Best Keto Crack Chicken Soup

The Keto Crack Chicken Soup is a rich and creamy dish made by sautéing bacon and chicken thighs, then simmering them with cream cheese, heavy cream, and sharp cheddar cheese for a velvety, low-carb comfort meal. Celery and spinach add subtle crunch and nutrients while keeping carbs low, creating a deeply savory, filling soup that keeps hunger at bay. Perfect as a cozy weeknight dinner, a comforting meal-prep lunch, or an impressive starter for entertaining guests.

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Soup, Starter

Cuisine American, Keto, Low Carb

Keyword bacon chicken soup, crack chicken, creamy chicken soup, gluten free, keto crack chicken soup, keto soup, low carb soup

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings servings

Calories 560kcal

Equipment

large heavy-bottomed pot
Cutting board
Chef's knife
Tongs
Wooden Spoon
ladle

Ingredients

For the Keto Crack Chicken Soup

8 slices thick-cut bacon chopped
2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into bite-size pieces
2 tablespoons butter salted or unsalted
3 stalks celery finely chopped
3 cloves garlic minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth preferably homemade or good quality
8 ounces cream cheese softened and cut into cubes
1 cup heavy whipping cream
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
2 cups fresh baby spinach loosely packed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon dried dill or dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper more to taste
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt or to taste, depending on broth and bacon

Optional for extra thickness and garnish

1/4 teaspoon xanthan gum optional, only if you prefer a thicker soup
2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions

Place a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat and cook the chopped bacon until crisp, then use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a plate while leaving the bacon fat in the pot.
Add the butter to the pot with the bacon fat and let it melt, then add the chicken thigh pieces in an even layer and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on the outside and mostly cooked through.
Add the chopped celery to the pot and sauté with the chicken for a few minutes until the celery starts to soften, then stir in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Add the cream cheese cubes to the simmering soup and stir frequently until the cream cheese has fully melted and incorporated into the broth to create a creamy base.
Stir in the heavy whipping cream, then add the shredded cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the soup is smooth and velvety.
Season the soup with garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt, then reduce the heat to low and let the soup gently simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Stir in the baby spinach and the cooked bacon pieces, reserving a little bacon for garnish if desired, and cook just until the spinach wilts into the soup.
If you prefer a thicker soup, sprinkle the xanthan gum lightly over the surface while whisking or stirring constantly, then let the soup simmer for a few more minutes until it slightly thickens.
Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed, then ladle into bowls and top with the reserved bacon, extra shredded cheddar, and chopped fresh parsley before serving hot.

Notes

This soup thickens as it cools, so you can thin leftovers with a splash of chicken broth or a little extra cream when reheating. For meal prep, cool the soup completely before storing in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freezing for up to 3 months. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop or at medium power in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the dairy smooth and creamy. To keep carbs low, avoid adding higher carb vegetables like carrots or potatoes, and always check labels on broth and cream cheese for hidden sugars or starches.

Nutrition