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Get ready for the ultimate comfort food – my creamy crack chicken noodle soup! It’s a hit online for good reasons. It’s creamy, flavorful, with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch broth.
This soup stands out with shredded chicken, condensed chicken soup, and low-sodium chicken stock. It also has whole milk, carrots, and celery. Ranch dressing mix, bacon, cheddar cheese, and cream cheese boost the flavor. Additionally, spaghetti or angel hair pasta adds a lovely texture.
Looking for a cozy meal or a family-friendly dish? This soup is perfect. It’s easy to make, reheats well, and will be a hit at home.
Key Takeaways
- Creamy, comforting crack chicken noodle soup recipe
- Combines shredded chicken, bacon, ranch seasoning, and a creamy broth
- Easy to make and perfect for families
- Suitable for cold weather and leftovers
- Customizable with different protein and flavor options
The Ultimate Comfort Food Evolution
This creamy chicken noodle soup is a mix of traditional homemade chicken soup and “crack chicken.” It’s loved for its rich, comforting taste that pleases everyone.
Origins of Crack Chicken
Crack chicken started as a slow cooker recipe. It has tender chicken, tangy cream cheese, zesty ranch, and crispy bacon and melted cheese. This soup combines those flavors with homemade creamy chicken noodle soup.
Why This Recipe Went Viral
This homemade chicken soup recipe is loved for its addictive taste. The creamy broth, tangy ranch, and rich cream cheese make it irresistible. Add tender chicken and hearty noodles, and it’s a hit with families.
But it’s not just about the taste. Its easy to make, versatile, and pleases even the pickiest eaters. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a dish to share with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Addictive Soup Recipe
If you love comforting chicken soup, you’ll adore this crack chicken noodle soup. It’s creamy, full of flavor, and ready in less than 30 minutes. It’s perfect for cold winter days.
This soup stands out because of its unique mix of ingredients. Cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and bacon combine to make it irresistibly tasty.
The soup reheats well, so you can enjoy it for days. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences. It’s great for a comforting chicken soup or a delicious crack chicken noodle dish.
The secret to this soup is its creamy, savory, and indulgent flavors. Cream cheese and heavy cream make it rich. Ranch seasoning and bacon add a burst of flavor. Tender chicken and cooked noodles make it filling.
This soup is perfect for a cozy dinner or to impress guests. It’s a new favorite for many families. Get ready to enjoy the best in chicken soup ingredients and comforting chicken soup.
Essential Ingredients for Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
To make the best creamy chicken soup, easy chicken noodle soup, or homemade chicken noodle soup, you need the right ingredients. Let’s look at the key parts that make this soup stand out.
Key Protein Components
The soup’s heart is the chicken. You’ll need 2 medium boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. They should be cooked and diced or shredded for a good texture and taste.
Dairy and Cheese Elements
This recipe needs 1 1/2 cups of homemade condensed chicken soup, 1 cup of whole milk, and 3/4 cup of cream cheese for creaminess. Also, 1 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese add a cheesy flavor.
Vegetables and Seasonings
For fresh flavors, use 1/2 cup of chopped celery, 2 medium sliced carrots, and 1 teaspoon of ranch dressing mix. Garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill also boost the taste.
12 slices of crispy bacon add a savory, smoky flavor to the soup.
With these ingredients, you’re set to make a comforting, creamy chicken soup that everyone will enjoy.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the tasty chicken noodle soup with crackers or the quick chicken noodle soup, you need some basic tools. A big Dutch oven or stockpot is key for simmering the soup. A sharp knife helps chop fresh veggies like carrots and celery, adding flavor and texture.
Measuring cups and spoons are needed for the right amounts of ingredients. This ensures the flavors are just right. A wooden spoon or sturdy spatula is great for stirring the soup. And, a ladle is essential for serving hot bowls of this comforting chicken noodle soup.
While not necessary, some extra tools can help. A cheese grater is useful for shredding cheese to top the soup. A can opener is handy for opening canned soup. With these tools, you’re ready to make a delicious chicken noodle soup with crackers or a quick chicken noodle soup that will warm your heart.
| Kitchen Tool/Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Large Dutch Oven or Stockpot | Simmering the soup |
| Sharp Knife | Chopping vegetables |
| Measuring Cups and Spoons | Accurately portioning ingredients |
| Wooden Spoon or Spatula | Gently stirring the soup |
| Ladle | Serving the soup |
| Cheese Grater (optional) | Shredding cheese toppings |
| Can Opener (optional) | Opening canned ingredients |
With these essentials, you’re set to make a wonderful batch of chicken noodle soup with crackers or a quick and cozy chicken noodle soup in no time.
