Crack Chicken Noodle Soup: The Ultimate Comfort Dish
If you’re craving a warm, hearty, and creamy soup that’s perfect for any season, Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food. Combining the rich flavors of shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ingredients like cream cheese and Ranch dressing mix, this soup is designed to be utterly irresistible. The addition of tender noodles and cheddar cheese makes it filling and satisfying, while the bacon provides that perfect crispy texture to balance the creamy richness of the soup.
Whether you’re making it on a chilly day or simply in need of a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl, this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup will not disappoint. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, especially when using rotisserie chicken to save time. Let’s dive into the ingredients, steps, and tips for making this flavorful soup.
Why You’ll Love Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
What makes this soup truly “crack” is the combination of rich, creamy textures and savory flavors that come together in every bite. It’s the creamy, tangy Ranch dressing mix paired with the softness of cream cheese and chicken, all melded together with a hearty broth. The bacon adds a salty crunch, and the cheddar cheese brings a rich, comforting flavor. The noodles perfectly absorb the flavors, making each spoonful both satisfying and flavorful.
Ingredients for Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Before you get started, here’s what you’ll need to make this comforting soup:
For the Soup:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded or chopped chicken breast (rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for this recipe, saving time and adding extra flavor)
- 1 (10.5 oz.) can condensed chicken soup (this forms the creamy base of the soup)
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock (using low-sodium broth helps keep the soup flavorful without being too salty)
- 1 cup whole milk (adds creaminess without being too heavy)
- ½ cup chopped celery (adds a fresh crunch and earthy flavor)
- 2 medium carrots, sliced (sweetness and color to complement the other ingredients)
- 1 (1 oz.) packet Ranch dressing mix (the key ingredient that gives the soup its tangy, creamy flavor)
- 12 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled (the crispy bacon adds the perfect crunch and flavor)
- 1½ cups shredded mild cheddar cheese (adds richness and creaminess to the soup)
- ¾ cup cream cheese, softened (creates an ultra-creamy texture that brings everything together)
- 8 oz. thin spaghetti or angel hair, uncooked (absorbs the soup’s flavors and adds heartiness)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Follow these simple steps to create a comforting, creamy, and delicious soup:
Step 1: Prepare the Bacon
Start by cooking 12 slices of thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the pan, drain it on paper towels, and crumble it into small pieces. Set the crumbled bacon aside to use later as a topping.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Dutch Oven
In a large Dutch oven, combine the following ingredients:
- 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz.) of condensed chicken soup
- 6 cups of low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup of whole milk
- ¾ cup of softened cream cheese
- ½ cup of chopped celery
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 packet of Ranch dressing mix
Stir the ingredients together until well combined. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Simmer the Soup
Once the soup reaches a boil, reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the carrots and celery are tender and the flavors have melded together. The soup will begin to thicken as the cream cheese melts into the broth.
Step 4: Add Noodles and Cheese
Add 8 oz. of uncooked thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta to the pot. Stir in 1½ cups of shredded mild cheddar cheese, continuing to simmer the soup until the noodles are fully cooked and tender. The cheese will melt, adding an extra layer of richness to the soup.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the noodles are cooked, taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls, and top each serving with extra crumbled bacon for added crunch and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but you can pair it with some delicious sides to complete your meal:
- Crusty Bread or Rolls: A perfect side to dip into the creamy soup.
- Garlic Bread: A flavorful option that pairs beautifully with this comforting soup.
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the soup.
- Cornbread: For a slightly sweet side that complements the savory soup.
Tips for Perfect Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great option. It adds depth of flavor and saves you the time of cooking the chicken yourself.
- Customize the Noodles: If you prefer a different type of pasta, feel free to swap out the thin spaghetti or angel hair for another variety like egg noodles or penne.
- Adjust the Creaminess: You can adjust the level of creaminess by adding more or less cream cheese and milk, depending on your preferences.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a little heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the soup.
Why This Soup is Perfect for Any Occasion
This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is not only the ultimate comfort food but also a crowd-pleaser. Its creamy, savory flavor profile makes it ideal for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you’re looking to feed a hungry crowd. The combination of chicken, bacon, cheese, and Ranch dressing creates a unique and satisfying flavor that’s unlike any other soup.
Whether you’re craving something rich and hearty for a cold day or you simply want a dish that will make your family smile, this soup will hit the spot. It’s easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: Varies (typically 6-8 servings)
Calories per serving: Approximately 400 kcal (depending on serving size)