Cheesy Ranch Chicken Soup: The Perfect Comfort Food
Cheesy Ranch Chicken Soup combines tender chicken, smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and flavorful ranch-inspired seasonings into one hearty, comforting bowl. With fresh spinach and rich broth, this one-pot recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. It's easy to make, customizable, and packed with bold, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
- 4 slices bacon diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 4 to 6 cups low sodium chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried dill weed
- ½ teaspoon dried chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 bay leaf
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 to 4 cups baby spinach
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- Sliced green scallions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon: Fry diced bacon in a large pot until crispy. Remove and set aside, keeping the rendered fat.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add butter, diced onion, and minced garlic to the pot. Cook until softened and fragrant.
- Simmer the Broth: Pour in chicken broth, then stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, chives, salt, pepper, and the bay leaf. Simmer gently.
- Add Shredded Chicken: Stir in the cooked chicken and let it simmer for 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Melt Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat and whisk in the softened cream cheese until smooth.
- Add Cheddar Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted.
- Add Spinach and Cream: Toss in baby spinach and let it wilt, then stir in the heavy cream. Let the soup simmer for 2–3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the bay leaf and serve the soup hot, garnished with crispy bacon and scallions.