Crack Chicken and Rice Soup is a seriously hearty, flavorful dish loaded with tender chicken, fresh veggies, and rice, all swimming in a creamy, ranch-seasoned broth. And trust me—it’s called “Crack Chicken” for a reason because it’s just that addictive; once you start, you might find it hard to stop! We love pairing it with our Sourdough Bread on a chilly day for that extra dose of comfort. If you’re into these cozy flavors, you should definitely give our Chicken Wild Rice Soup a try too—it’s another comforting bowl of deliciousness.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Vegetables: We use classic soup vegetables—yellow onion, carrots, and celery—to add heartiness and nutrition.
- Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix: Homemade dry ranch seasoning adds incredible flavor and can also be used to make our homemade ranch dressing. It seasons the soup quickly and consistently.
- More Herbs & Seasonings: In addition to ranch seasoning, we use salt, black pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano. If using fresh herbs, triple the amount (about 3 teaspoons fresh basil and 1 ½ teaspoons fresh oregano). Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Chicken Broth: The base of the soup is chicken broth. Low-sodium chicken broth or chicken stock will also work.
- Rice: The recipe is designed for long-grain white rice. If using brown rice, you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount.
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut since it’s already cooked. You can buy it pre-shredded or make your own. Leftover shredded chicken breasts also work well in this recipe.
- Cream Cheese: This adds a rich, creamy texture. We tested the soup with and without it, and we’re glad we included it!
What To Serve With Crack Chicken and Rice Soup
Pair this comforting soup with:
- Crusty bread like a Simple Rustic Bread
- Air fryer grilled cheese
- Roasted Broccoli Salad
- Buttermilk biscuits or Texas Roadhouse Rolls
- Cornbread (or cornbread muffins)
- Parmesan Garlic Roasted Potatoes
Storing & Reheating Chicken and Rice Soup
To store the soup, let it cool to room temperature first. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. We like to portion it out for quick lunches or easy dinners. It will keep for 3-4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Can I Freeze Chicken and Rice Soup?
Yes! This soup freezes well. Here’s how:
- Let the soup cool completely.
- Divide it into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion.
- Label each container with the date before placing it in the freezer.
The soup will stay fresh in the freezer for 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. The rice may soften slightly after freezing, but the soup will remain flavorful and delicious!
Enjoy this cozy and satisfying dish anytime you need a comforting meal!
Crack Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 large carrots, diced into ¼-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
- 2 ribs celery, diced into ¼-inch pieces (about 1 cup)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 ounce (3 tablespoons) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded and cubed
- 4 ounces (½ package) cream cheese, softened
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat, add olive oil and butter.
- Once the butter is melted, add onion, carrots, and celery. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8-10 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Stir in the ranch seasoning, basil, salt, oregano, and black pepper.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add rice. Stir to combine. Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
- Add the rotisserie chicken and softened cream cheese, stirring until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
This recipe is adapted from Iamhomesteader’s Crack Chicken and Rice Soup.
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