Chicken Bacon Ranch Soup Recipe

If you’re a fan of creamy soups with hearty flavors and comforting ingredients, then Chicken Bacon Ranch Soup should definitely be on your radar. This recipe brings together three things we all love-chicken, bacon, and ranch-in a creamy, soup base that’s perfect for cozy evenings, casual dinners, or meal prep for the week ahead.

The flavors are rich, smoky, savory, and just downright irresistible. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this soup is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s easy to make, and the ingredients are simple yet delicious. The creamy base blends the bold flavors of ranch seasoning with the salty goodness of bacon, tender chicken, and a balance of veggies to give it the perfect texture and flavor profile.

Let’s dive into how you can bring this delightful comfort food to your own kitchen.

Chicken Bacon Ranch Soup Recipe

This soup is as simple as it is tasty. Let’s break it down from start to finish so you can whip it up without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to create this mouthwatering Chicken Bacon Ranch Soup:

• Chicken Breast or Thighs (about 2 lbs) – You can choose either, but chicken breast will give you a leaner result, while thighs bring a bit more flavor.
• Bacon (6-8 slices) – A must for that crispy, smoky texture.
• Yellow Onion (1 medium) – Adds sweetness and depth.
• Carrots (2 medium) – For color and a subtle sweetness.
• Celery (2 stalks) – A classic soup vegetable that adds crunch and freshness.
• Garlic (3 cloves) – Because garlic makes everything better.
• Chicken Broth (4 cups) – The base of the soup that carries all the flavors.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup) – To add richness and creaminess.
• Cream Cheese (4 oz) – For extra creaminess and a smooth texture.
• Ranch Dressing Mix (1 packet) – This is where all the ranch flavor comes from. It’s a shortcut to a perfectly seasoned soup.
• Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Melty and gooey, it really takes this soup to the next level.
• Salt & Pepper (to taste) – Seasoning is key in any soup, so don’t skip this!
• Olive Oil (for cooking) – Used to sauté the veggies and chicken.

Cooking Instructions

The best part about this soup is how easy it is to make! Let’s break down the steps:

1. Cook The Bacon

   • In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat.
   • Add the bacon and cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove it from the pot and set it aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Once cooled, crumble it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Sauté The Vegetables

   • In the same pot, leave a bit of bacon grease for flavor (you can drain a little if you prefer less fat). Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

3. Cook The Chicken

   • Push the veggies to one side of the pot and add the chicken (seasoned with a pinch of salt and pepper). Sear both sides until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
   • Once the chicken is cooked through (you can check with a thermometer-165°F), remove it from the pot and shred it using two forks.

4. Create The Soup Base

   • Pour in the chicken broth and ranch dressing mix. Stir to combine and bring it to a simmer.
   • Add the shredded chicken back into the pot, followed by the cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir everything together until the cream cheese is melted and smooth.

5. Add The Bacon And Cheese

   • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Let everything cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, allowing the soup to thicken and the flavors to meld together.

6. Season And Serve

   • Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
   • Serve hot with a side of crusty bread or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley if desired.

Ingredient Insights

Each ingredient in this soup serves a distinct purpose, working together to build layers of flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look:

• Chicken: The lean protein in this soup provides substance and helps balance out the richness of the cream and cheese. It also soaks up all the savory goodness from the broth and ranch seasoning.
• Bacon: A true hero of this dish, bacon brings a smoky, salty bite that contrasts beautifully with the creamy elements of the soup. Plus, that crispy texture adds a nice crunch.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: A shortcut that gives you that signature tangy ranch flavor without needing to measure out individual herbs and spices. It’s the heart of the soup’s flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream & Cream Cheese: These two ingredients are the key to the soup’s rich, smooth, and velvety texture. They create a luxurious mouthfeel that feels comforting with every spoonful.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melting into the soup, it adds sharpness and creaminess. The more cheese, the better in this recipe.
• Vegetables (onion, carrots, celery): These add natural sweetness, a bit of crunch, and balance out the rich flavors with their freshness.

Expert Tips

• Use Bone-In Chicken: If you have the time, opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken for even more flavor. You can simmer it in the soup to release all the rich juices, then remove the bones before serving.
• Stovetop vs Slow Cooker: While this recipe is quick on the stovetop, you can make it in a slow cooker if you prefer. Just throw everything in and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add the cream cheese and heavy cream near the end to prevent curdling.
• Add Veggies: You can sneak in extra veggies like spinach, kale, or potatoes to make it heartier. Spinach wilts nicely, and potatoes will soak up the flavors for an even more filling dish.
• Don’t Skip the Bacon: The crispy bacon bits are essential for the perfect texture contrast. Use thick-cut bacon for the best results.
• Serve with Toppings: Fresh herbs like parsley or green onions bring a pop of color and a little brightness. A dollop of sour cream also makes a great addition for some extra tang.

Recipe Variations

This Chicken Bacon Ranch Soup is super versatile, and there are plenty of ways to customize it based on your taste preferences or dietary needs:

• Low-Carb/Keto Version: Skip the carrots and celery and replace the cream cheese with a full-fat cream cheese alternative. Add zucchini or cauliflower in place of the starchy vegetables to keep it low-carb.
• Spicy Kick: Spice it up by adding diced jalapeños or a spoonful of hot sauce. You can also sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes to bring the heat.
• Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so as long as you use a gluten-free ranch mix (many are available), you’re good to go.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh, and use veggie broth instead of chicken broth. Skip the bacon or try a vegetarian bacon alternative.
• Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free cheese substitute to make the soup both creamy and dairy-free. There are a lot of good cheese alternatives available now!

Final Words

Chicken Bacon Ranch Soup is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. It’s rich, creamy, and filled with flavors that you just can’t resist. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or preparing a week’s worth of cozy lunches, this soup is the perfect go-to.