Crack Chicken Cheddar Dream Soup
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a hug in a bowl? Have you ever tried that "Crack Chicken" dip everyone goes mad for? This Crack Chicken and Rice Soup takes all that deliciousness and turns it into a warming soup with a smoky flavour.
It's pure comfort food, with extra bacon!
Brief Overview
This soup is inspired by American flavours. It's proper easy to make. From start to finish, it takes about 50 minutes .
This recipe makes around 6 servings perfect for a family dinner.
Main Benefits
Honestly, this Comfort Food Chicken Soup is just good for the soul. It's packed with protein and it's perfect for a chilly evening.
What makes this recipe special? The combination of bacon, cheddar, and ranch. It's like a party in your mouth!
What You Need to Get Started
Right then, let's have a butchers at the ingredients you'll be needing for your Cheddar Cheese Chicken Soup :
- Olive oil 2 tablespoons
- One large yellow onion, diced
- Two cloves garlic, minced
- Chicken breasts 450g , diced
- Bacon 225g , cooked and crumbled (save bacon fat)
- Low-sodium chicken broth 950ml
- Water 240ml
- One packet ranch dressing seasoning mix 28g
- Cream cheese 115g , softened
- Cooked long grain white rice 200g
- Shredded cheddar cheese 225g
- Fresh chives or green onions, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
You can use Soups With Rotisserie Chicken for ease!
Easy Steps to Crack Chicken Soup Perfection
First, heat the olive oil and reserved bacon fat in a large pot. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes .
Throw in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds . Smells good, eh?
Next, add the diced chicken to the pot. Cook until browned, about 5- 7 minutes . Season it with salt and pepper. You could even add Ground Chicken And Rice Soup instead.
Now pour in the chicken broth and water. Stir in that ranch seasoning mix. Bring it to a simmer. Let it bubble gently for about 15 minutes .
This lets the flavours get to know each other.
Stir in the softened cream cheese until it's all melted and smooth. It should be nice and Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe type of smooth.
Finally, stir in the cooked rice and crumbled bacon. Remove from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted. Taste it and add more salt and pepper if needed.
Ladle the soup into bowls. Garnish with bacon bits and chopped chives or green onions. Serve immediately. Bob's your uncle!
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need for this Crack Chicken and Rice Soup . It's easier than finding a decent parking spot in London on a Saturday! Trust me.
You will love this Comfort Food Chicken Soup .
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
- Olive oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . This is our starter, the baseline for a smooth flavor
- Yellow onion: 1 large , diced. Go for firm and heavy.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Fresh is best, honestly. The jarred stuff just doesn't cut it.
- Chicken breasts: 1 pound (450g) , boneless and skinless, cut into 1 inch pieces. Make sure it's pink and plump, yeah?. Or, if you have some Soups With Rotisserie Chicken , why not shred some!
- Bacon: 8 ounces (225g) , cooked and crumbled (save 2 tablespoons of that glorious bacon fat!). Streaky bacon is my fave, gives it that proper crispy texture.
- Chicken broth: 4 cups (950ml) , low sodium. Nobody wants a salt bomb, right?
- Water: 1 cup (240ml) . Just good old H2O, nothing fancy.
- Ranch dressing seasoning mix: 1 packet (1 ounce/28g) . I use Hidden Valley, but anything similar works.
- Cream cheese: 4 ounces (115g) , softened and cubed. Full fat, because we're going for maximum Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe .
- Cooked white rice: 1 cup (200g) . Long grain is best.
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups (225g) , shredded. A nice sharp cheddar gives it a good kick. It is a Cheddar Cheese Chicken Soup after all.
- Chives or green onions: 1/4 cup (60ml) , chopped, for garnish. Gotta make it look pretty, innit?.
- Salt and pepper: To taste. Season like you mean it.
Seasoning Notes
The ranch seasoning is key here. It's what gives it that addictive flavour. Don't skip it! For a bit of a twist, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
Really elevates the bacon flavour. If you don't have ranch, a mix of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley will do in a pinch.
Equipment Needed
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot. This is our battlefield.