Preparation Tips Before You Start Cooking
Before you start making the healthy chicken noodle soup or the best chicken noodle soup, there are a few steps to take. These steps will make sure your cooking goes smoothly. Let’s look at some key tips to help you begin.
Chicken Preparation Methods
For the chicken, you have a few choices. Pre-cooked shredded chicken or rotisserie chicken save time. Or, you can cook chicken breasts or thighs yourself. Just poach or bake them, then shred or dice them.
Vegetable Cutting Techniques
- Dice the onions, carrots, and celery into small pieces for even cooking.
- Finely mince the garlic cloves to extract the maximum flavor.
- Make sure to cut other veggies like potatoes or mushrooms into similar sizes.
Chopping, slicing, and measuring ingredients ahead of time makes cooking easier. It keeps you organized too.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken broth | 2 quarts (48 ounces) |
| Boneless, skinless chicken thighs | About 1 1/4 pounds |
| Whole wheat egg noodles | 5–6 ounces (3-4 cups) |
| Avocado oil or olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion, diced | 1 1/2 cups |
| Diced carrots | 1 – 1 1/2 cups |
| Diced celery | 1 – 1 1/2 cups |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Garlic cloves, minced | 2–3 |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Poultry seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
Be sure to let the cream cheese soften to room temperature. Also, cook and crumble the bacon early if you’re using it as a topping.
Preparing ingredients ahead of time lets you focus on cooking. This way, you can make a delicious healthy chicken noodle soup or best chicken noodle soup easily.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Get ready to make a comforting homemade chicken soup that will make your taste buds happy! This easy chicken soup recipe is simple to follow. The results are amazing. Let’s look at the step-by-step instructions.
- Start by sautéing the aromatic vegetables. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Next, it’s time to add the flavor boosters. Sprinkle in a tablespoon of all-purpose flour and stir to coat the vegetables. Let the flour cook for a minute or two, then gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring the quick chicken noodle soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Now, it’s time to add the pasta. Drop in the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
- Lastly, the creamy magic happens. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded chicken, milk, and cream cheese. Keep stirring until the cream cheese is completely melted, giving the soup a rich, velvety texture.
The entire cooking process takes about 30-35 minutes, from start to finish. Be sure to stir the soup occasionally, when melting the cream cheese, to prevent any curdling. And voila, your creamy crack chicken noodle soup is ready to serve and savor!
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings | Calories per serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 45 minutes | 8 | 699 kcal |
Creating the Perfect Creamy Base
To make the best creamy chicken noodle soup, start with a rich base. Use whole milk for a velvety texture. This will make your soup creamy and delicious.
Achieving the Right Consistency
It’s important to get the soup’s consistency just right. If the soup is too thick, add more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, make a cornstarch slurry by mixing 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. Then, whisk it into the soup slowly until it thickens.
Incorporating Cream Cheese Tips
- Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the soup. This will prevent any unwanted curdling or clumping.
- Gently simmer the soup when incorporating the cream cheese, stirring frequently to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency throughout.
- If the soup seems a bit too thick after adding the cream cheese, feel free to thin it out with a splash of extra chicken broth.
Follow these tips to make a creamy chicken noodle soup that’s amazing. You’ll enjoy a bowl of comfort and indulgence!
Adding and Cooking the Noodles
Adding noodles makes this homemade chicken noodle soup a true comfort food. I use thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta. This lets the noodles cook in the broth, soaking up all the flavors.
Cooking the noodles for 5-6 minutes is perfect. It makes them tender but not mushy. Stirring occasionally prevents them from sticking together.
For gluten-free noodles, cook them 2-3 minutes less. This keeps them from falling apart. The aim is perfectly cooked noodles.
Letting noodles simmer in the broth is key. This gives them the ideal texture and flavor. This makes the soup incredibly comforting and satisfying.
The Secret Behind the Ranch Seasoning
The secret ingredient in this crack chicken soup is ranch seasoning. This makes the soup comforting and delicious, with a blend of herbs like dill, chives, and parsley, along with garlic and onion powders.
If you like making things yourself, you can make your own ranch seasoning. This way, you can adjust the flavors to match your taste. It makes sure the seasoning goes well with the creamy soup base. This results in a dish that’s both balanced and addictive.
