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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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