- Servings: 6
- Total Time: 40 minutes (Stovetop)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Calories per Serving: 445 kcal
- Macros: Protein: 32g / Carbs: 6g / Fat: 34g / Fiber: 1g
The Ultimate “Addictive” Keto Comfort Bowl
There is a reason this recipe earned the nickname Crack Chicken Soup. With its irresistible combination of tender chicken, salty bacon, and a rich, velvety cream cheese broth, it is the ultimate definition of comfort food. While traditional creamy soups often rely on flour-based roux or heavy starches, this version is specifically engineered for the keto and low-carb lifestyle, using high-fat dairy to create a thick, satisfying texture without the carb-heavy fillers.
This soup is a lifesaver for anyone struggling to hit their fat macros while staying under their carb limit. It’s warm, savory, and incredibly filling, making it a perfect easy dinner idea for cold nights. By incorporating classic ranch seasonings and sharp cheddar, we’ve created a flavor profile that appeals to the whole family—even those who aren’t watching their carbs.
Whether you are looking for a meal-prep friendly lunch or a decadent weekend dinner, this soup delivers. It’s a clean-eating twist on a cult favorite that proves you don’t need potatoes or noodles to create a hearty, soul-warming bowl of soup.
Look at the Recipe
- Sensory Appeal: A thick, creamy golden broth studded with shredded chicken and vibrant green onions.
- Flavor Highlight: Zesty ranch herbs meet the smoky, salty crunch of crumbled bacon.
- Key Keto Benefit: High-fat, moderate-protein ratio that supports satiety and metabolic health.
Ingredients Needed
The Soup Base:
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breast or thighs, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups Low-sodium chicken bone broth (for extra collagen)
- 8 oz Full-fat cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 ½ cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 packet (or 3 tbsp) Dry Ranch seasoning mix (sugar-free)
The Toppings:
- 6 slices Bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 1/4 cup Fresh chives or green onions, sliced
- Extra cheddar cheese for garnish
How to Make Our Crack Chicken Soup
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, sauté the garlic with a small amount of bacon drippings or butter for 1 minute until fragrant.
Build the Broth: Pour in the chicken bone broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the softened cream cheese cubes and the Ranch seasoning. Continue to whisk until the cream cheese has completely melted and the broth is smooth and velvety.
Incorporate the Protein: Add the shredded chicken to the pot. Let it simmer for 10 minutes to allow the chicken to absorb the zesty ranch flavors.
Make it Cheesy: Turn the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese one handful at a time. Stir constantly until the cheese is melted and the soup has thickened. Be careful not to let the soup boil once the cheese is added to prevent curdling.
Finish and Serve: Fold in half of the crumbled bacon and half of the green onions. Ladle into bowls and top with the remaining bacon and chives for that signature crack chicken look.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Storing: This soup stores beautifully. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat slowly on the stovetop over low heat. If the soup is too thick after chilling, add a splash of heavy cream or broth to thin it out.
- Freezing: Because of the high dairy content, this soup may separate if frozen. If you do freeze it, whisk vigorously while reheating to bring the emulsion back together.
- Serving Pairings: Serve with a side of keto cheddar biscuits or over a bowl of steamed cauliflower rice for added volume.
Tips & FAQs
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Add the chicken, broth, garlic, and seasonings to the crockpot. Cook on low for 6 hours. Shred the chicken, then stir in the cream cheese and cheddar at the very end until melted.
Is Ranch seasoning keto-friendly? Most store-bought packets are fine, but check for hidden cornstarch or sugar. For a clean-eating version, you can mix dried dill, parsley, chives, and onion powder yourself.
How do I prevent the cream cheese from clumping? Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the hot broth. Whisking it in slowly is the key to a professional, silky texture.
