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Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe – Easy Cozy Dinner with Bacon & Cheddar

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This creamy, comforting chicken noodle soup is packed with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, sharp cheddar, ranch seasoning, and tender egg noodles. It’s a crowd-pleasing, easy dinner perfect for chilly nights and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 large carrots, peeled and sliced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 8 cups chicken broth (homemade or low-sodium store-bought)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 1 packet (1 ounce / 28g) ranch seasoning mix
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup whole milk or half-and-half
  • 5 ounces wide egg noodles (or gluten-free noodles)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
  • Extra cheddar and bacon for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy (about 8-10 minutes). Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, cool, and crumble. Save some for topping.
  2. Dice onion, mince garlic, peel and slice carrots, and chop celery.
  3. Melt butter in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until veggies soften and onions are translucent. Add garlic and cook another minute.
  4. Pour in chicken broth. Stir in thyme, parsley, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes. Skim foam if needed.
  5. Sprinkle in ranch seasoning and add cubed cream cheese. Stir frequently until cream cheese melts and the broth is smooth.
  6. Stir in shredded chicken and most of the crumbled bacon. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
  7. Add egg noodles directly to the pot or cook separately according to package instructions. If adding to the soup, simmer 6-8 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.
  8. Lower heat and stir in shredded cheddar and milk or half-and-half. Mix gently until cheese is melted and soup is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Ladle soup into bowls. Top with extra bacon, cheddar, and sliced green onions. Serve hot.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles. For low-carb, swap noodles for zucchini or cauliflower rice. For dairy-free, use vegan cream cheese and cheddar, and unsweetened almond or oat milk. Cook noodles separately to avoid mushiness if storing or freezing. Add extra broth when reheating if soup thickens. Garnish with extra bacon and cheddar for best flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: crack chicken noodle soup, bacon cheddar soup, creamy chicken soup, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, ranch chicken soup, cozy soup recipe

Find it online: https://evabake.com/crack-chicken-noodle-soup-recipe-easy-cozy-dinner-with-bacon-and-cheddar/