Cozy Cheesy Ranch Chicken Soup Recipe for Chilly Evenings

Comfort meets indulgence in this creamy cheesy ranch chicken soup that promises to warm your soul on chilly evenings.

Packed with tender chicken and a bold ranch flavor, this soup delivers a delightful twist on classic comfort food.

The blend of rich cheese and zesty ranch seasoning creates a mouthwatering combination that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Creamy textures and savory notes dance together in every spoonful, making this soup a true crowd-pleaser.

Simple ingredients transform into an extraordinary meal that comes together effortlessly in your kitchen.

Each bite offers a comforting embrace of flavor that feels like a warm hug on a cold day.

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible soup that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Cheesy Ranch Chicken Soup—Why You’ll Love It

• Personalize this hearty soup with your favorite toppings or swap ingredients to match your taste preferences.
• Whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something warm and filling.
• Combine creamy cheeses, ranch seasonings, and crispy bacon for a mouthwatering soup that delivers rich, bold taste in every spoonful.
• Minimize cleanup with this simple recipe that uses a single Dutch oven, making cooking and washing up a breeze.

Cheesy Ranch Chicken Soup Ingredient Lineup

• Chicken: A tender and hearty protein that adds substance to the soup.
• Bacon: A crispy and flavorful topping that provides a salty crunch.

• Cream Cheese: Adds a rich and creamy texture to the soup.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp and tangy cheese flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth and luxurious base for the soup.

• Onions, Garlic: Provide a foundational savory flavor profile for the soup.
• Spinach: A nutritious green that adds color and freshness.
• Scallions: A bright and mild onion-like topping for garnish.

• Chicken Broth: The liquid base that carries all the flavors.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Dill Weed, Chives: A blend of herbs and spices that enhance the overall taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the soup's flavor.
• Bay Leaf: Adds a subtle, aromatic background note.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.

Kitchen Gear for Cheesy Ranch Chicken Soup

• Dutch Oven: Large, heavy pot perfect for sautéing bacon and developing deep flavors.
• Slotted Spoon: Essential for removing crispy bacon while keeping grease in the pot.
• Whisk: Crucial for smoothly melting cream cheese and cheddar into the soup.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping bacon, onions, garlic, and scallions.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp knife for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add spices and seasonings.

Making Cheesy Ranch Chicken Soup

Step 1: Crisp Up Bacon

Cook diced bacon in a Dutch oven until it becomes golden and crispy.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a separate plate, keeping the delicious bacon grease in the pot.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Melt butter in the same pot over medium-high heat.

Add onions and cook for 3 minutes until they become translucent.

Quickly add minced garlic and sauté for 20 seconds to release its fragrant aroma.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dill weed
• Chives
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Bay leaf

Step 4: Gentle Simmer

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low.

Let it simmer for 5 minutes to develop deep flavors.

Step 5: Incorporate Protein and Cheese

Add chicken to the pot and cook for 5 minutes.

Stir in cream cheese, whisking until completely melted.

Add cheddar cheese and continue whisking until smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 6: Final Touches

Stir in fresh spinach and cook for 2 minutes.

Pour in heavy cream and cook for an additional minute.

Remove the bay leaf and taste, adjusting seasonings as needed.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top the soup with chopped scallions and sprinkle the reserved crispy bacon over each serving.

Enjoy your comforting and creamy Cheesy Ranch Chicken Soup!

Cheesy Ranch Chicken Soup Quick Tips

• Reserve some crispy bacon bits as a crunchy topping to add texture and extra flavor to your soup.
• Whisk cheese slowly and steadily to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for a different nutritional profile and subtle taste variation.
• Replace chicken with rotisserie chicken or turkey for a quick and convenient protein option.
• Omit potatoes and use cauliflower as a low-carb alternative for a lighter version of the soup.

Cheesy Ranch Chicken Soup—Ways to Mix Things Up

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans, swap bacon for smoked paprika or coconut bacon bits for similar smoky flavor.
• Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Use cauliflower instead of traditional vegetables, add extra heavy cream, replace chicken broth with bone broth for higher fat content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream, use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese, choose plant-based milk for creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, use cornstarch as potential thickener if needed, verify ranch seasoning contains no wheat derivatives.

Serving Cheesy Ranch Chicken Soup

• Ranch Comfort Bowl: Ladle the steaming soup into deep ceramic bowls for a cozy dinner experience that feels like a warm hug.
• Bread Pairing Delight: Serve alongside crusty sourdough or garlic bread to soak up the rich, creamy broth and add delightful texture.
• Salad Companion: Create a light side salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the soup's rich and cheesy profile.
• Garnish Extravaganza: Sprinkle extra crispy bacon bits, fresh chives, and a dollop of sour cream on top for a restaurant-style presentation that elevates the dish.

How to Store Cheesy Ranch Chicken Soup

• Transfer cooled soup to airtight container and store in refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pour completely cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch space at top. Seal and freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing soup with dairy and cream for best texture.
• Pour portion into microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when soup reaches steaming temperature.
• Pour soup into saucepan. Reheat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Add splash of chicken broth if soup appears too thick. Warm until heated thoroughly.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with monterey jack, pepper jack, or gouda for varied flavors.

• Is this soup keto-friendly?

The recipe is low-carb and can be keto-friendly if you use full-fat cheeses and heavy cream without adding flour or starchy ingredients.

• What protein alternatives work in this soup?

You can replace chicken with cooked turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken for quick preparation.

• How can I make the soup thicker?

To increase thickness, you can add an extra ounce of cream cheese or let the soup simmer longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

Cheesy Ranch Chicken Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting cheesy ranch chicken soup delights dinner tables with creamy midwest charm. Hearty ingredients blend perfectly, delivering warmth and satisfaction in each spoonful you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 slices bacon, diced
• 4 cups cooked shredded chicken

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 tablespoon butter
• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 to 4 cups baby spinach
• 4 to 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1/2 teaspoon dried chives
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Sliced green scallions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Render bacon pieces in a Dutch oven until golden and crispy, transferring the cooked bacon to a paper towel while preserving the rendered fat.
2. Melt butter in the same pot over medium-high heat, sautéing onions until translucent for approximately 3 minutes, then quickly incorporate minced garlic and cook for an additional 20 seconds.
3. Pour chicken broth into the pot, thoroughly deglazing the bottom to release any flavorful browned bits, then introduce all seasonings including garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, chives, salt, pepper, and bay leaf.
4. Elevate heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce temperature to medium-low and allow to simmer for 5 minutes, developing rich flavor profiles.
5. Incorporate diced chicken and cook for 5 minutes, then gradually whisk in cream cheese until completely melted, followed by shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth and fully integrated.
6. Add fresh spinach and cook for 2 minutes until slightly wilted, then stream in heavy cream and cook for an additional minute, removing bay leaf and adjusting seasoning as needed.
7. Garnish with chopped scallions and reserved crispy bacon before serving the soup hot, ensuring a delightful textural contrast and enhanced flavor.

Notes

• Bacon Selection Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispier texture that holds up well in the soup.
• Vegetable Prep Dice onions uniformly to ensure even cooking and consistent flavor distribution throughout the soup.
• Cheese Melting Technique Cut cream cheese into small cubes and gradually whisk to prevent clumping and create smooth, creamy consistency.
• Dietary Modifications Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version or use Greek yogurt for lighter protein-packed alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 100mg