- Cutting board and chef's knife. Essential for prep.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Obvious.
- Wooden spoon or spatula. For stirring.
- Ladle. For serving up that liquid gold.
No need for fancy gadgets! If you don't have a Dutch oven, any large pot will do. Just make sure it's big enough to hold all that Ground Chicken And Rice Soup .
Honestly, this Easy Chicken Soup Recipe is so forgiving, you can't really mess it up. So grab your gear, get your ingredients sorted, and let's get cooking! This Weeknight Chicken Soup is a winner, I'm telling ya.
And if you want to add some zest, why not to toss some Chicken and Rice Soup with Ranch
Crack Chicken & Cheddar Dream Soup: It's Addictive!
Ever get that craving for something seriously comforting? This Crack Chicken and Rice Soup is it. I'm talking cheesy, bacony, ranchy vibes all swimming in a bowl of goodness.
It’s basically Comfort Food Chicken Soup elevated. Perfect for a chilly evening, or honestly, any night you need a pick-me-up.
This ain't your grandma's Easy Chicken Soup Recipe . Well, maybe if your grandma was secretly a rebel in the kitchen.
We're taking the best parts of that addictively delicious "Crack Chicken" dip and turning it into a soup that will have you scraping the bottom of the bowl.
Trust me, you'll be back for seconds (and thirds!).
Prep Like a Pro
- Essential mise en place: Dice one large yellow onion and mince 2 cloves of garlic. Cook 8 ounces of bacon until crispy, then crumble. Reserve 2 tablespoons of that precious bacon fat. Cut 1 pound of chicken breasts into 1 inch pieces. Get your ingredients ready, it's showtime.
- Time saving organization tips: Pre-cooked rice is your friend here. Batch cooking can also seriously save time. Also, crumble that bacon before you start cooking, saves a ton of effort. Honestly, who has time to waste?
- Safety reminders: Watch out for that hot bacon fat! No one wants a trip to A&E. Also, always make sure your chicken is cooked to 165° F ( 74° C) to avoid a dodgy tummy.
Let's Cook! step-by-step
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil and your reserved bacon fat in a large pot. Sauté the diced onion until softened, about 5 minutes .
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, around 30 seconds . Seriously, that smell is divine.
- Pop in the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5- 7 minutes . Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 1 cup of water. Stir in that packet of ranch dressing seasoning mix. Bring it to a simmer.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes , letting all those flavours get to know each other.
- Stir in 4 ounces of softened cream cheese until it's all melted and smooth.
- Add 1 cup of cooked rice and crumbled bacon.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Oh my gosh , the cheese is key!. Taste test this Bacon Cheddar Chicken Soup and season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with the bacon crumbles.
Pro Tips for Soup Superstars
- Don't overcook the chicken . Dry chicken? No, thank you. Aim for juicy and tender.
- If you're using a Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Soup recipe, don't forget to remove skin and bones.
- Wanna make this ahead? Go for it! It's even better the next day. Just add the rice right before serving so it doesn't get mushy.
- This Ground Chicken And Rice Soup recipe is easily made with chicken breasts or with ground chicken.
This Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe isn't just food; it’s a hug in a bowl. Whether you're having a Weeknight Chicken Soup or simply craving something super delicious, this recipe ticks all the boxes.
Garnish generously with bacon crumbles and chopped chives. Get ready to say "ta-da"!.
Recipe Notes: Your Crack Chicken & Cheddar Dream Soup HQ
Alright, you've got the recipe for this belter of a Crack Chicken and Rice Soup . But let's chat about a few bits and bobs to make sure yours is proper mint, yeah? It's all about the small tweaks, innit? You'll be singing "Food, Glorious Food!" in no time.
This Easy Chicken Soup Recipe is so forgiving, even I can't mess it up!
Serving Suggestions: Get Your Grub On!
Fancy plating it up proper? Ladle your Crack Chicken and Rice Soup into a bowl. Then, sprinkle extra crumbled bacon on top.
A sprig of fresh chives or green onions adds a pop of colour. It looks like something out of MasterChef , I swear!.
