Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe 🍗🍜
This creamy, cheesy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a comfort food dream, perfect for cozy nights and satisfying cravings. The rich flavors of tender chicken, smoky bacon, and cheesy goodness come together in a single pot, making it a hit with family and friends. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 1 (8-ounce) package of egg noodles
– 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
– 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Also Read: Best Snickerdoodles Recipe: Don’t Miss This Treat!
Directions:
1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and releases a fragrant aroma. This step adds a delicious base of flavor to the soup.
2. Add Broth and Chicken:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once the broth starts to bubble, add the shredded chicken. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
3. Cook the Noodles:
Add the egg noodles to the pot, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Let the noodles cook in the broth for about 8-10 minutes, or until they reach your desired tenderness. Cooking the noodles in the broth enhances their flavor and gives them a creamy texture as they soak up the broth.
4. Make It Creamy and Cheesy:
Lower the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, softened cream cheese, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir continuously until the cheeses are completely melted and the soup reaches a smooth, creamy consistency. This step is essential to achieve the rich, thick texture that makes this soup so indulgent.
Also Read: RIBEYE STEAK WITH CHEESY SCALLOPED POTATOES
5. Season to Perfection:
Taste the soup and add salt and pepper as needed. Adjust the seasonings based on your preference, keeping in mind that the bacon and ranch seasoning add a savory flavor, so start with a small amount of salt and increase if needed.
6. Let It Rest and Thicken:
Turn off the heat and let the soup sit for a few minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly, making it even creamier.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a hint of freshness that balances the richness of the soup.
Tips for Making the Best Crack Chicken Noodle Soup:
– Use Leftover or Rotisserie Chicken:
This recipe is a fantastic way to use leftover chicken. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully as it’s already seasoned and easy to shred, saving you time and adding great flavor.
– Cook the Bacon Until Crispy:
Crispy bacon not only enhances the texture but also brings out its smoky flavor. You can cook the bacon in a skillet or bake it in the oven for a mess-free option.
– Opt for Freshly Grated Cheese:
Freshly grated cheddar melts more smoothly and evenly into the soup compared to pre-shredded cheese, which often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting completely.
Also Read: Lazy Double Smash Burger and Chips Recipe
– Experiment with Add-Ins:
This soup can be customized to suit your tastes. Try adding vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or even spinach for added nutrition. You could also experiment with other types of noodles if you prefer something different from egg noodles.
– Control the Consistency:
If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the chicken broth by ½ cup. Alternatively, if you’d like a thinner soup, add a little extra chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
– Make It Spicy:
For a bit of a kick, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions:
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few side options:
– Crusty Bread or Rolls:
The rich, creamy soup is delicious when paired with warm bread, which is perfect for soaking up every last drop.
– Side Salad:
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is an excellent way to balance the richness of the soup.
– Roasted Vegetables:
For a hearty meal, serve with a side of roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. The vegetables provide a nice contrast in texture and flavor.
Also Read: Deliciously Crispy Lobster Bites with Garlic Butter Sauce
Storing and Reheating:
– Storage:
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since it contains cream, avoid freezing as the texture may change upon thawing.
– Reheating:
To reheat, place the soup in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore its creamy consistency if it has thickened.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
This recipe serves approximately six people. Nutritional values will vary depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used, but here’s a general idea:
– Calories: ~450-500
– Protein: ~25g
– Carbohydrates: ~15g
– Fats: ~35g
This soup is a hearty, indulgent meal best enjoyed occasionally as a treat. For a lighter option, consider substituting the heavy cream with half-and-half or reducing the amount of cheese and bacon.
Total Time:
– Prep Time: 10 minutes
– Cook Time: 20 minutes
– Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield:
– Servings: 6 bowls of creamy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Enjoy this flavorful Crack Chicken Noodle Soup with your family and friends. It’s a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a comforting, homestyle appeal that’s sure to become a family favorite!
- Potato and Bacon Soup Recipe: The Ultimate Comfort in a Bowl
- Scrumptiously Rustic No-Knead Rosemary Garlic Bread Recipe
- Taco Cupcakes: The Ultimate Bite-Sized Fiesta for Any Occasion
- Crispy Fish Fingers and Perfectly Golden Fries Recipe
- Cream Cheese Corn Casserole Recipe
- Beef and Macaroni Soup A Scrumptious Twist on a Classic form
- Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, and Zucchini
- Reuben Fritters Recipe
- Surf and Turf: Ribeye Steak with Garlic Butter Shrimp
