Are you searching for the ultimate comfort food that won’t derail your low-carb lifestyle? Look no further. This Keto Crack Chicken Soup Recipe is everything you love about the viral “crack chicken” recipe, transformed into a warm, savory, and incredibly satisfying soup. Packed with tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, and a creamy ranch-infused broth, this dish is addictively delicious. Moreover, it’s remarkably easy to make, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Get ready to discover your new favorite keto recipe that the whole family will love.
What Exactly is “Crack Chicken”?
If you’ve spent any time in keto or low-carb communities, you’ve likely heard of “crack chicken.” The name, while a bit quirky, perfectly describes its addictive quality. People simply can’t get enough of it. The original dish is typically a slow-cooked dip or sandwich filling, but the flavor profile has inspired countless variations, from casseroles to stuffed peppers.
So, what makes it so irresistible? It’s all about the magical combination of a few simple, yet powerful, ingredients:
- Chicken: The hearty, protein-packed base of the dish.
- Cream Cheese: This provides the signature rich and creamy texture.
- Ranch Seasoning: The secret weapon that delivers a zesty, herby, and tangy flavor punch.
- Cheddar Cheese: For that sharp, gooey, and savory goodness we all crave.
- Bacon: Because crispy, salty bacon makes everything better.
When these ingredients come together, they create a flavor explosion that is savory, creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious. Therefore, turning this beloved combination into a soup was a natural and brilliant evolution, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly day.
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The Ultimate Keto Crack Chicken Soup Recipe (Easy & Creamy)
A creamy, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying keto soup packed with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch flavor — the ultimate low-carb comfort food.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
8 slices bacon, chopped
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
4 cups chicken broth
8 oz full-fat cream cheese, softened and cubed
1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup sliced green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving 1–2 tablespoons of bacon grease in the pot.
2. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add to the pot and sear 3–5 minutes per side until browned.
3. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom to deglaze. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred with two forks.
5. Reduce heat to low. Add cubed cream cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.
6. Gradually stir in 1.5 cups of cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
7. Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir in half the cooked bacon. Let heat through for a few minutes.
8. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish with remaining bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions.
Notes
Use chicken thighs for a richer flavor and higher fat content. To thicken the soup further, add 1/4 tsp xanthan gum and whisk well. This soup stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheats easily on the stovetop. For variation, try adding steamed broccoli or use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Keto Crack Chicken Soup Recipe
This soup isn’t just another low-carb recipe; it’s a game-changer. It delivers all the comfort of a classic chicken soup but with a bold, modern twist that aligns perfectly with a ketogenic diet. Here are a few key reasons why this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen.
Incredibly Flavorful and Satisfying
Let’s be honest: some keto meals can feel like a compromise. This is not one of them. The rich broth, softened by cream cheese and sharpened by cheddar, is the perfect backdrop for the savory shredded chicken and zesty ranch seasoning. In addition, the crispy bacon bits and fresh green onions sprinkled on top provide a wonderful contrast in texture and taste. Each spoonful is a complete, satisfying experience that will leave you feeling full and happy.
Perfect for a Low-Carb Lifestyle
With its high-fat, moderate-protein, and low-carbohydrate profile, this soup is tailor-made for the keto diet. It’s naturally free of sugar, grains, and other high-carb fillers. This means you can enjoy a generous, comforting bowl of soup without worrying about your carb count. It’s a fantastic way to get your electrolytes and healthy fats in a delicious and warming meal.
Quick and Easy to Make
Despite its complex flavor, this Keto Crack Chicken Soup Recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. You can have it on the table in about 30-40 minutes, and most of that is hands-off simmering time. It’s essentially a one-pot meal, which means less time cooking and, more importantly, less time cleaning up afterward. This makes it an ideal choice for a hectic weeknight when you need a nutritious dinner without the fuss.
Great for Meal Prep
This soup is also a meal prep champion. It stores beautifully in the refrigerator and the flavors actually meld and become even more delicious the next day. You can make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy quick, easy lunches or dinners throughout the week. It reheats wonderfully on the stovetop or in the microwave, making it a convenient and tasty grab-and-go option.
Ingredients: Keto Crack Chicken Soup Recipe
To create this masterpiece, you’ll need a handful of simple, easy-to-find ingredients. For the best results, always opt for full-fat versions of the dairy products to keep it keto-friendly and extra creamy.
