Name: Keto Crack Chicken Soup
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium); 1 cup cream cheese, softened; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 0.5 cup green onions, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix; 0.25 teaspoon black pepper; 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 0 to taste fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium) - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix - ¼ teaspoon black pepper I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this soup. They cook fast and shred easily, making them perfect for a creamy dish. Chicken broth adds rich flavor and keeps the soup light. Cream cheese gives the soup its creamy texture, while shredded cheddar cheese adds a nice cheesy kick. Ranch seasoning brings all the flavors together, while black pepper adds just the right amount of heat. - ½ cup green onions, chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat) Adding green onions gives the soup a fresh taste. Garlic adds depth to the flavor. Olive oil is great for sautéing garlic before adding chicken. If you like heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper works wonders. Adjust the amount to suit your taste. - Fresh parsley, chopped Fresh parsley is a lovely touch. It adds color and a burst of freshness. Just sprinkle it on top before serving. It makes the soup look even more inviting. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. The oil helps add flavor and prevents sticking. 2. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells great, but be careful not to brown it. 3. Next, raise the heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they are lightly golden. This step gives the chicken a nice flavor. 1. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. The broth adds a rich taste and keeps the soup comforting. 2. Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This makes sure the chicken is cooked through and tender. 3. After cooking, remove the chicken from the pot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot, mixing it with the broth. 1. Now, it’s time to make it creamy! Stir in 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Mix until it combines well with the broth and melts. 2. Add 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of chopped green onions. Also, sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon of black pepper and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy. 3. Stir well until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy and flavorful. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed. 4. Let it simmer for an extra 5-10 minutes to heat everything through. The result is a warm, comforting soup ready to enjoy! To make the best Keto Crack Chicken Soup, you need to balance the flavors. Start by tasting as you go. If the soup needs more depth, add a bit more ranch seasoning. Since cream cheese adds richness, it helps create that creamy texture you want. If you like it extra creamy, try adding more cream cheese. Mix it well to ensure it's fully blended. Searing chicken before adding broth builds flavor. This step gives the soup a nice depth. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Once it’s golden, pour in the chicken broth. After that, simmer it on low heat. This gentle cook keeps the chicken juicy. To avoid overcooking, check the chicken at 20 minutes. If it’s cooked through, shred it right away. This soup pairs well with simple sides. A fresh salad or steamed veggies works great. You can also serve it with low-carb bread for dipping. For a fun twist, try topping it with crispy bacon bits or extra cheese. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch when serving. You can even serve it in a bread bowl for a special treat. Pro Tips Use Bone-In Chicken: For an even richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. The bones add depth to the broth as it simmers. Pre-Cube Cream Cheese: Cube your cream cheese before adding it to the pot. This helps it melt more evenly and prevents clumping in the soup. Customize the Heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your taste. Start with a pinch, and add more if you prefer your soup spicier. Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Enhance the flavor and presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs like dill or cilantro, in addition to parsley. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cream cheese for sour cream or Greek yogurt. This change adds a nice tang. For cheese, use mozzarella or pepper jack. These will give a different taste. You can also add more veggies for extra nutrition. Try spinach, kale, or cauliflower. They blend well and boost the soup’s health benefits. Just chop them small and add them in with the chicken broth. Want it spicier? You can add more cayenne pepper. Start with a pinch and taste. If you want more heat, add a little more until it’s just right. You can also use herbs for flavor. Try thyme, oregano, or basil. These fresh herbs can brighten the soup and give it a new twist. If you want a dairy-free version, swap the cream cheese for coconut cream. This keeps it creamy without dairy. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. To make it paleo-friendly, skip the cream cheese and cheddar. Use more veggies and broth instead. This keeps the soup rich but fits into a paleo diet. Keto Crack Chicken Soup stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. To keep it tasty, cool the soup to room temperature before storing. This helps avoid condensation in the container, which can make the soup watery. Use airtight containers for best results. Label containers with the date so you know when to enjoy it! You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. For freezing, let the soup cool down fully. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can also use freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat. Stir often to keep the texture smooth. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. This ensures the soup heats evenly and stays creamy. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. If they are frozen, add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to make sure they cook through. This soup is still tasty even with frozen chicken. To add more spice, you can add extra cayenne pepper. Start with a little, then taste as you go. You can also mix in other spices like red pepper flakes or hot sauce. This way, you can make it as spicy as you want! Yes, this soup is great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to four days. You can reheat it in a pot on the stove or in the microwave. Just make sure to stir well to keep it creamy. Enjoy it for lunch or dinner all week! In this blog post, we explored making Keto Crack Chicken Soup. We covered the essential ingredients like chicken, cream cheese, and broth. I shared tips for perfecting flavor and serving ideas. We also discussed variations and how to adapt the recipe for specific diets. This soup is easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for meal prep. You can enjoy its creamy goodness while staying true to your diet. Try it today and make it your own!$

Craving a warm, satisfying bowl of soup? Let me introduce you to Keto Crack Chicken Soup. This creamy delight combines tender chicken with rich cream cheese and sharp cheddar, all simmered in flavorful broth. You'll discover the secret ingredients that elevate this dish and tips for optimal taste. Join me on this easy cooking adventure that makes weeknight dinners fun and delicious! Are you ready to dig in?

