Creamy, Savory, High-Protein Soup with Classic “Crack Chicken” Flavor
A rich and comforting crack chicken soup that delivers bold ranch, bacon, and cheddar flavor while staying low-carb, high-protein, and WW-friendly. Creamy without being heavy, and satisfying without excess points.
Recipe Card
Servings & Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes (plus chicken cooking time if not pre-cooked)
- Total Time: ~1 hour
- Yield: 6 generous servings
Dietary Badges
- High-Protein
- Low-Carb
- Keto-Friendly
- WW-Friendly
- Gluten-Free
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ small onion, finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 rib celery, finely diced
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (about 2½ cups)
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, lightly packed
- 8 oz bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 ranch seasoning packet
Thickening & Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream
- ½ teaspoon xanthan gum
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt, to taste
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh chives
- Reserved bacon crumbles
Instructions
-
Cook the chicken
Cook chicken breasts in a slow cooker on low for 5–6 hours or high for 2–3 hours. Shred and set aside. -
Cook the bacon
In a large Dutch oven, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and crumble. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon grease in the pot. -
Sauté aromatics
Add butter to the bacon grease. Sauté onion, garlic, and celery over medium heat until soft and translucent. -
Build the base
Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and smooth. -
Add liquids and cheese
Add chicken broth, ranch seasoning, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, spinach, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes. -
Thicken the soup
Remove ¼ cup of hot soup into a bowl. Whisk in xanthan gum until smooth, then stir back into the pot. -
Finish the soup
Add shredded chicken and half the bacon. Simmer on low for 15–20 minutes until thickened. -
Serve
Top with remaining bacon, parsley, and chives before serving.
Additional Notes
- Naturally low-carb and keto-friendly
- Ranch seasoning provides most of the salt—taste before adding more
- Ingredient substitutions and variations are listed below
Brief Introduction
This crack chicken soup delivers everything people love about classic crack chicken—bacon, ranch, cheddar, and creamy comfort—without the carb overload. By adjusting quantities instead of ingredients, the soup stays indulgent, filling, and WW-friendly while keeping the same bold, crave-worthy flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide
Cooking the Chicken
Slow-cooked chicken stays tender and shreds easily, blending seamlessly into the soup.
Tip: You can use pre-cooked shredded chicken to save time, but freshly cooked has better texture.
Building the Flavor Base
Cooking the onion, garlic, and celery in bacon grease and butter creates depth before adding dairy.
Tip: Keep heat medium to avoid browning, which can affect creaminess.
Thickening Without Flour
Xanthan gum thickens the soup without adding carbs or WW points.
Tip: Always mix xanthan gum with hot liquid before adding back to avoid clumps.
Ingredient Details & Substitution Tips
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Cream cheese: Provides creaminess with fewer carbs than flour-based thickeners
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar allows less quantity without sacrificing flavor
- Bacon: Adds smokiness; reducing quantity keeps points low without losing impact
Quality Tips
- Use sharp or extra-sharp cheddar for maximum flavor
- Finely dice vegetables so they melt into the soup
- Full-fat cream cheese gives best texture even in reduced amounts
Substitutions
- Chicken breasts: Can substitute boneless thighs (adds richness, slightly higher points)
- Spinach: Kale works but needs longer simmering
- Cheddar: Colby-jack or Monterey jack also work
Equipment Alternatives
- No Dutch oven? Use any heavy-bottom pot
- Slow cooker optional—chicken can be boiled or pressure cooked
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
Flavor Variations
- Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for depth
- Stir in diced jalapeños for heat
- Add cauliflower rice for volume without carbs
Dietary Variations
- Lower WW points: Skip garnish cheese or reduce bacon topping
- Higher protein: Increase chicken slightly and reduce cheese by ¼ cup
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad
- Pair with low-carb bread or cloud bread
- Garnish lightly for presentation
Storage & Make-Ahead Information
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days
Reheating
- Reheat gently on stovetop over low heat
- Add a splash of broth if thickened too much
Make-Ahead
- Soup base can be made 2 days ahead
- Add spinach and bacon just before serving for best texture
Quality Notes
- Soup thickens as it cools
- Flavor improves the next day
Nutrition Information (Estimated per Serving)
- Calories: ~390 kcal
- Protein: ~38–40 g
- Carbohydrates: ~6–7 g net
- Fat: ~24 g
WW Points (Estimated)
- 4–5 points per serving, depending on cheese and bacon brand
Dietary Highlights
- Low-Carb
- High-Protein
- Keto-Friendly
Allergens
Contains dairy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker entirely?
Yes. Add everything except xanthan gum and spinach. Thicken and add spinach at the end.
Q: My soup is too thick—what do I do?
Add warm chicken broth ¼ cup at a time until desired consistency.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
Yes, but texture may change slightly due to dairy. Stir well when reheating.
Q: Can I reduce points even more?
Yes—reduce bacon topping or use less cheddar without affecting flavor much.
Optional Personal Note
This recipe was adjusted carefully to lower points without losing what makes crack chicken soup addictive. The balance of ranch, bacon, and cheese stays intact—just smarter portions.
Call to Action
Try this lighter crack chicken soup and let me know how it fits into your WW plan. Share your adjustments, point counts, or serving ideas in the comments.