- Bacon: 8 slices, chopped
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups (32 oz)
- Cream Cheese: 8 oz, full-fat, softened and cut into cubes
- Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix: 1 packet (1 oz)
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, sharp or medium
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
- Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
- Green Onions: 1/4 cup, sliced, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Keto Crack Chicken Soup Recipe
Making this soup is straightforward. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a warm, delicious meal ready in no time. The key is to melt the cheeses slowly to ensure a smooth, creamy broth.
- Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until it is brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and set it on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the pot.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken to the pot with the bacon grease and cook for 3-5 minutes per side, until browned. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point.
- Simmer the Soup Base: Pour the chicken broth into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the chicken cook for 15-20 minutes, or until it is cooked through and tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Carefully remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces.
- Create the Creamy Broth: While the pot is still simmering on low heat, add the cubed, softened cream cheese. Whisk continuously until the cream cheese is fully melted and the broth is smooth.
- Melt the Cheddar: Gradually stir in 1.5 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, a handful at a time. Continue stirring until all the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy. Do not let the soup boil after adding the cheese.
- Combine and Serve: Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in half of the cooked bacon. Let the soup warm through for a few minutes. Ladle into bowls and garnish with the remaining crispy bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and sliced green onions.
Summary of Steps
| Step | Action | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cook Bacon | Reserve some bacon grease for cooking the chicken. This adds incredible flavor. |
| 2 | Sear Chicken | Browning the chicken first develops a deeper, richer taste for the final soup. |
| 3 | Simmer Broth | Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and tender before shredding. |
| 4 | Whisk in Cream Cheese | Use softened cream cheese and whisk constantly on low heat to prevent lumps. |
| 5 | Melt Cheddar Cheese | Add the cheddar gradually and keep the heat low to ensure a smooth, not grainy, texture. |
| 6 | Combine and Garnish | Save some bacon and cheese for a fresh, crispy topping on each bowl. |
Tips, Tricks, and Variations: Keto Crack Chicken Soup Recipe
While the basic recipe is fantastic on its own, there are many ways to customize it to your liking or to use what you have on hand. Here are some ideas to make your soup even better.
Choosing the Best Chicken
You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Chicken thighs will result in a slightly richer soup with a higher fat content, which is great for keto. For a major time-saver, you can also use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the meat from one rotisserie chicken and add it to the soup at the end, allowing it to heat through.
How to Thicken Your Soup
This soup is naturally creamy, but if you prefer a much thicker, chowder-like consistency, you can use a keto-friendly thickener. Xanthan gum is an excellent choice. To use it, simply sprinkle about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon over the simmering soup and whisk vigorously until it is fully incorporated and the soup thickens. A little goes a long way!
Fun Variations to Try
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can easily add more vegetables or a kick of spice. For example, try adding some steamed broccoli florets or cauliflower rice during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrients. For a spicy version, use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar and add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Leftover Keto Crack Chicken Soup Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The soup will thicken considerably as it cools due to the cheeses. To reheat, simply warm it gently on the stovetop over low-medium heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth or water to thin it back to your desired consistency.
Conclusion: Your New Favorite Comfort Soup
In conclusion, this Keto Crack Chicken Soup Recipe is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm, comforting hug in a bowl. It perfectly balances rich, savory flavors with a creamy texture that is both indulgent and completely keto-compliant. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and versatile enough to become a regular part of your meal rotation. So, the next time a craving for ultimate comfort food strikes, give this incredible soup a try. You will not be disappointed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Keto Crack Chicken Soup Recipe
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make it in a slow cooker, place the raw chicken, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Once the chicken is cooked, shred it, then stir in the softened cream cheese and cheddar cheese until melted. Finally, stir in the cooked bacon and serve with toppings.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing. For dipping, consider a slice of keto-friendly bread, cloud bread, or some keto crackers. These options help round out the meal without adding significant carbs.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, it’s always important to double-check the labels on your ingredients, specifically the chicken broth and the dry ranch seasoning mix, to ensure they are certified gluten-free and have no hidden wheat-based ingredients.
How many net carbs are in this soup?
The exact net carb count can vary slightly depending on the specific brands of cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning you use. However, a typical serving of this soup generally contains around 5-7 grams of net carbs, making it an excellent choice for a standard ketogenic diet.