Why I Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This soup comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
Keto-Friendly: With low carbs and high fat, this recipe fits perfectly into a ketogenic diet.
Rich and Creamy: The combination of cream cheese and cheddar creates a deliciously creamy texture that is hard to resist.
Customizable: You can easily adjust the spices and toppings to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile dish.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Keto Crack Chicken Soup

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
1 cup cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
¼ teaspoon black pepper

I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this soup. They cook fast and shred easily, making them perfect for a creamy dish. Chicken broth adds rich flavor and keeps the soup light. Cream cheese gives the soup its creamy texture, while shredded cheddar cheese adds a nice cheesy kick. Ranch seasoning brings all the flavors together, while black pepper adds just the right amount of heat.

Optional Ingredients for Added Flavor

½ cup green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Adding green onions gives the soup a fresh taste. Garlic adds depth to the flavor. Olive oil is great for sautéing garlic before adding chicken. If you like heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper works wonders. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Recommended Garnishes

Fresh parsley, chopped

Fresh parsley is a lovely touch. It adds color and a burst of freshness. Just sprinkle it on top before serving. It makes the soup look even more inviting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Base

1. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. The oil helps add flavor and prevents sticking.

2. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Sauté for about 1 minute until it smells great, but be careful not to brown it.

3. Next, raise the heat to medium-high and add 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Sear each side for about 3-4 minutes until they are lightly golden. This step gives the chicken a nice flavor.

Cooking the Chicken

1. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. The broth adds a rich taste and keeps the soup comforting.

2. Once boiling, reduce the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes. This makes sure the chicken is cooked through and tender.

3. After cooking, remove the chicken from the pot. Use two forks to shred it into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded chicken back to the pot, mixing it with the broth.

Combining Ingredients

1. Now, it’s time to make it creamy! Stir in 1 cup of softened cream cheese. Mix until it combines well with the broth and melts.

2. Add 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of chopped green onions. Also, sprinkle in ¼ teaspoon of black pepper and ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.

3. Stir well until the cheese melts and the soup is creamy and flavorful. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if needed.

4. Let it simmer for an extra 5-10 minutes to heat everything through. The result is a warm, comforting soup ready to enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Flavor

To make the best Keto Crack Chicken Soup, you need to balance the flavors. Start by tasting as you go. If the soup needs more depth, add a bit more ranch seasoning. Since cream cheese adds richness, it helps create that creamy texture you want. If you like it extra creamy, try adding more cream cheese. Mix it well to ensure it's fully blended.

Cooking Techniques

Searing chicken before adding broth builds flavor. This step gives the soup a nice depth. Sear the chicken for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Once it’s golden, pour in the chicken broth. After that, simmer it on low heat. This gentle cook keeps the chicken juicy. To avoid overcooking, check the chicken at 20 minutes. If it’s cooked through, shred it right away.

Serving Suggestions

This soup pairs well with simple sides. A fresh salad or steamed veggies works great. You can also serve it with low-carb bread for dipping. For a fun twist, try topping it with crispy bacon bits or extra cheese. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch when serving. You can even serve it in a bread bowl for a special treat.

Pro Tips

Use Bone-In Chicken: For an even richer flavor, consider using bone-in chicken breasts or thighs. The bones add depth to the broth as it simmers.
Pre-Cube Cream Cheese: Cube your cream cheese before adding it to the pot. This helps it melt more evenly and prevents clumping in the soup.
Customize the Heat: Adjust the cayenne pepper to suit your taste. Start with a pinch, and add more if you prefer your soup spicier.
Fresh Herbs for Garnish: Enhance the flavor and presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs like dill or cilantro, in addition to parsley.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can switch up the cream cheese for sour cream or Greek yogurt. This change adds a nice tang. For cheese, use mozzarella or pepper jack. These will give a different taste.

You can also add more veggies for extra nutrition. Try spinach, kale, or cauliflower. They blend well and boost the soup’s health benefits. Just chop them small and add them in with the chicken broth.

Spice Level Adjustments

Want it spicier? You can add more cayenne pepper. Start with a pinch and taste. If you want more heat, add a little more until it’s just right.

You can also use herbs for flavor. Try thyme, oregano, or basil. These fresh herbs can brighten the soup and give it a new twist.

Diet-Specific Adaptations

If you want a dairy-free version, swap the cream cheese for coconut cream. This keeps it creamy without dairy. You can also use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

To make it paleo-friendly, skip the cream cheese and cheddar. Use more veggies and broth instead. This keeps the soup rich but fits into a paleo diet.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

Keto Crack Chicken Soup stays fresh in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. To keep it tasty, cool the soup to room temperature before storing. This helps avoid condensation in the container, which can make the soup watery. Use airtight containers for best results. Label containers with the date so you know when to enjoy it!

Freezing Keto Crack Chicken Soup

You can freeze this soup for up to 3 months. For freezing, let the soup cool down fully. Then, pour it into freezer-safe containers. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can also use freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat, gently warm the soup on the stove over low heat. Stir often to keep the texture smooth. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between. This ensures the soup heats evenly and stays creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this soup?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. If they are frozen, add an extra 10 to 15 minutes to make sure they cook through. This soup is still tasty even with frozen chicken.

How can I make this soup more spicy?

To add more spice, you can add extra cayenne pepper. Start with a little, then taste as you go. You can also mix in other spices like red pepper flakes or hot sauce. This way, you can make it as spicy as you want!

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this soup is great for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to four days. You can reheat it in a pot on the stove or in the microwave. Just make sure to stir well to keep it creamy. Enjoy it for lunch or dinner all week!

In this blog post, we explored making Keto Crack Chicken Soup. We covered the essential ingredients like chicken, cream cheese, and broth. I shared tips for perfecting flavor and serving ideas. We also discussed variations and how to adapt the recipe for specific diets.

This soup is easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for meal prep. You can enjoy its creamy goodness while staying true to your diet. Try it today and make it your ow