Flavor Enhancement Techniques
- Use one packet of dry ranch dressing mix for optimal flavor
- Experiment with homemade ranch seasoning blends, adjusting the herb and spice ratios to your taste
- Ensure the ranch seasoning complements the creamy base without dominating the other flavors
- Incorporate the seasoning during the cooking process to allow the flavors to meld and enhance the overall soup
The secret to this crack chicken soup is the ranch seasoning. It makes the best chicken noodle soup irresistibly tasty.
Bacon Preparation and Integration
Ah, the secret ingredient that makes this crack chicken noodle soup amazing – bacon! Making the perfect comforting chicken soup means paying attention to every detail. That’s why we focus on how we prepare and add the bacon.
Choose thick-cut bacon for the best results. Cook it until it’s crispy, then drain the grease and crumble it. Save some crispy bits to garnish the soup, adding a smoky-salty flavor.
Now, for the magic – add most of the bacon to the soup as it cooks. This lets the bacon flavor mix into the creamy broth, making it taste even better. For extra flavor, use bacon grease instead of olive oil when cooking the veggies. It’s a flavor bomb!
If you’re short on time or like pre-cooked bacon bits, that’s okay. Just add them towards the end to keep them crispy.
The bacon is the secret to this crack chicken noodle soup. It adds a smoky, salty flavor to the rich broth. With crispy bacon in every bite, this soup will be a hit in your home.
Customization Options and Variations
This creamy chicken noodle soup recipe is super versatile. You can change the spice level or make it fit your diet. It’s easy to make this comforting dish your own.
Spice Level Adjustments
Want more heat? Add diced jalapeños, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to the soup. Start with a little and adjust to your taste.
Dietary Modifications
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles.
- Make it dairy-free with coconut milk and dairy-free cheese.
- Try turkey instead of chicken for a protein change.
- Add peas or corn for more nutrition.
- Choose low-fat dairy for a lighter soup.
This recipe is great because you can make it your own. Simple changes can turn this creamy chicken noodle soup into a perfect fit for your lifestyle.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying a warm, comforting bowl of homemade chicken soup is a delightful experience. But what if you have leftovers? No need to worry! With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can savor the flavors of this easy chicken soup recipe for days to come.
To store your homemade chicken soup, simply place the leftovers in an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin out the soup if it has thickened. Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until it’s piping hot.
If you prefer the convenience of the microwave, that works too! Make sure to heat the soup in short intervals, stirring in between, to ensure it warms evenly. Remember, the secret to reheating chicken noodle soup is to do it gently, as the delicate noodles can become mushy if overcooked.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the homemade chicken soup. Use traditional pasta instead of egg noodles, as they tend to hold up better in the freezer. Portion the soup into airtight containers or Ziploc bags and freeze for up to 4-5 months. Keep in mind that while the texture may change slightly after thawing, the flavors will still be delicious.
By following these simple guidelines, you can enjoy the comfort and flavor of your easy chicken soup long after the initial cooking. Whether you’re reheating for a quick lunch or thawing for a cozy dinner, your homemade chicken soup will be ready to warm your soul.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Make your chicken noodle soup with crackers even better with different serving ideas and pairings. This comforting chicken soup needs the right sides to make it a complete meal.
Begin by serving the soup hot. Add extra shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped chives or green onions on top. The creamy broth, melted cheese, and savory toppings will excite your taste buds.
Enjoy the soup with crusty bread or your favorite crackers for dipping. The soft noodles and rich broth go well with the crunchy bread or crackers. It’s a great mix of textures.
A crisp green salad is a great side for this chicken noodle soup with crackers. The fresh greens and tangy dressing balance the soup’s creaminess.
For a spicy touch, add pepper jack cheese or sliced jalapeños on top. The heat will enhance the comforting chicken soup‘s flavors.
Also, serve the soup with oyster crackers or saltine crackers on the side. The light, crunchy crackers add a nice crunch to each spoonful.
The creamy chicken noodle soup with crackers pairs perfectly with a sparkling water or a refreshing iced tea. The right drink will enhance the soup’s flavors even more.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Creating the perfect easy chicken noodle soup or homemade chicken noodle soup can have a few bumps. But don’t worry, I’ve got some easy fixes to help. These tips will make sure your soup is always just right.
If your soup is too thin, no worries. Simply mix a cornstarch slurry and stir it in to thicken the soup. And if cream cheese lumps up, make sure it’s room temperature. Then, whisk it well to get a smooth texture.
If noodles are too soft, add them later in cooking. This will help them stay firm. To avoid dairy curdling, don’t let the soup boil after adding creamy ingredients. And if it’s too salty, a bit of cream or sour cream can fix it.
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