A hunk of crusty bread for dunking is a must! A side of Comfort Food Chicken Soup is also ideal for cold evenings.
As for bevvies? A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio cuts through the richness nicely. A pint of your fave lager also hits the spot.
Honestly, anything goes with this Bacon Cheddar Chicken Soup .
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh, Keep it Safe
Got leftovers? (Highly unlikely, but just in case!). Let the soup cool completely before popping it in an airtight container.
Into the fridge it goes! It'll keep happily for 3-4 days . Make sure it is at a temperature of below 40° F .
Freezing this Creamy Chicken and Rice Soup Recipe is possible, but the texture might change a bit. The cream cheese can sometimes get a bit grainy.
If you're freezing, portion it out first. Then, freeze for up to 3 months . Reheat gently on the hob or in the microwave.
Give it a good stir to bring it back to life.
Variations: Tweak It Till You Make It
Want to lighten things up a bit? Swap the cream cheese for Greek yogurt. It adds a lovely tang without all the fat.
And maybe go easy on the cheddar. Use brown rice instead of white for a healthier spin. We love a good Ground Chicken And Rice Soup .
Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of chilli flakes for a Cheddar Cheese Chicken Soup with a kick. Or, use leftover Soups With Rotisserie Chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch.
That’s where I discovered Rotisserie Chicken And Rice Soup by the way! This makes this Weeknight Chicken Soup even quicker.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
Each serving of this Crack Chicken and Rice Soup clocks in at roughly 450 calories . It is packed with 35g of protein to keep you feeling full.
The chicken and broth are a good source of essential nutrients. The bacon adds a bit of sodium, so go easy on the extra salt, yeah? Also, if you want a tangy twist, try Chicken and Rice Soup with Ranch dressing.
So there you have it! Now go forth and create your own masterpiece. This Crack Chicken and Rice Soup recipe is yours to play with.
And remember, cooking should be fun! Don't be afraid to get a bit creative.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Crack Chicken and Rice Soup, and why is it called that?
Crack Chicken and Rice Soup takes the flavours of the highly addictive "Crack Chicken" dip think creamy, cheesy, bacony goodness and turns it into a comforting soup.
The name comes from the original Crack Chicken recipe, because people find it so irresistibly delicious that they keep coming back for more. It's proper moreish, innit?
Can I make Crack Chicken & Cheddar Dream Soup ahead of time, or is it best served fresh?
You can definitely make Crack Chicken & Cheddar Dream Soup ahead of time! The flavours actually meld together even better after a day or two in the fridge. Just be aware that the rice will absorb some of the liquid, so you might need to add a splash of chicken broth when reheating.
This soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Is there a healthier version of Crack Chicken and Rice Soup I can make?
Absolutely! To lighten things up, try using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a tangy twist and a boost of protein. You can also reduce the amount of cheddar cheese and opt for a lower fat version. Swapping white rice for brown rice increases the fiber content, making it a more wholesome meal.
I'm not a whiz in the kitchen. Is this Crack Chicken Rice Soup recipe actually easy enough for a beginner?
Bob's your uncle, it is! This recipe is super straightforward. It mainly involves sautéing some veggies, cooking chicken, and simmering everything together. The hardest part is probably crumbling the bacon and even that's a piece of cake! Even your Nan could follow this recipe, honestly.
Can I freeze leftover Crack Chicken Rice Soup?
Freezing this soup is a bit tricky because the cream cheese and dairy can sometimes separate upon thawing, resulting in a slightly grainy texture. However, you can freeze it if you're okay with a slight change in consistency.
For best results, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. To minimise texture changes, consider omitting the cheddar cheese until reheating; just stir it in then.
I don't have ranch seasoning, now what? Is the Crack Chicken and Rice Soup ruined?
Don't you fret, mate! If you're fresh out of ranch seasoning, you can easily whip up a substitute. Mix together dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt to taste. Start with about a teaspoon of each and adjust until you get that familiar ranch flavour profile. No need to pop down to Tesco just yet!
Crack Chicken Cheddar Dream Soup
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 28g |
| Fiber | 1g |
