If you’ve been craving a cozy, low-effort dinner that practically cooks itself and makes the whole house smell like a warm hug, this Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup is about to become your new weeknight hero. As a busy mom, a working woman, or honestly a human who occasionally wonders how 6 p.m. arrives so fast, you deserve a meal that doesn’t ask much of you—but gives so much in return.
And yes—this recipe does exactly that.
This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup is creamy, hearty, full of bacon-cheddar goodness, and it comes together with pantry staples you probably already have. It’s the type of slow-cooked comfort food that makes even the pickiest eaters mysteriously appear in the kitchen asking, “Is dinner ready yet?”
As someone who built SlowCookersRecipes.com because I believe in effortless meals that still feel special, you can trust me when I say: this soup is a lifesaver on the kind of weeks when your to-do list looks longer than a CVS receipt.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
- It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal—your slow cooker does the heavy lifting.
- It uses simple ingredients but delivers restaurant-level flavor.
- It’s perfect for chilly nights, busy days, or whenever you need a bowl of creamy comfort.
- Bacon. Need I say more?
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
Here’s everything that goes into this dreamy, creamy soup:
- Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Onion Powder: 1 tablespoon
- Garlic Powder: 2 teaspoons
- Dill Weed & Chives: 1 teaspoon each, dried
- Salt & Pepper: ½ teaspoon each to start
- Broth: 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth (homemade, stock, or veggie broth also work)
- Bacon: 4 cooked slices, crumbled (plus more for topping)
- Bacon Grease: Don’t skip—it adds delicious depth
- Cream Cheese: One 8-oz block, cubed
- Shredded Cheddar: 1–2 cups, depending on how cheesy your heart wants it
- Baby Kale: 3–4 cups chopped (or baby spinach, or none at all!)
- Scallions: Chopped, for garnish
How to Make Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
This recipe couldn’t be easier. If you can season chicken and push a slow cooker button, you’re basically a professional right now.
1. Season the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts into the slow cooker. Sprinkle on the onion powder, garlic powder, dill weed, chives, salt, and pepper. Rub those spices in like you’re giving the chicken a mini spa treatment.
Wash your hands—because food safety and adulthood are real.
2. Add Broth, Bacon & Cream Cheese
Pour in the chicken broth.
Cook your bacon in a skillet, then crumble it once cooled. Add the bacon and the bacon grease right into the slow cooker. (Flavor city!)
Add the cream cheese cubes on top.
3. Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook:
- LOW: 5–6 hours
- HIGH: 3–4 hours
Your slow cooker is officially the MVP of the day.
4. Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken, shred with two forks (or shredder claws if you’re fancy), then return it to the slow cooker.
5. Add Cheddar & Kale
Stir in your shredded cheddar. Once melted, toss in the kale. Cover for another 5 minutes until the greens wilt and everything becomes beautifully creamy.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Ladle into bowls and top with extra bacon and scallions.
Prepare for your family to ask when you’re making it again.
Cooking Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Soup
- Too thick? Add a splash of broth. Don’t worry—it’s not a mistake, just bonus coziness.
- Too thin? More cheddar. Cheese fixes most of life’s problems.
- No kale fans at home? Use spinach or skip the greens entirely.
- Want extra richness? Add a pat of butter when you stir in the cheddar.
- Making ahead? This soup reheats beautifully and only gets better the next day.
I’ve relied on this recipe during weeks when life felt like a juggling act I didn’t sign up for. There’s something about coming home to a slow cooker that’s been working hard for you—it’s like future-you giving past-you a high-five.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
Can I substitute the broth?
Absolutely! Any kind of broth—homemade, bone broth, or vegetable—works perfectly in Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, they work wonderfully and add extra tenderness.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 3–4 days. Reheat slowly on the stove or in the microwave.
Can this soup be frozen?
It can—but because it’s dairy-heavy, the texture may change. Stir well when reheating to bring it back together.
Can I make this low-carb?
It already is! Just skip the greens if you prefer, though they add great nutrients.
Bringing It All Home with Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
When you need a comforting dinner that doesn’t demand your time or your energy, this Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup steps in like the best kind of friend—the one who shows up with a warm blanket and a bowl of something delicious. It’s simple, flavorful, and filled with everything we love about slow cooking: ease, comfort, and big flavor with minimal effort.
Make it once, and I promise it’ll become a regular in your rotation.
Now go enjoy that cozy bowl—you’ve earned it.
More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love
If this Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup warmed your soul (and I have a feeling it did!), here are a few more comfort-food favorites your kitchen will adore. These are the kind of recipes that make busy nights easier, cozier, and a whole lot more delicious:
- Craving more creamy, ranch-inspired goodness? Try my Crockpot Ranch Chicken—it’s a simple, flavor-packed dinner that practically cooks itself.
- If you love the “crack” flavor combo, you have to check out these juicy Crack Burgers. They’re addictive in the best possible way.
- For another bowl of pure comfort, my Crockpot Lasagna Soup is a cozy hug disguised as dinner.
- And when you’re craving something warm, creamy, and packed with veggies, this Creamy Vegetable Soup is a delicious go-to.
Feel free to dive into any of these next—your slow cooker is ready for its next cozy adventure!
Print
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup
- Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy and comforting Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup is loaded with tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and flavorful herbs. It’s an easy, cozy, dump-and-go crockpot meal perfect for busy weeknights or chilly evenings.
Ingredients
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 Tbsp onion powder
2 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp dried dill weed
1 tsp dried chives
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1–2 Tbsp reserved bacon grease
1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, cubed
1–2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
3–4 cups chopped baby kale (or spinach)
Chopped scallions, for garnish
Instructions
Place chicken breasts into the slow cooker.
Season with onion powder, garlic powder, dill, chives, salt, and pepper.
Pour in the chicken broth.
Add cooked, crumbled bacon and a spoonful of bacon grease for extra flavor.
Add cream cheese cubes on top.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Remove chicken, shred with two forks, and return it to the slow cooker.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Add baby kale and cook for 5 more minutes until wilted.
Serve hot and garnish with additional bacon and scallions.
Notes
Substitute spinach for kale or omit the greens entirely.
Add extra broth if the soup becomes too thick.Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (on LOW)
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx.)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 155 mg