Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

1. Sauté the Aromatics:

• In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.

2. Add the Broth and Chicken:

• Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the shredded chicken and stir to combine. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, or quickly cook chicken breasts or thighs on the stovetop before shredding them.
• Bring the soup to a gentle boil and then lower the heat to a simmer.

3. Cook the Noodles:

• Add the egg noodles (or your preferred pasta) to the pot and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 7-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t stick together.

4. Add the Creamy Ingredients:

• Once the noodles are cooked, lower the heat and add the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning mix to the pot. Stir until the cream cheese and cheddar melt into the soup, creating a thick and creamy broth. This is the “crack” part of the soup—don’t be surprised if you find yourself going back for seconds!
• Pour in the heavy cream (or milk), and stir to combine. The heavy cream will make the soup extra rich and creamy, but you can use milk for a lighter version. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Finish with Bacon:

• If you’re adding bacon, crumble the cooked slices and stir them into the soup, or sprinkle them on top as a garnish. The bacon adds a crispy, smoky crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy broth.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

• Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the comfort and flavor in every spoonful!

Tips for Success:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: For ease and extra flavor, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option. Just shred the meat and add it to the soup—no need to cook chicken separately.
• Adjust the Creaminess: Depending on your preference, you can adjust how creamy the soup is. For a thicker consistency, add more cream cheese or cheddar. For a lighter soup, you can use milk instead of heavy cream.
• Vegetable Additions: You can easily bulk up this soup with additional veggies like carrots, celery, or even peas for extra flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the onions and garlic.
• Make it Spicy: For those who love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to kick up the flavor.
• Leftovers: This soup stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, and it can also be frozen for up to a month. Just make sure to let it cool before storing in an airtight container.

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: Approximately 400-450 kcal (depending on cream and cheese choice)
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbs: 20-25g
• Fiber: 2-3g
• Sodium: Varies (based on broth and ranch seasoning)

Why You’ll Love Crack Chicken Noodle Soup:

1. Ultimate Comfort: This soup has all the familiar flavors of traditional chicken noodle soup, but with a creamy, cheesy twist that makes it irresistible. The bacon adds a savory crunch, making each bite even more satisfying.
2. Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, so you can have a cozy, comforting meal in no time—even on the busiest days.
3. Customizable: Whether you want to add more veggies, make it spicier, or adjust the level of creaminess, this soup is flexible to your tastes. It’s a perfect recipe to make your own!
4. Family-Friendly: With its creamy, cheesy base and the fun addition of bacon, this soup is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store it in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week. It’s just as delicious the next day, if not more so, after the flavors have had time to meld.

Final Thoughts:

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is more than just a soup—it’s an experience. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, with the comforting heartiness of chicken noodle soup and a few extra special ingredients to make it truly irresistible. Whether you’re enjoying it on a cold winter day, serving it up for a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this soup is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

So go ahead, make a big pot of Crack Chicken Noodle Soup, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of ultimate comfort and flavor!