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#### Instructions:
1. **Cook the Chicken**:
Start by cooking the chicken breasts. You can either cook them in a skillet, slow cooker, or Instant Pot. If using a slow cooker, simply add the chicken breasts and enough chicken broth to cover the meat, then cook on low for 4-6 hours until the chicken is tender. If using the stovetop or Instant Pot, cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once the chicken is cooked, shred it using two forks or a hand mixer to create shredded chicken.
2. **SautĂŠ the Onion and Garlic**:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, sautĂŠing until fragrant and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
3. **Combine Ingredients**:
Add the shredded chicken to the pot with the onion and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cream of chicken soup (if using) and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated into the soup base.
4. **Add the Cheese and Bacon**:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and ranch seasoning. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and the soup is creamy and well-combined. If you like a thicker soup, you can add a bit more cream cheese or even a tablespoon of flour to help thicken the soup further.
5. **Finish with Heavy Cream**:
Pour in the heavy cream and stir until everything is perfectly mixed. Let the soup simmer on low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. **Season and Serve**:
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, as needed. Once the soup is perfectly creamy and seasoned, ladle it into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
7. **Enjoy!**
Serve hot, and enjoy the comfort of a creamy, indulgent bowl of **Crack Chicken Soup** thatâs perfect for cozy nights in or feeding a hungry crowd.
### Tips for the Perfect Crack Chicken Soup
– **Slow Cooker Option**: If you prefer using a slow cooker, you can place the chicken breasts, onion, garlic, and chicken broth in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. After the chicken is cooked, shred it and return it to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients. Let everything cook together for an additional 30 minutes to an hour.
– **Instant Pot**: For a faster method, you can use the **Instant Pot** to cook the chicken. Simply pressure cook the chicken breasts with the chicken broth for 10 minutes, shred the chicken, and then follow the rest of the steps to make the soup.
– **Extra Creaminess**: If you love extra creamy soup, consider adding a little more cream cheese or even a splash of half-and-half for a richer texture.
– **Add Vegetables**: For some extra nutrition, consider adding veggies like **carrots**, **celery**, or **spinach**. These can easily be sautĂŠed with the onions or added to the soup base to simmer.
– **Make Ahead**: This soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Itâs perfect for meal prepping or making a big batch to serve over several days.
– **Freezing**: You can also freeze **Crack Chicken Soup**. Let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop.
### Why Youâll Love Crack Chicken Soup
There are countless reasons why **Crack Chicken Soup** has quickly become a fan-favorite comfort food, and here are just a few:
– **Rich and Creamy**: With ingredients like cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and heavy cream, every spoonful of this soup is a rich, creamy delight.
– **Hearty and Filling**: Packed with chicken, bacon, and cheese, this soup is hearty enough to be a complete meal. Itâs perfect for chilly nights or when youâre craving something satisfying.
– **Easy to Make**: Despite its indulgent flavor, this soup is surprisingly easy to make, especially when you use a slow cooker or Instant Pot.
– **Customizable**: You can add extra vegetables, switch up the seasonings, or make it your own by tweaking the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
– **Crowd-Pleaser**: Whether youâre serving it for family dinner, a party, or a gathering, **Crack Chicken Soup** is sure to be a hit. Itâs a recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
### Final Thoughts
**Crack Chicken Soup** is the perfect bowl of comfort food that combines creamy, savory flavors with tender chicken and crispy bacon. Itâs rich, indulgent, and guaranteed to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or preparing it for a special occasion, this soup will never disappoint. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience! đ˛
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