Slow cooker crack chicken soup is a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. The creamy texture combined with the savory flavors of chicken and bacon creates a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering. Serve this delightful soup in bowls, topped with crispy bacon and fresh scallions, for a meal that your family will love.
Table of Contents
What You’ll Need
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 to 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, plus extra for garnish
- Bacon grease
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups chopped baby kale (optional, can substitute with baby spinach)
- Chopped scallions for garnish
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
- Cooked egg noodles
- Cubed potatoes
- Zucchini noodles
- Broccoli
- Macaroni
How to Make Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
Preparing the Chicken and Seasoning
Begin by placing the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Season them generously with onion powder, garlic powder, dill weed, chives, salt, and pepper, ensuring the seasoning coats the chicken evenly.
Cooking Process in the Slow Cooker
Next, pour the chicken broth around the chicken, taking care not to pour it directly on top. Cook the bacon until crispy, crumble it, and add it to the slow cooker along with the bacon grease. Then, add the cubed cream cheese, allowing it to melt into the broth.
Shredding the Chicken and Final Mixing
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks or a shredder claw. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped kale, cover, and cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes until the cheese melts and the kale wilts. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Tips for Success
Cooking Time Recommendations
Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as it can become dry. Check the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure it remains tender and juicy.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor. Experiment with your favorite vegetables as well!
Enhancing the Soup with Add-Ins
Consider adding cooked egg noodles or cubed potatoes for extra heartiness. If you opt for zucchini, cook it separately to maintain its texture.
Serving Suggestions
What to Serve with Crack Chicken Soup
This soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a fresh garden salad. The creamy soup is a meal in itself, but a simple side complements it perfectly.
Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal
For a complete meal, consider serving it with a refreshing side like Comforting Potsticker Soup or Sausage Potato Soup.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing Leftover Soup
Refrigerate any leftover soup in airtight containers for up to three days. Make sure it cools completely before storing.
Reheating Tips
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat.
Can I Freeze Extras?
Freezing Instructions
Yes! Allow the soup to cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to three months. Make sure to label them for easy identification!
Thawing and Reheating
Thaw the soup in the fridge overnight before reheating. You can follow the same reheating tips mentioned earlier for best results.
FAQs
What is crack chicken soup?
Crack chicken soup is a creamy, flavorful soup made with chicken, bacon, and seasonings, often including cream cheese. It is known for its savory flavors and comforting texture.
What are the ingredients in crockpot crack chicken?
The main ingredients include chicken breasts, bacon, cream cheese, chicken broth, and a blend of seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, and chives.
What is in chicken enchilada soup?
Chicken enchilada soup typically includes shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and spices, all simmered together for a hearty dish.
What is in chicken crack seasoning?
Chicken crack seasoning is a blend of spices, often including ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder, that enhances the flavor of chicken dishes.
More Delicious Recipes to Try Next
Conclusion
Slow cooker crack chicken soup is a delightful and hearty meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. For more inspiration, check out the delicious ideas on Elly’s Recipes Pinterest page. Enjoy this cozy dish, and don’t hesitate to customize it to suit your family’s preferences!
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- cooking pan
- forks or shredder claws
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1 teaspoon dried chives
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 to 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled plus extra for garnish
- bacon grease
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cubed
- 1 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups chopped baby kale optional, can substitute with baby spinach
- chopped scallions for garnish
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker and season with onion powder, garlic powder, dill weed, chives, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the chicken broth around the chicken, avoiding direct contact with the chicken.
- Cook the bacon until crispy, crumble it, and add it along with the bacon grease to the slow cooker.
- Add the cubed cream cheese to the slow cooker and cover.
- Cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
- After cooking, shred the chicken and return it to the slow cooker.
- Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped kale, then cover and cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed, then serve garnished with bacon and scallions.