Crack Chicken Noodle Soup: Creamy, Comforting, and Addictively Delicious

How to Make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

Here’s how to make this cozy and delicious soup:

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving a bit of bacon grease in the pot for added flavor.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Add the diced onion, carrots, celery, and garlic to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
3. Add Chicken and Broth: Add the chicken pieces and chicken broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. Add Ranch Seasoning and Cream Cheese: Stir in the ranch seasoning and cream cheese. Continue stirring until the cream cheese has melted and is fully incorporated, creating a creamy base.
5. Add Noodles and Cheese: Add the egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package instructions until they’re tender. Stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Season and Garnish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Crumble the cooked bacon over the top and stir gently to combine.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh herbs if desired, and serve hot.

Pro Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Keep It Creamy: Make sure the cream cheese is softened or cubed before adding it to help it melt smoothly.
• Cook Noodles Separately (Optional): For leftovers, cook the noodles separately and add them to each bowl to prevent them from absorbing too much liquid in the fridge.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust the ranch seasoning to suit your preference.

Variations and Substitutions

• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
• Add More Veggies: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for additional nutrients.
• Lighten It Up: For a lighter version, use low-fat cream cheese and swap some of the cheese with a sprinkle of Parmesan for flavor.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles or rice instead of egg noodles.

Storing and Serving Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

This soup makes great leftovers, as it only gets more flavorful after a day or two in the fridge!

• In the Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to reach desired consistency.
• In the Freezer: You can freeze the soup without the noodles for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then add cooked noodles when reheating to avoid mushy noodles.