Comforting Hearty Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe For Cold Days

Bubbling with comfort and packed with creamy crack chicken noodle soup goodness, this recipe delivers pure warmth in every spoonful.

Tender chicken simmers alongside perfectly cooked noodles, creating a rich and satisfying meal.

The magic of this soup lies in its irresistible blend of savory flavors and creamy textures.

Cheese, ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon bits elevate this classic dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

Each ingredient works together to craft a soul-warming experience that feels like a culinary hug.

Home cooks will love how simple yet spectacular this soup turns out.

Prepare to fall in love with a soup that promises to become your new cold-weather favorite.

FAQs

• What makes this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup different from traditional chicken noodle soup?

This version combines classic chicken soup with bacon, ranch seasoning, and extra cheese, creating a more indulgent and flavorful twist on the traditional recipe.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of shredded chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option and works perfectly in this soup, providing the same delicious flavor and texture.

• Is this soup considered a comfort food?

Yes, this soup is the ultimate comfort food. With its creamy base, cheesy texture, and bacon bits, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

• How can I make this soup a bit healthier?

You can use low-fat cream cheese, reduced-sodium chicken broth, and lean chicken breast to make a lighter version of the soup without compromising too much on flavor.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 368 kcal

Servings: 7

What You Need for Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Bacon: Provides a smoky, rich foundation that adds depth and crunch to the soup.
• Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that brings heartiness and classic soup comfort.

• Celery: Adds fresh crunch and subtle earthy undertones to balance the creamy texture.
• Carrots: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to enhance the soup's visual appeal.

• Chicken Broth: Creates the liquid base with savory chicken essence.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Contributes silky thickness and extra chicken flavor.
• Milk: Smooths out the texture and adds subtle richness.
• Cream Cheese: Delivers luxurious creaminess and tangy undertones.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Injects zesty, herbaceous notes that elevate the overall taste.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melts into gooey strands, adding sharp and tangy complexity.
• Egg Noodles: Provides classic comfort food texture and absorbs surrounding flavors.

• Fresh Parsley: Offers bright, fresh garnish with herbal notes.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and sharpens the soup's final flavor profile.

What You’ll Use for Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking bacon, sautéing vegetables, and preparing the entire soup.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for dicing celery and carrots with precision.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients throughout cooking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurately portioning broth, milk, and seasonings.
• Cheese Grater: Helpful for shredding cheddar cheese and creating a smooth, melty texture.
• Serving Ladle: Ideal for scooping and serving the hot soup into bowls.

Prep & Cook: Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Cook Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a big pot until it turns golden and crispy. Pull out the bacon pieces, leaving behind a hint of delicious grease.

• Veggie Dance

Toss chopped celery and carrots into the bacon-seasoned pot. Let them soften and become tender, releasing their sweet flavors.

• Liquid Gold Creation

Pour in chicken broth, splash of milk, and creamy soup base. Stir in ranch seasoning and cream cheese until everything blends into a smooth, dreamy mixture.

• Chicken Infusion

Drop in shredded chicken and let the soup simmer gently. Allow the flavors to mingle and get to know each other for about 10-15 minutes.

• Noodle Transformation

Break noodles into smaller pieces and slide them into the bubbling pot. Cook until they’re perfectly soft and absorb all the rich flavors.

• Final Flourish

Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top, add a dash of salt and pepper. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with fresh parsley. Serve piping hot and enjoy your comfort in a bowl.

Smart Twists for Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Make It Perfect Every Time
• Crisp the bacon separately to control texture and prevent soggy pieces. Pat bacon dry with paper towels for extra crunchiness.
• Use rotisserie chicken for deeper flavor and easier shredding. Leftover grilled or roasted chicken works wonderfully as a time-saving alternative.
• Whisk cream cheese at room temperature to prevent lumps and ensure smooth blending. Avoid overheating to maintain silky texture.
• Swap traditional noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter version. Replace milk with heavy cream for keto-friendly adaptation.
• Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and noodles. Verify ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free or make your own blend with dried herbs and spices.

How to Serve Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Cozy Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty soup with warm, crusty bread for dipping and soaking up all the delicious broth, creating a comforting meal that brings everyone together around the table.
• Lunch Meal Prep: Pack individual portions in sealed containers for an easy, satisfying work or school lunch that reheats perfectly and keeps you full throughout the day.
• Weekend Game Day Feast: Pair the soup with crispy garlic breadsticks or a fresh green salad to create a complete meal that's perfect for watching sports or enjoying a relaxed weekend gathering.
• Chilly Evening Comfort: Top each bowl with extra shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and additional crumbled bacon for an indulgent twist that elevates this already amazing soup to new comfort food heights.

Store Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Like a Pro

• Store leftover soup in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring maximum flavor preservation.
• Carefully transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, keeping for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop.
• Warm soup slowly over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent noodles from becoming mushy. Add a splash of chicken broth if the soup seems too thick after refrigeration.
• If planning to freeze, consider storing noodles separately from the soup base to maintain optimal texture when reheating.

Hearty Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Creamy crack chicken noodle soup blends comfort and excitement in one hearty bowl. Homemade goodness combines tender chicken, rich broth, and cheesy noodles that will satisfy anyone craving a delicious meal.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 (8 oz/226 g) package cream cheese, softened
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups milk (or heavy cream for a richer soup)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz/28 g)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Flavor Foundation: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Sauté diced onions until translucent, then quickly integrate minced garlic to release its aromatic potential.
2. Chicken Infusion: Pour chicken broth into the pot and submerge whole chicken breasts. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer until chicken becomes fork-tender, approximately 15-20 minutes.
3. Protein Preparation: Remove chicken from broth and systematically shred using two forks. Return succulent meat pieces back to the simmering liquid, maintaining the soup’s robust flavor profile.
4. Creamy Transformation: Whisk cream cheese into the broth until completely dissolved. Incorporate ranch seasoning and milk, creating a smooth, luxurious base that coats the palate with rich, tangy notes.
5. Noodle Integration: Add egg noodles directly into the creamy broth, allowing them to cook and absorb the intricate flavors. Sprinkle cheddar cheese throughout, stirring until it melts into a velvety consistency.
6. Final Flourish: Fold in crispy, crumbled bacon for an additional layer of texture and depth. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
7. Serving Presentation: Ladle the steaming soup into warmed bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, ensuring each spoonful delivers maximum flavor and comfort.

Notes

• Control Chicken Cooking: Simmer chicken breasts gently to prevent toughening, ensuring they remain juicy and tender by monitoring internal temperature reaching 165°F.
• Prevent Cream Cheese Clumping: Soften cream cheese at room temperature and whisk gradually into warm broth to create smooth, lump-free texture without separation.
• Manage Noodle Consistency: Add egg noodles towards end of cooking to avoid overcooking, which can make them mushy. Cook only until al dente for perfect texture.
• Customize Dietary Adaptations: Substitute dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk or cashew cream for lactose-intolerant diets. Use gluten-free noodles and verify ranch seasoning ingredients for celiac-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 368
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 710 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 87 mg