Hello there, I’m Clara, your friend in the kitchen. I know how busy life can get, especially for us moms and women juggling a million things at once. That’s why I’m so excited to share this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup recipe with you! It’s a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish that’s ready in about 30 minutes. This is the perfect answer to that age-old question: “What’s for dinner?”
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Quick Weeknight Meal: This recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a fast and satisfying dinner.
- Kid-Friendly Appeal: The cheesy, creamy flavor is a hit with kids, making mealtime a breeze. No more battles at the dinner table!
- Great for Leftovers: This soup tastes even better the next day, so it’s great for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers for lunch.
- Customizable: Easily adapt this recipe to your family’s tastes or dietary needs with simple substitutions and additions.
What Makes This a “Crack” Chicken Noodle Soup?
It’s all about the irresistible combination of ranch dressing mix, bacon, and cheese! The ranch dressing mix adds a tangy, savory flavor that elevates the entire soup. The bacon brings a smoky, salty depth that is absolutely addictive. And the cheese? Well, that adds a creamy richness that ties everything together, making each spoonful pure comfort food.
Ingredients for Your Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken ((I use rotisserie chicken))
- 1 (10.5-oz) can condensed cheese soup
- 6 cups chicken broth ((no-salt or low-sodium recommended))
- 1 cup milk
- 2 stalks celery (chopped)
- 2 carrots (thinly sliced)
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix
- ½ cup cooked chopped smoked beef bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8- oz dried fine egg noodles (uncooked)
Ingredient Notes & Considerations
Using no-salt or low-sodium chicken broth helps control the overall saltiness of the soup, especially since bacon and ranch dressing mix already contain sodium. When it comes to the liquid, milk adds a lovely creaminess without being too heavy; however, you can use half-and-half or even heavy cream for a richer texture if you like. For the cheese, I like to use pre-shredded cheddar cheese for convenience; it melts beautifully into the soup.
How to Make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup: Step-by-Step
Step 1: In a large stockpot/Dutch oven, combine cooked chicken, cheese soup, chicken broth, milk, chopped celery, sliced carrots, ranch dressing mix, and cooked chopped smoked beef bacon.
Step 2: Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until vegetables are soft.
Step 3: Stir in dried noodles and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for 5 minutes, until noodles are soft.
Pro Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Be careful not to overcook the noodles; they should be tender but still have a bit of bite. If you’re adding cream cheese, make sure it’s softened to prevent clumping and ensure a smooth, creamy texture. While it’s tempting to skip, browning the bacon before adding it to the soup really enhances the smoky flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
| Variation | Substitution/Addition |
|---|---|
| Gluten-free | Use gluten-free noodles; ensure the cheese soup and ranch mix are gluten-free. |
| Dairy-free | Use almond, soy, or oat milk; substitute dairy-free cheese shreds. |
| Spicy | Add a dash of your favorite hot sauce, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños. |
| Lower-fat | Use turkey bacon, reduced-fat cheese soup, and broth instead of milk. |
Serving Suggestions
This soup is fantastic on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple grilled cheese sandwich for dipping. A fresh side salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, try serving it with some easy homemade crackers or a slice of warm cornbread for a cozy, comforting meal.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Store leftover soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat on the stovetop, simply heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
Can You Freeze Crack Chicken Noodle Soup?
Yes, this soup can be frozen, but the texture of the noodles may change slightly. To freeze, let the soup cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup in a slow cooker? Absolutely! For a dedicated slow cooker version, you might also like our simple chicken noodle soup crock pot recipe. Combine all ingredients (except the noodles and cheese) in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the noodles and cheese during the last 30 minutes.
What if I don’t have ranch dressing mix? You can make your own! Combine 1/2 teaspoon each of dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon each of dried chives and salt.
What kind of bacon is best (thick-cut, regular)? I prefer thick-cut bacon for its heartier texture, but regular bacon works just as well. Use what you have on hand or what you prefer!
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can! Prepare the soup up to the point of adding the noodles and cheese. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, bring to a simmer, then add the noodles and cheese.
More Soup Recipes to Love
If you enjoyed this recipe, you might also like my Creamy Tomato Soup, Hearty Vegetable Soup, or even this amazing creamy turkey noodle soup!
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Amazing Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large stockpot/Dutch oven, combine cooked chicken, cheese soup, chicken broth, milk, chopped celery, sliced carrots, ranch dressing mix, and cooked chopped smoked beef bacon.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, until vegetables are soft.
- Stir in dried noodles and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for 5 minutes, until noodles are soft.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Estimated): For general nutrition information for chicken noodle soup from a government source, this recipe provides:
- Calories: 350-400 per serving (estimated)
Conclusion
I hope you love this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup as much as I do! It’s the perfect recipe for a quick, easy, and comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy. If you try it, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. I’d love to hear about any variations you make too! Happy cooking!
