Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken breasts or thighs, shredded (boneless, skinless)
- 4–6 slices cooked bacon or 1/2 cup bacon bits
Grains
- 1 cup cooked white rice (day-old preferred)
Dairy
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream or heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Liquids & Broth
- 4 cups chicken broth
Seasonings & Herbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Start by cooking chicken breasts or thighs in a large pot over medium heat until fully cooked through and tender. You may poach, boil, or pan-sear them according to your preference. Once done, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Prepare the Broth Base: In the same pot, pour in the chicken broth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: Lower the heat and whisk in the cream cheese and sour cream (or heavy cream) until the mixture becomes creamy and smooth, forming the velvety base of the soup.
- Stir in Rice and Cheese: Mix the cooked rice and shredded cheddar cheese into the broth. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely and the rice is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Bacon: Add the shredded chicken back into the pot, then toss in cooked bacon pieces or bacon bits. Stir to combine all flavors evenly.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped green onions or chives on top to add freshness and vibrant color.
Notes
- Use day-old rice to prevent clumping and maintain silky soup texture.
- Simmer soup gently after adding dairy to avoid curdling and preserve creaminess.
- Shred chicken finely for balanced flavor in every spoonful.
- Choose sharp cheddar cheese for better flavor and melting characteristics.
- Reserve some bacon pieces as garnish to add texture contrast.
- Adjust seasoning last because cheese and bacon add natural saltiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: crack chicken soup, creamy chicken soup, chicken rice soup, comfort food soup, easy chicken soup