Ready in: 6-8 hours · Serves: 6 · Technique: Slow Cooking · Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Quick Answer
This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup is a creamy, flavorful dish that simmers effortlessly while you enjoy the cozy comforts of the season.
As the chill of late autumn sweeps through New York City, cozy dinners become a cherished ritual in my home. I’ve recently been finding comfort in one particular recipe that’s perfect for the season – Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup. This creamy, flavorful dish is ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings or a warm meal after decked-out shopping expeditions. As I navigate my bustling city lifestyle, the slow cooker not only simplifies my cooking process but also fills my apartment with mouthwatering aromas that beckon family and friends to the kitchen.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect comfort food for chilly autumn evenings.
- Simple preparation with minimal cleanup thanks to the slow cooker.
- Rich and creamy texture that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.
- A crowd-pleaser ideal for family gatherings and festive occasions.
- Leftovers taste even better, making it great for meal prep.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients for a delicious Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup:
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 packet of ranch seasoning mix (I prefer Hidden Valley)
- 1 (8-ounce) block of cream cheese, softened
- 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (sharp, if you enjoy a robust flavor)
- 1 cup of frozen corn (I reach for the organic variety for extra sweetness)
- 1 cup of chopped green onions (scallions work beautifully here)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How to Make Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup (Step-by-Step)
This recipe is straightforward and yields a comforting bowl of soup that everyone will love.
Step 1: Prepare your Slow Cooker
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker. The beauty of a slow cooker lies in its simplicity; everything can be tossed in without much fuss.
Step 2: Add the Broth and Seasoning
Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken. As the seasoning hits the broth, you’ll notice a tantalizing herbal scent begin to mingle.
Step 3: Let it Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. During this time, the chicken will become tender and flavorful, absorbing all the spices. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
Step 4: Incorporate the Cream Cheese
Once cooked, add the softened cream cheese to the slow cooker. Stir until it’s fully melted and combined with the broth, creating a creamy, dreamy base.
Step 5: Finish It Off
Stir in the cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, frozen corn, and chopped green onions. Each stir releases a warm, inviting aroma. Allow everything to heat through for another 15-30 minutes on low.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Before serving, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. The blend of ranch, cream cheese, and cheddar should create a robust flavor profile, but feel free to tweak it to suit your palate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the cream cheese: This ingredient gives the soup its luxurious, creamy texture. Don’t omit it!
- Using pre-cooked chicken: The best flavor comes from slow cooking, allowing the broth to infuse the chicken with all those lovely herbs.
- Adding ingredients too early: Items like corn and cheese should be added later in the cooking process to ensure they retain some texture and flavor.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- To make it a bit healthier, substitute half of the cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
- Consider pairing this soup with crusty bread or homemade cornbread for a complete, satisfying meal.
- For added spice, incorporate diced jalapeños when adding the broth for a kick.
Variations
- Use turkey instead of chicken for a lighter option.
- Swap out the cheddar cheese for pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Replace corn with diced bell peppers for a different texture.
- Add a can of diced tomatoes for a heartier version.
How to Serve
- Garnish with additional chopped green onions or crumbled bacon.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top.
- Pair with a simple side salad to balance the meal.
- Enjoy with warm biscuits or crusty baguette for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare the soup up to the point of adding cream cheese; store in the refrigerator for later heating.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Freezing: This soup also freezes beautifully; let it cool before transferring to freezer-safe bags.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Through testing this Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup, I realized how simple ingredients can create complex flavors that bring everyone to the table. Plus, it reminded me of the joys of comforting, home-cooked meals during the holiday season, perfect for sharing with loved ones as the city sparkles with festive cheer.
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 6 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 25g protein · 10g carbs · 24g fat
Creamy Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in your slow cooker.
- Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours until chicken can be shredded with a fork.
- Add the softened cream cheese and stir until fully melted and combined.
- Stir in the bacon, cheddar cheese, corn, and green onions. Let heat through for another 15-30 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
Notes
FAQs
- Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but make sure to increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours to ensure they cook thoroughly.
- Can I use other types of cheese? Absolutely! You can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique flavor.
- Is the soup gluten-free? Yes, as long as you use a gluten-free ranch seasoning mix, the soup will be gluten-free.
- Can I make this soup on the stovetop? Yes, you can simmer all the ingredients in a large pot on the stove for about 30-40 minutes until the chicken is cooked and shredded.
- How can I make the soup spicier? To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the soup.
