This article explores a delectable and easy-to-make soup that combines the irresistible flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch seasoning while adhering to a ketogenic, low-carb lifestyle. Often referred to as "crack chicken soup" due to its addictive nature, this creamy soup is a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family can enjoy.
What is Crack Chicken Soup?
The term "crack chicken" typically describes recipes featuring the combination of cream cheese, bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning. This flavor profile has gained immense popularity, leading to various "crack" variations of dips, sandwiches, and now, soup! The richness of cheddar, the smoky flavor of bacon, and the tangy zest of ranch create a harmonious blend that elevates any dish.
Why Keto Chicken Bacon Ranch Soup?
For those following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, finding satisfying and flavorful meals can sometimes be challenging. This soup offers a perfect solution, providing a hearty and creamy texture without the high carbohydrate content found in traditional soups. By using low-carb ingredients and clever substitutions, this recipe allows you to indulge in a comforting classic while staying true to your dietary goals.
Ingredients
Here's a breakdown of the key ingredients you'll need to create this flavorful soup:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal, but chicken tenderloins or boneless thighs can also be used. Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used as well.
- Bacon: An essential ingredient for that smoky, savory flavor. Use your favorite variety, diced.
- Vegetables: Onion, celery, and garlic form the aromatic base of the soup. Optional additions include spinach, kale, zucchini noodles, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus.
- Ranch Seasoning: This is crucial for that signature "crack chicken" flavor. You can use store-bought ranch seasoning mix or a homemade version.
- Chicken Broth: Use a good quality, low-sodium chicken broth or bone broth as the base of the soup.
- Cream Cheese: Full-fat, softened cream cheese is recommended for its smooth melting properties.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the soup.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but Colby Jack or your favorite cheese can also be used.
- Optional Thickeners: Xanthan gum or cornstarch can be used to thicken the soup.
- Seasoning: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill weed, and dried chives to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here are several approaches to preparing the soup, offering options for stovetop, slow cooker, or pressure cooker methods:
Read also: Creamy Keto Ranch Chicken Recipe
Stovetop Method
- Cook the Bacon: In a Dutch oven or soup pot, cook diced bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the bacon grease in the pot (reserve about 1-2 tablespoons). Set the bacon aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add butter to the pot with the bacon grease and melt over medium heat. Stir in chopped onion and celery, cooking until softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another 20 seconds until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, chives, salt, and pepper, or ranch seasoning mix.
- Cook the Soup: Add boneless, skinless chicken breasts on top of the vegetables. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is fork-tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and shred it with two forks.
- Add Cheese and Cream: Stir in the softened cream cheese and whisk until completely melted and combined. Add the shredded cheese and whisk until melted and smooth. Stir in heavy cream.
- Add Spinach (Optional): If using spinach, add it to the pot and cook for 2 minutes until wilted.
- Finish and Serve: Taste the soup and adjust seasonings as needed. Remove bay leaf if used. Return the shredded chicken and most of the cooked bacon to the pot, reserving some bacon for garnish. Serve hot, garnished with the remaining bacon and extra shredded cheese.
Slow Cooker Method
- Cook the Bacon: Cook diced bacon in a skillet until crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: Place chicken breasts, cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, half of the cooked bacon, and chicken broth in a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred with two forks.
- Add Cheese: Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the soup cook until the cheese has melted.
- Serve: Serve hot, topped with the remaining bacon and extra cheese.
Pressure Cooker Method
- Sauté Bacon: Using the sauté function, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the onion and celery and sauté until softened. Add the garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the chicken broth, ranch seasoning, chicken, and cream cheese to the pressure cooker.
- Pressure Cook: Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
- Shred Chicken and Finish: Remove the lid and shred the chicken with two forks. Stir in the cheddar cheese and heavy cream until melted and smooth. Stir in most of the bacon, reserving some for garnish.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with the remaining bacon and extra cheese.
Tips and Variations
- Vegetable Options: Feel free to add other low-carb vegetables like spinach, kale, zucchini, mushrooms, broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus.
- Spice Level: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning: If you're sensitive to store-bought ranch seasoning, consider making your own using herbs and spices.
- Thickening the Soup: If you prefer a thicker soup, mix xanthan gum or cornstarch with a little cold water or broth and stir it into the soup while simmering.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a blend of cheeses.
- Chicken Options: You can use canned chicken, but you may want to reduce the amount of salt you add to the soup.
Serving Suggestions
This soup is a complete meal on its own, but you can enhance the experience with these serving suggestions:
- Salad: Pair it with a crisp and refreshing salad for a balanced meal.
- Keto Biscuits: Serve with cheesy keto biscuits for dipping.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus make a healthy and delicious side dish.
- Toppings: Top individual bowls with crumbled bacon, extra shredded cheese, green onions, or chopped parsley.
Storage and Freezing
- Fridge: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: While dairy-based soups don't always freeze perfectly, you can freeze this soup in freezer bags for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop. Be aware that the texture may change slightly after freezing.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this keto crack chicken soup contains approximately 5 net carbs. The exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients and quantities used.
Read also: Low-carb chicken nuggets recipe.
Read also: Chicken and Brown Rice: A Healthy Choice