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Cheesy Ranch Soup

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My Family’s Favorite Creamy Chicken Soup

This creamy chicken soup is the ultimate comfort food! Loaded with tender chicken, melty cream cheese, sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and a touch of ranch flavor, it’s a 30-minute meal your whole family will love.


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The Star:

  • Bacon: 4 slices, diced – adds smoky crunch.

For Richness:

  • Butter: 1 tablespoon unsalted – the flavor foundation.

Fresh Vegetables:

  • Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced – for sweetness.
  • Celery: 2 ribs, diced – for crunch.
  • Garlic: 2 cloves, minced – for depth.
  • Baby Spinach: 3 cups, chopped – for color and nutrition.

The Base:

  • Chicken Broth: 6 cups, low sodium – controls the salt level.
  • Ranch Mix: 2 tablespoons – the secret to addictive flavor.
  • Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground.

Protein:

  • Chicken: 4 cups, shredded – rotisserie chicken works perfectly.

Creamy Elements:

  • Cream Cheese: 8 oz, cubed and softened – for ultimate creaminess.
  • Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, shredded sharp – adds bold flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: ⅓ cup – makes it silky smooth.

Pretty Garnishes:

  • Extra shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, and fresh parsley.

Let’s Make Your Soup!

1. Start with the Bacon:

  • Heat a large pot over medium heat and cook the diced bacon until crispy.
  • Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings.

2. Build the Flavor Base:

  • Add butter to the reserved drippings.
  • Sauté the onion and celery until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.

3. Create Your Soup:

  • Pour in the chicken broth, ranch mix, and pepper. Stir well.
  • Add the shredded chicken and simmer for about 5 minutes until heated through.

4. Make It Creamy:

  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the softened cream cheese and cheddar until melted and smooth.
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5. Finish with Fresh Touches:

  • Add the chopped spinach and stir until wilted.
  • Stir in the heavy cream for a final touch of silkiness.

6. Garnish and Serve:

  • Ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon, extra cheddar, and a sprinkle of parsley.

Keeping It Fresh

  • Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream to restore its texture.
  • Freezing: While possible, note that cream-based soups may separate when thawed.

Make It Your Own

  • Add Egg Noodles: For a heartier meal.
  • Extra Veggies: Toss in carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip the noodles and load up on more veggies.

My Secret Tips

  1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s quick, easy, and flavorful.
  2. Homemade Ranch Mix: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried chives, and salt.
  3. Cream Care: Heat gently after adding cream to avoid curdling.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken is perfect for saving time and effort.

How Can I Make My Own Ranch Seasoning?

Mix garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, dried chives, and salt for a quick homemade version.

Will This Soup Freeze Well?

Cream-based soups may separate when frozen. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Can I Use Low-Fat Cream Cheese?

Yes, but the soup will be slightly less rich. Full-fat cream cheese melts more smoothly.

Can I Add Other Vegetables?

Absolutely! Carrots, mushrooms, or bell peppers are great additions.


This creamy chicken soup is sure to become a new family favorite. Perfect for cozy evenings or when you need a quick and satisfying meal!