Description
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is an incredibly flavorful and comforting dish that combines the creamy, cheesy richness of “crack chicken” with the classic warmth of chicken noodle soup. This recipe takes the best of both worlds, delivering a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for cozy nights in, potlucks, or whenever you need a little culinary comfort. Imagine tender shredded chicken, savory bacon, creamy cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles swimming in a flavorful broth seasoned with Ranch dressing mix. It’s an explosion of flavor in every spoonful! This dish is so addictive, it’s sure to become a family favorite. It’s easy to make, uses readily available ingredients, and is guaranteed to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup for several reasons:
- Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, and Ranch dressing mix creates a symphony of savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s an addictive blend that keeps you coming back for more.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This soup is the ultimate comfort food. Warm, creamy, and packed with satisfying ingredients, it’s perfect for chilly evenings or when you’re feeling under the weather. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Easy to Make: Despite its complex and delicious flavor profile, this soup is surprisingly easy to make. It requires minimal prep work and comes together quickly, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences. Add more vegetables, use different types of cheese, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. It’s a versatile base that allows you to get creative in the kitchen.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This soup is a guaranteed hit at potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need to feed a crowd. Its delicious flavor and satisfying texture make it a winner with both adults and children.
- Uses Simple Ingredients: The ingredients needed are typically staples or easily attainable from any grocery store. No need for specialty items or hours spent sourcing the components.
Ingredients:
Protein & Dairy:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup whole milk
Soup Base:
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 (10.5 oz.) can condensed chicken soup
Seasoning & Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 (1 oz.) packet Ranch dressing mix
- 12 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
Vegetables:
- ½ cup chopped celery
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
Noodles:
- 8 oz. thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta, uncooked
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Begin by cooking the thick-cut bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Continuously monitor and turn the bacon to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The goal is to achieve a crispy texture with a rich, smoky flavor. Once cooked, transfer the bacon slices to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Allow the bacon to cool slightly, then crumble it into small pieces. Reserve a small portion of the crumbled bacon for garnish. The crispy bacon adds a salty, savory element that complements the creamy soup beautifully.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Large Pot
Select a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot for preparing the soup. This type of pot distributes heat evenly, preventing scorching and ensuring that the ingredients cook uniformly. Add the cooked shredded chicken, condensed chicken soup, low-sodium chicken stock, whole milk, softened cream cheese, chopped celery, sliced carrots, and Ranch dressing mix to the pot. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to combine, breaking up any clumps of cream cheese to ensure a smooth and creamy base.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Place the Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a simmer. Allow the soup to simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering process allows the flavors to meld together and the vegetables to soften, creating a richer and more complex flavor profile. Be sure to stir regularly to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Add Noodles and Cheese
After simmering, stir in the uncooked thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta and the shredded cheddar cheese. Ensure that the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid to cook evenly. Continue to simmer the soup for another 8–10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the cheddar cheese has melted completely. Stir frequently to prevent the noodles from sticking together and to ensure that the cheese is fully incorporated into the soup, creating a creamy and cheesy texture.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the noodles are cooked and the cheese is melted, remove the soup from the heat. Ladle the Crack Chicken Noodle Soup into individual bowls. Garnish each serving with the reserved crumbled bacon. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of this delicious soup. It is best enjoyed hot, ensuring the creamy cheese and savory bacon are at their prime.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping into the creamy soup.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich soup.
- Crackers: Offer a side of crackers for added texture and flavor.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Pair with a classic grilled cheese sandwich for an extra comforting meal.
- Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread complements the savory flavors of the soup.
Tips:
- Rotisserie Chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Stock: Opt for low-sodium chicken stock to control the salt content.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Ensure the cream cheese is softened for smoother incorporation into the soup.
- Customize Vegetables: Add other vegetables like corn, peas, or green beans to customize the soup to your liking.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Colby Jack or Monterey Jack, for a unique flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
35 minutes
Total Time:
50 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Estimated, per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a delightful and easy-to-make recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its irresistible combination of flavors, creamy texture, and comforting warmth make it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this soup delivers on all fronts. The customizable nature of the recipe allows you to adjust the ingredients to your preferences, ensuring a personalized and satisfying culinary experience. So, gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of this addictive and flavorful Crack Chicken Noodle Soup. You won’t be disappointed!
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use pre-cooked bacon bits instead of cooking bacon from scratch?
A: While you can use pre-cooked bacon bits for convenience, cooking bacon from scratch and crumbling it yourself will provide a significantly better flavor and texture. Freshly cooked bacon has a richer, smokier flavor and a crispier texture that enhances the overall taste of the soup. If you’re short on time, pre-cooked bacon bits are an acceptable substitute, but for the best results, opt for cooking your own bacon. Also, bacon adds fat, which is a necessary part of the flavor of this dish.
Q2: Can I substitute the noodles with a gluten-free option?
A: Absolutely! You can easily substitute the regular noodles with a gluten-free alternative. There are many gluten-free pasta options available, such as rice noodles, corn noodles, or quinoa noodles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions of the gluten-free noodles you choose, as they may cook differently than regular pasta. This will ensure that your soup is both delicious and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Q3: How can I make this soup spicier?
A: If you enjoy a bit of heat, there are several ways to add a spicy kick to this soup. You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes while simmering the soup, or stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Another option is to use a spicy Ranch dressing mix instead of the regular one. You could also add some chopped jalapeños or a few dashes of cayenne pepper to the soup base for a more intense heat. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference, tasting as you go.
Q4: Can I freeze this soup for later?
A: While you can freeze this soup, the texture of the noodles and cheese may change slightly upon thawing. The noodles can become a bit mushy, and the cheese might separate slightly. To minimize these changes, it’s best to freeze the soup without the noodles. Cook the noodles separately when you’re ready to reheat the soup. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. When reheating, add the cooked noodles and a little extra chicken broth if needed to restore the desired consistency.
Q5: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients except the noodles and cheddar cheese in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. During the last 30 minutes of cooking, stir in the uncooked noodles and cheddar cheese. Cook until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted. This is a great option for a hands-off, convenient meal.
