Crock Pot Crack Chicken Soup

A rich, creamy slow cooker soup loaded with shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, smoky bacon, baby kale, and melted cheddar cheese. The ultimate comfort food with minimal prep.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 7

Total Time 7 15

Servings: 6 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup

Cuisine: American

Calories: 568

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

2 lbs chicken breasts boneless, skinless
1 oz ranch seasoning mix one standard packet
0.5 tsp black pepper
4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup water plus up to 1 additional cup as needed at end of cooking
6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled before adding; divided (4 for cooking, 2 reserved for topping)
8 oz cream cheese diced into small cubes before adding
2 cup cheddar cheese shredded; divided (1.5 cups for cooking, 0.5 cup reserved for topping)
2 cup baby kale roughly chopped

Equipment

Slow Cooker / Crock Pot (6 quart recommended)
Stand Mixer with paddle attachment (optional, for shredding chicken)
Dutch Oven (for stovetop version only)

Method

Place chicken breasts, ranch seasoning mix, black pepper, chicken broth, 1 cup water, and 4 slices of crumbled cooked bacon into the crock pot. Stir gently to distribute the seasoning evenly around the chicken.
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked through and pulls apart easily with a fork.
Remove the chicken from the crock pot and shred it using two forks or a stand mixer on low speed with the paddle attachment. Stir the shredded chicken back into the soup.
Stir in the diced cream cheese, 1 and 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and the chopped baby kale.
Cover and cook on low for 1 additional hour until the cream cheese and cheddar have fully melted and the kale is slightly wilted. Add additional water now if you prefer a thinner consistency.
Ladle into bowls and serve warm topped with the reserved crumbled bacon and remaining shredded cheddar cheese.

Notes

Rotisserie or pre-shredded chicken can be substituted for raw chicken breasts. Add during Step 4 and skip the long main cook. Dice cream cheese small for even melting. Swap baby kale for baby spinach if preferred. Add cooked angel hair pasta when reheating for a heartier version.