This website may include affiliate links and advertisements, allowing us to share delicious recipes with you. Please review my disclosure policy for more information. Get ready to fall in love with this crack chicken noodle soup! It’s a delightful blend of shredded chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and tender noodles all enveloped in a creamy broth that will leave you craving more after just one spoonful!
Why You’ll Adore This Recipe
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Incredibly Tasty: The name “crack chicken noodle soup” says it all! Its rich flavors will have you coming back for seconds.
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Quick and Simple: In approximately 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal that your entire family will enjoy.
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Warm and Comforting: There’s nothing quite like a bowl of chicken noodle soup on chilly days—especially when it’s infused with those irresistible crack-inspired flavors! If this recipe excites your taste buds, be sure to check out my crack breakfast casserole, crack chicken sliders, and crack chicken dip!
Essential Ingredients
This easy-to-make crack chicken noodle soup features budget-friendly ingredients that come together to create the ultimate comfort dish. For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card at the end of this post.
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Shredded Chicken: I recommend using rotisserie chicken for its convenience and flavor.
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Butter: Adds richness while sautéing the vegetables.
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Onion: Provides a savory base flavor.
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Carrots: Contributes subtle sweetness and texture.
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Celery: A classic addition in any good chicken noodle soup!
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Garlic: Elevates both aroma and taste.
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Chicken Broth: The flavorful foundation of your soup.
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Dry Ranch Dressing Mix: The key ingredient that makes this dish truly special; feel free to use store-bought or homemade ranch seasoning.
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Frozen Egg Noodles: Perfectly absorbent for the broth while adding delightful texture.
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Bacon: Introduces crispy bits throughout the dish for added smokiness.
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Cream Cheese & Half-and-Half (or Whole Milk): These create an ultra-creamy consistency that’s hard to resist!
How to Prepare Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Crack chicken noodle soup is one of my go-to meals during colder months because it’s warm, comforting, and incredibly easy to prepare! Pair it with crusty bread or serve it in a bread bowl for an extra treat. Here’s how you can whip it up:
1. Sauté Vegetables: – Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. - Add onion, carrots, celery; cook until softened (about 5 minutes). - Stir in garlic; sauté briefly until fragrant (about 1 minute).
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Combine Ingredients: – Pour in the chicken broth along with ranch dressing mix.
- Add shredded rotisserie chicken and cooked bacon; stir well.
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Cook Noodles: - Incorporate frozen egg noodles into the mixture. – Simmer until noodles are tender (approximately 10 minutes).
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Add Cheeses:
- Mix in cream cheese followed by shredded cheddar cheese.
- Heat gently until cheeses melt into creamy goodness.
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Serve:
- Ladle into bowls topped with extra cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon bits, chopped green onions—season with salt and pepper as desired.
Tips & Variations
This has quickly become one of my family’s favorite soups! Here are some helpful tips along with variations so you can customize it just how you like:
#### Dairy Options Instead of half-and-half or whole milk for creaminess—you can opt for heavy cream if you’re looking for something richer!
Noodle Choices
While frozen egg noodles work wonders here due to their homemade-like texture—you can substitute them easily with packaged egg noodles or even elbow macaroni/shell pasta if needed!
#### Bacon Alternatives Using precooked bacon simplifies preparation significantly! For lighter options consider turkey bacon instead without sacrificing flavor too much!
Cream Cheese Tip
Ensure your cream cheese is softened before adding—it melts better into your delicious concoction without leaving lumps behind!
Storing Leftovers
Refrigeration
Once cooled down properly—store leftover soup inside an airtight container within your fridge where it’ll stay fresh up till about 3–4 days maximum!
Freezing
You can also make this ahead by freezing portions after cooling completely—just place them inside ziplock bags laid flat which allows easier storage later on—for about three months!
Reheating Instructions
To reheat simply warm on stovetop/microwave till heated through again—and add splashes of either broth/milk if necessary—to restore moisture levels!
More Cozy Soup Recipes
When temperatures drop outside—I find joy creating warm comforting soups at home! Check out some family favorites from my extensive list including various other delightful recipes perfect during wintertime!
Pin this recipe now so you’ll always have access later on when cravings strike again!