If you’re looking for a soul-soothing dish that feels like a warm hug, this Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup: Creamy Comfort in a Bowl Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender, juicy chicken mingling with velvety cream cheese, smoky bacon, and sharp cheddar cheese, all simmered to perfection with fresh kale adding a lovely pop of color and nutrition. This soup is the perfect balance of rich, savory, and fresh—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for cozy nights in or casual get-togethers. The best part? You get to do almost nothing while your slow cooker takes care of the magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup: Creamy Comfort in a Bowl Recipe calls for ingredients that are both straightforward and essential, each bringing its own special touch. From the heartiness of chicken breasts to the bold flavors of spices and cheeses, every component works together to create a luscious and satisfying soup that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 2 pounds chicken breasts: The star protein that cooks tender and shreddable in the slow cooker.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth without overpowering the broth.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder: Brings a mellow, savory undertone that enhances every bite.
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed: Offers a subtle, fresh herbal note that brightens the soup.
- 1 teaspoon dried chives: Adds onion-like brightness, perfect for balance.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper: Provides just the right amount of warmth and bite.
- 6 to 8 cups low sodium chicken broth: The flavorful base that keeps the soup light and comforting.
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, plus more for garnish: Adds irresistible smoky crunch and richness.
- Bacon grease: Infuses the soup with a luscious, savory fat that makes every spoonful decadent.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut in cubes: Melts down into silky creaminess that defines the soup’s comforting texture.
- 1 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and gooeyness, marrying beautifully with the cream cheese.
- 3 cups chopped baby kale (optional, you can also use baby spinach): Adds color, nutrients, and a gentle earthiness that complements the richness.
- Chopped scallions: A fresh, crisp garnish that elevates each bite with bright herbal freshness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup: Creamy Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Get the Chicken Cozy
Start by placing your chicken breasts in the slow cooker. This will be the tender base for all those incredible flavors to soak into.
Step 2: Season with Love
Mix your onion powder, garlic powder, dried dill, dried chives, salt, and pepper, then rub this seasoning all over the chicken breasts. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Pour the Broth Around the Chicken
Carefully pour the low sodium chicken broth around the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Pouring around the chicken instead of over it keeps the seasoning in place and prevents it from washing away.
Step 4: Cook Up the Bacon
Meanwhile, cook your bacon until it’s crisp and then crumble it. Add both the crumbled bacon and the flavorful bacon grease to the slow cooker for that unforgettable smoky richness.
Step 5: Add the Cream Cheese
Scatter the cubed cream cheese on top. As it melts, it will create the signature creamy texture that makes this soup so comforting.
Step 6: Let It Cook Low and Slow
Cover your slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer makes the chicken juicy and tender while all the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 7: Shred the Chicken
Remove the lid and transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Use two forks or shredder claws to shred the meat finely—this step is key to that melt-in-your-mouth feel.
Step 8: Add Cheese and Greens
Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Then fold in the chopped baby kale. The cheese melts into gooey goodness as the kale wilts perfectly.
Step 9: Final Melt and Simmer
Cover and cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes. This ensures the cheese is fully melted and the kale is tender but still vibrant, rounding out the texture and flavor.
Step 10: Season to Taste
Give the soup a taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper if needed. This final seasoning tweak will make all the difference.
Step 11: Serve Warm and Garnished
Ladle the soup into bowls and sprinkle with extra bacon crumbles and freshly chopped scallions to add crunch and freshness.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup: Creamy Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Adding crispy bacon crumbles and bright scallions on top brings texture and a burst of color that turns each bowl into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Side Dishes
Pair this soup with crusty bread or buttery garlic rolls to soak up every last drop, or a simple side salad for some crisp contrast. Either way, it’s a comforting spread perfect for chilly days.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this soup in hollowed-out bread bowls for a rustic twist, or garnish with a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for an added layer of flavor and flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup: Creamy Comfort in a Bowl Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making next-day servings even better.
Freezing
This soup freezes beautifully. Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of chicken broth if the soup thickened too much in the fridge.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add even more moisture and flavor, and they shred beautifully. Just adjust cooking time if needed depending on thickness.
Is it okay to skip the greens?
You can omit kale or spinach if you’re not a fan, but adding greens gives the soup a nice balance and a fresh, nutritious lift.
Can I make this soup in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can! Use the sauté function for bacon first, then add ingredients and cook on high pressure for about 15 minutes, followed by a quick release.
How spicy is this recipe?
This soup isn’t spicy at all, making it wonderful for all taste preferences. If you love a little heat, consider topping with a dash of cayenne or hot sauce.
Can I prepare this soup without bacon?
Definitely! The bacon adds great smoky flavor, but you can omit it for a lighter or vegetarian-friendly version—just replace bacon grease with a bit of olive oil or butter.
Final Thoughts
I’m so excited for you to try this Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup: Creamy Comfort in a Bowl Recipe because it’s one of those rare dishes that feels like it was made just for you—a bowl of warmth, creamy goodness, and familiar flavors all mingling in perfect harmony. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself to an easy weeknight dinner, this soup will quickly become a beloved staple. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and delight in every cozy spoonful!
Print
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup: Creamy Comfort in a Bowl Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 to 8 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup is a creamy, comforting bowl of savory goodness featuring tender shredded chicken, melted cheddar cheese, and crisp bacon in a flavorful broth. This easy make-ahead recipe uses a slow cooker to meld all the spices, bacon, and creamy cheese into a deliciously hearty and nutrient-rich soup perfect for any chilly day.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 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
Broth and Bacon
- 6 to 8 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, plus more for garnish
- Bacon grease (from cooked bacon)
Dairy and Greens
- 8 ounces cream cheese, cut in cubes
- 1 to 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups chopped baby kale (optional, can substitute baby spinach)
- Chopped scallions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Place chicken in slow cooker: Place the chicken breasts inside the slow cooker, ensuring they lay flat and are separated slightly for even cooking.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle onion powder, garlic powder, dried dill weed, dried chives, salt, and black pepper over the chicken. Rub the seasonings all around each breast to coat thoroughly.
- Add chicken broth: Pour the low sodium chicken broth carefully around the chicken breasts rather than on top, preserving the seasoning coating while still allowing the broth to fill the slow cooker.
- Prepare bacon: Meanwhile, cook the 4 slices of bacon until crispy. Crumble the bacon into small pieces and add it to the slow cooker along with the bacon grease to enhance flavor.
- Add cream cheese: Place the cubed cream cheese into the slow cooker to melt during cooking and create a creamy texture.
- Cook on low or high heat: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Shred the chicken: Remove the lid and take the chicken breasts out onto a cutting board. Using two forks or shredding claws, shred the chicken finely for better integration into the soup.
- Return shredded chicken to slow cooker: Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until combined.
- Add greens: Stir in the chopped baby kale (or spinach) to add color, texture, and nutrients to the soup.
- Final cooking: Cover and cook for an additional 5 to 8 minutes, until the cheese melts completely, kale wilts, and the soup is heated through.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the soup and add additional salt or pepper if desired for optimal flavor balance.
- Serve soup: Ladle the soup into bowls, ensuring a good mix of chicken, broth, cheese, and greens in each serving.
- Garnish: Top each bowl with extra bacon crumbles and chopped scallions to enhance texture and presentation.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately for a warm and comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute baby spinach for kale if preferred or for a milder flavor.
- Adjust the cheese quantity according to your preference for creaminess or cheesiness.
- Use low sodium chicken broth to control saltiness, especially since bacon and cheese add salt to the soup.
- This soup is great for meal prep and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
