
- Flexibility: You can easily customize it with your vegetables of choice, making this soup adaptable to what you have on hand.
- Nutrient-Rich: With ingredients like chicken and kale, this dish not only warms your soul but also nourishes your body.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this SLOW COOKER CRACK CHICKEN SOUP lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient contributes a unique element, whether it’s flavor, texture, or color. Let’s dive into what makes this soup so irresistibly delicious!
- Chicken Breasts: These form the protein-packed base of the soup and become deliciously tender in the slow cooker.
- Onion & Garlic Powder: These pantry staples infuse every bite with aromatic depth.
- Dried Dill & Chives: Herbs add subtle, fresh flavors that balance the rich, creamy broth.
- Bacon & Bacon Grease: Provides a smoky, savory background flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Cream Cheese & Cheddar Cheese: Creates a creamy, cheesy base that’s indulgent yet comforting.
- Baby Kale: Optional, but offers a nutritious and slightly earthy flavor.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Keeps the soup light while allowing the flavors of the spices and herbs to shine through.
- Chopped Scallions: For added texture and a mild, sweet oniony flavor as a garnish.
Variations
This soup is wonderfully versatile and can be adjusted to suit your taste buds or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started on customizing your very own crack chicken soup experience!
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for chickpeas or tofu and use vegetable broth for a meat-free option.
- Veggie Boost: Throw in extra vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini for added nutrition and color.
- Italian Flair: Substitute the cheddar with parmesan and add Italian seasoning for a Mediterranean touch.
How to Make SLOW COOKER CRACK CHICKEN SOUP
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts inside the slow cooker, making sure they’re snug and prepared to soak up all the delicious flavors. Season them generously with onion powder, garlic powder, dill, chives, salt, and pepper. This is key to layering that incredible depth of flavor you’ll taste in every bite.
Step 2: Bacon Bliss
While your chicken is getting cozy with those spices, go ahead and cook your bacon until it’s perfectly crispy. Crumble it and add both the crispy bits and the bacon grease to your slow cooker. This step is crucial because it imparts that unmistakable savory note throughout the soup.
Step 3: Creamy Goodness
Next, drop those cream cheese cubes in alongside your broth, being careful to pour around the chicken and not over. Cover and let it go on LOW for 5-6 hours, or crank it up to HIGH for 3-4 hours. Your house will start smelling like a dream!
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once cooked, take the chicken out, shred it, and put it back into the slow cooker. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and baby kale. Give it another quick few minutes—just until the cheese melts and the kale wilts. Adjust with salt and pepper, and you’re ready to serve!
Pro Tips for Making SLOW COOKER CRACK CHICKEN SOUP
- Uniform Shredding: Use two forks for perfectly shredded chicken that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- Cheese Selection: Opt for sharp cheddar to give the soup a robust, cheesy flavor without being overpowering.
- Broth Level: Adjust the amount of chicken broth based on your preferred soup consistency, more for a thinner soup, less for a thicker version.
- Kale or Spinach: Feel free to substitute kale with spinach for a milder flavor while still keeping the nutrient boost.
How to Serve SLOW COOKER CRACK CHICKEN SOUP
Garnishes
Add some extra crispy bacon crumbles and a sprinkle of scallions to each bowl right before serving. These simple garnishes enhance the soup’s texture and add a delightful finishing touch that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty soup with a crusty baguette or some homemade cornbread to soak up every bit of that rich, creamy broth. A simple green salad on the side also balances the richness and adds a lovely fresh contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the soup in hollowed-out small bread loaves or rustic bowls to make the experience feel extra cozy and rustic. A final swirl of cream or a pinch of fresh cracked pepper adds a touch of elegance to your presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better over time, making it ideal for easy reheats during a busy week.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain the creaminess, or microwave in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally for even heating. Either way, it will return to its full creamy and delicious glory.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used for a richer flavor and are often juicier than breasts. Follow the same instructions for seasoning and cooking.
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What can I use as a dairy-free alternative?
For a dairy-free version, try substituting cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and cheddar with vegan cheese shreds, ensuring they melt well into the broth.
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Is it possible to make this soup on the stovetop?
Yes, you can simmer everything in a large pot on the stovetop for about an hour or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender, then proceed with the rest of the recipe as described.
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Can I add pasta or rice to this soup?
Definitely! Adding cooked pasta or rice just before serving can turn this already hearty soup into a filling one-pot meal.
Final Thoughts
SLOW COOKER CRACK CHICKEN SOUP is more than just a recipe; it’s a delightful invitation to cozy up with a bowl that brings warmth and satisfaction to your table. Give it a try, and you might find it becoming a beloved staple in your household meals. Enjoy every spoonful of this cheesy, comforting delight!
Print
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup is a hearty, comforting dish combining tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and nutritious kale, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker for easy and flavorful meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat and Seasonings
- 2 pounds chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
Liquids and Dairy
- 6 to 8 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
- 1 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Bacon and Garnishes
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, plus more for garnish
- Bacon grease
- Chopped scallions
Vegetables
- 3 cups chopped baby kale (or baby spinach)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken breasts inside the slow cooker and season them evenly with onion powder, garlic powder, dried dill weed, dried chives, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning all over the chicken for thorough flavor infusion.
- Add liquids: Pour the low sodium chicken broth around the chicken breasts, ensuring the broth surrounds the chicken but does not cover it completely.
- Cook bacon: Meanwhile, cook the 4 slices of bacon until crispy, then crumble into small pieces. Set aside the bacon and reserve some bacon grease.
- Add bacon and cream cheese: Once bacon is cooked, add the crumbles along with the bacon grease into the slow cooker. Add the cubed cream cheese on top of the chicken and broth.
- Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is cooked through and tender.
- Shred chicken: Remove the lid, transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board, and shred them using two forks or shredder claws. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker.
- Add cheese and kale: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped kale. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, until the cheese is melted, kale is wilted, and everything is heated through.
- Final season and serve: Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls, garnishing with additional bacon crumbles and chopped scallions for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For extra flavor, sauté the bacon beforehand until crispy for added texture in the soup.
- You can substitute baby spinach for kale if preferred.
- Ensure to shred the chicken finely for a better texture in the soup.
- This soup is versatile; feel free to add other vegetables like celery or onion.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 950 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
