Creamy, cheesy, and ready to warm you up after the day, Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe has just about everything that matters: shredded chicken, smoky bacon, cheddar cheese, and egg noodles simmered wonderfully in a ranch-laced broth.
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is my ultimate comfort as one would find from Italian pasta recipes, such as a fennel sausage ragu with mezzi rigatoni or a tomato passata tossed into homemade rigatoni.
If Parmesan and Pecorino add depth to an authentic Italian ragu, then cream cheese and ranch seasoning do the same for this soup.
This soup is comforting, easy to make, and just like Washington DC’s Red Hen pasta, it is the go-to comfort food always.
Why Love This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
For me, Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe equates to a big warm hug. An amalgamation of the creamy lusciousness of cheddar cheese and cream cheese, handsomely kneaded with shredded chicken, smoky bacon, and sturdy egg noodles, the ranch dressing gives it that tangy splash that brings the flavor to a whole new level.
This recipe should be played on repeat if you want something that fills you up, is family-friendly, and comes together in minutes.
Why Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Is the Best
The best crack chicken noodle soup Recipe is one that features a beautiful balancing act of flavors. You have the richness of creamy chicken, an amazing crunch of bacon, and the freshness of carrots, celery and onions.
It can easily serve as a good hearty meal but simple enough to come together on any weeknight. Besides, using frozen egg noodles limits the lion’s share of your cooking time without skimping on taste.
How To Make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Recipe Overview
The crack chicken noodle soup recipe is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with shredded chicken, egg noodles, and bacon. It’s perfect for busy nights when you need something quick, filling, and satisfying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Soup, Dinner
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Yield: 6 servings
- Calories: About 420 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 package frozen egg noodles (12 oz)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the veggies – In a large pot, butter is melted, after which onions, carrots, and celery are added. Now, give those a nice sauté until softened.
- Add garlic – Stir in the garlic, cooking for roughly 1 minute until aromatic.
- Add broth and seasoning – Add the chicken broth, stir in the ranch dressing mix, and give it good mixing. Bring to a light simmer.
- Add chicken and noodles – Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen egg noodles, cooking until the noodles are tender, around 12 to 15 minutes.
- Creamy time – Keep the heat low, and now stir in cream cheese, milk, and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add bacon – Finally, stir in the crumbled bacon, saving some for garnish.
- Finish and serve – Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Garnish with green onions and bacon just before serving.
Tip: If you like extra creamy soup, add a splash of heavy cream or more cheddar cheese.
Taste & Flavor Profile
A comforting balance of flavor in this crack chicken noodle soup Recipe. The cream cheese, milk, and cheddar cheese keep the base creamy and rich, while ranch seasoning adds a little zing.
Shredded chicken makes the soup heavy and filling, while egg noodles soak up the savory broth. Bacon adds that Smokey crunch, creating a perfect contrast to the smooth cheesy broth. Fresh green onions on top cut through the richness and keep it fresh.
Each spoonful coats the mouth with warm cheesy goodness filled with so many layers of flavor that you’ll be craving it.”
Storage Tips
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The noodles may soak up broth, so add a splash of chicken broth or milk when reheating.
- Freezer: This soup freezes best without noodles. Freeze the base and add fresh egg noodles when reheating.
- Make Ahead: Cook the soup base a day ahead and boil noodles right before serving.
Exciting Variations and Serving Ideas
- Slow Cooker Version: Add all ingredients except noodles, milk, and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours, then stir in noodles and cheese before serving.
- Healthy Twist: Swap cream cheese for Greek yogurt and use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with garlic bread, cornbread muffins, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Tips & Tricks for Getting It “Just Right”
- Shred the chicken finely – Smaller pieces soak up more flavor and make each spoonful creamy and balanced.
- Add noodles last – Egg noodles cook quickly, so add them near the end to keep them from getting too soft.
- Soften cream cheese first – Room-temperature cream cheese melts smoothly into the broth without clumps.
- Save some bacon for garnish – Stir some into the soup for flavor, but sprinkle extra on top for a crispy finish.
- Adjust thickness to taste – If you like a creamier soup, add more cheese or a splash of heavy cream. If you prefer it lighter, stir in extra chicken broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute Philadelphia for cream cheese in today’s recipe?
Yes, Philadelphia cream cheese is perfect in this recipe-the soup becomes creamy and rich.
Which cream is good for cheesecake?
Heavy cream is best for cheesecake; it lends a velvety smooth texture to the filling.
What is the secret to a great cheesecake?
By mixing room temperature cream cheese slowly so as not to incorporate air bubbles into the mixture plus using a water bath to ensure no cracks.
Can slow cooking work for crack chicken noodle soup?
Sure thing! Just dump all the ingredients-those except noodles and the dairy-into the slow cooker, set it on low, and stir in noodles, cheese, and milk at the last moments.
Video Tutorial
Conclusion
Unlike other meals that may feel like a wet kiss, Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is the kind of comfort food that gently hugs you. It is creamy and cheesy with every comforting taste of home one desires.
I used to be a fan of pasta recipes like Washington DC Red Hen pasta or fennel sausage ragu finished with the pasta water technique; however, this soup has its own charm. It is quick, fulfilling, and an experience that presents variationally arrays with each bite.
It harbors ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and crisp bacon in every spoonful-witnessing the magic a few simple ingredients can weave into a comforting dish.
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Ingredients
Method
- Cook the veggies – In a large pot, butter is melted, after which onions, carrots, and celery are added. Now, give those a nice sauté until softened.
- Add garlic – Stir in the garlic, cooking for roughly 1 minute until aromatic.
- Add broth and seasoning – Add the chicken broth, stir in the ranch dressing mix, and give it good mixing. Bring to a light simmer.
- Add chicken and noodles – Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen egg noodles, cooking until the noodles are tender, around 12 to 15 minutes.
- Creamy time – Keep the heat low, and now stir in cream cheese, milk, and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add bacon – Finally, stir in the crumbled bacon, saving some for garnish.
- Finish and serve – Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Garnish with green onions and bacon just before serving.
Notes
- Shredded Chicken Shortcut: If you are in a hurry, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch. It adds flavor and saves some prep luggage.
- Noodle Alternatives: Egg noodles are classic, but feel free to substitute with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta of your choice.
- Broth Boosters: To give it a richer taste, mix the chicken broth with a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half.
- Adding Vegetables: Common vegetables would include carrots, celery, and peas. However, feel free to add spinach, corn, or mushrooms for something a little different.
- Storage Tip: This thickens as it stands. When reheating the leftovers, add a wee bit extra broth or water to loosen it.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Cook the soup without noodles; add freshly cooked noodles upon reheating to prevent sogginess.
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