Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

Looking for a warm, hearty dish that combines the creamy richness of cheese with the comforting flavors of chicken noodle soup? Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a deliciously addictive recipe perfect for chilly days or whenever you’re craving something savory and filling. Packed with tender chicken, noodles, crispy bacon, and an irresistible blend of cheese and ranch seasoning, this soup is bound to be a hit with everyone in the family.

In this article, we’ll break down how to make this mouth-watering Crack Chicken Noodle Soup, as well as tips for enhancing its flavor and storage recommendations.

Ingredients

To make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter – for sautéing the vegetables
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups chicken broth – to add depth to the soup base
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix – for that classic crack flavor
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 ½ cups egg noodles
• 1 cup heavy cream – for extra creaminess
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

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1. Prepare Ingredients: Start by prepping all ingredients. Cook and crumble the bacon, shred the chicken, and dice the onion and garlic.
2. Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic and cook until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant (about 2-3 minutes).
3. Add Broth and Seasoning: Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the ranch seasoning. Bring to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld for about 5 minutes.
4. Add Chicken and Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded chicken and softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese melts and fully incorporates, creating a creamy base.
5. Add Noodles and Cheese: Stir in the egg noodles, cheddar cheese, and heavy cream. Allow the soup to simmer for about 10 minutes or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Finish with Bacon and Seasonings: Stir in the crumbled bacon and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let everything simmer together for another 2 minutes.
7. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy your Crack Chicken Noodle Soup hot!

Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: This saves time and adds flavor.
2. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker soup, add more cream cheese. For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with milk.
3. Cook Noodles Separately: To avoid overly soft noodles, cook them separately and add them to each bowl before serving. This is especially useful if you plan to store leftovers.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Refrigeration: Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: This soup can be frozen, though the noodles may become softer after thawing. Consider freezing without the noodles, then adding freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out.

Health Benefits of Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a hearty and filling dish that provides protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the cream and cheese. You can enhance its nutrition by adding vegetables such as carrots, celery, or spinach, which boost fiber and essential vitamins.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: This soup comes together quickly and can be made in one pot.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The creamy, cheesy, and savory taste makes it a family favorite.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Enjoy it for a few days by reheating or freezing for later!

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food. It’s easy, flavorful, and loaded with everything you need to warm up on a cold day. With its blend of chicken, noodles, bacon, and creamy cheese, this soup is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation. Give this recipe a try and let your family enjoy the rich, delicious taste of Crack Chicken Noodle Soup!

Serving and Storage Tips for Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

Serving Suggestions

1. Garnish for Extra Flavor: Top each bowl with additional crumbled bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, or fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
2. Serve with Bread: Crack Chicken Noodle Soup pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic bread, or soft dinner rolls to soak up the creamy broth.
3. Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the soup and adds a refreshing crunch.

Storage Tips

1. Refrigeration: Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Be sure to cool the soup to room temperature before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
2. Freezing: While the soup can be frozen, the noodles may become soft upon thawing. To maintain the best texture, consider freezing the soup without the noodles, then adding freshly cooked noodles when you reheat it. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
3. Reheating: Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from sticking or clumping. If the soup has thickened in the fridge or freezer, add a bit of chicken broth or milk to thin it out to your preferred consistency.

These serving and storage tips will help you get the most flavor out of your Crack Chicken Noodle Soup, whether you’re enjoying it fresh, as leftovers, or reheated from frozen!

1. Can I make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! To make this soup in a slow cooker, add all ingredients except the noodles, cheddar cheese, and cream. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Add the noodles, cheddar cheese, and cream about 20-30 minutes before serving, and cook until the noodles are tender.

2. Can I substitute the cream cheese or heavy cream with something lighter?
Absolutely. For a lighter version, you can replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese. You can also use milk instead of heavy cream, though the soup will be slightly less rich.

3. How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?
If you’re planning to store leftovers, it’s best to cook the noodles separately and add them to each bowl when serving. This way, the noodles stay firm even after reheating.

4. What other vegetables can I add to the soup?
You can add carrots, celery, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor. Dice them finely and sauté with the onions, or add leafy greens like spinach toward the end of cooking to keep them tender but vibrant.

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