Description
Savory Crack Chicken Noodle Soup delivers comfort in a single spoonful, blending creamy textures with rich chicken flavor. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll want to share with family and friends.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (710 ml) cooked shredded or diced chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 12 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- 6 cups (1.4 l) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz (226 g) thin spaghetti, angel hair pasta, or other noodles
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ cup celery, chopped
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 packet (1 oz/28 g) ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon in a large pot until golden, remove and set aside, leaving a thin layer of rendered fat for cooking.
- Vegetable Sauté: Introduce diced celery and carrots to the bacon-infused pot, cooking until vegetables soften and become translucent.
- Liquid Base Creation: Pour chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk into the vegetable mixture, whisking to form a smooth, creamy foundation.
- Cheese and Seasoning Integration: Blend softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning into the liquid, stirring until completely dissolved and thoroughly incorporated.
- Chicken and Simmer Stage: Add shredded chicken to the simmering mixture, allowing flavors to meld for 10-12 minutes on gentle heat.
- Noodle and Cheese Incorporation: Submerge noodles into the soup, stirring occasionally, and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until pasta is tender and cheese melts completely.
- Final Flourish: Garnish with reserved bacon pieces, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and optionally top with fresh parsley for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Select High-Quality Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crispy texture, ensuring it renders properly and provides a rich base for the soup.
- Cream Cheese Melting Technique: Soften cream cheese at room temperature and whisk gradually to prevent lumps, creating a smooth and creamy soup consistency.
- Prevent Noodle Overcooking: Add noodles in the last 10-12 minutes of cooking to maintain perfect al dente texture and prevent mushiness, stirring occasionally to distribute evenly.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular milk with almond or oat milk for lactose-free version; use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and noodles for celiac-friendly adaptation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg