Introduction:
Crack chicken noodle soup is a comforting and flavorful twist on the classic chicken noodle soup, featuring tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and hearty pasta noodles in a rich and savory broth. This indulgent soup is sure to warm you up on chilly days and satisfy your cravings for comfort food.
Origin and Cultural Significance:
The term “crack chicken” typically refers to a highly addictive chicken dish made with cream cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning. This soup takes inspiration from that flavor profile, combining those addictive elements with the comforting goodness of traditional chicken noodle soup. While the exact origins of crack chicken noodle soup are unclear, it has gained popularity in recent years as a decadent and satisfying twist on a beloved classic.
Ingredients Quantity:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 2 large
- Bacon, chopped: 6 slices
- Onion, diced: 1 large
- Carrots, diced: 2 large
- Celery, diced: 2 stalks
- Garlic, minced: 3 cloves
- Chicken broth: 8 cups
- Cream cheese, softened: 8 ounces
- Ranch seasoning mix: 1 packet (about 1 ounce)
- Heavy cream: 1/2 cup
- Wide egg noodles: 8 ounces
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish (optional)
Optional Additions:
- Frozen peas for added color and sweetness
- Diced potatoes for extra heartiness
- Sliced mushrooms for added depth of flavor
- Shredded cheddar cheese for additional cheesiness
Instructions:
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon drippings in the pot.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then add them to the pot with the bacon drippings. Cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool slightly.
- In the same pot, add diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
- Add minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour chicken broth into the pot and bring to a simmer.
- While the broth is simmering, shred the cooked chicken breasts using two forks.
- Add the shredded chicken back to the pot, along with the cooked bacon.
- In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix until well combined. Add the cream cheese mixture to the pot, stirring until the cream cheese is melted and incorporated into the broth.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring the soup back to a simmer.
- Add wide egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper, if necessary.
- Serve the crack chicken noodle soup hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easy shredding and quick cooking.
- For extra flavor, use homemade chicken broth or low-sodium chicken broth.
- Be careful not to overcook the egg noodles, as they can become mushy if cooked for too long.
- Customize the soup with your favorite vegetables and adjust the seasoning to taste.
Nutritional Information:
(The nutritional values may vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving
- Total Fat: Approximately 20-25 grams per serving
- Cholesterol: Approximately 80-100 milligrams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000 milligrams per serving
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25 grams per serving
- Protein: Approximately 20-25 grams per serving
Conclusion and Recommendation:
Crack chicken noodle soup is a decadent and satisfying twist on the classic chicken noodle soup, perfect for warming you up on cold days or comforting you when you’re feeling under the weather. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your soup rotation. Serve it with crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal that will leave everyone feeling warm and satisfied. Enjoy the addictive goodness of crack chicken noodle soup any time you need a bowl of comforting goodness.
- Strawberry Cheesecake
- Soft Butter Bread
- Sausage Green Bean Potato Casserole
- Best Caprese Pasta Salad
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Cheesecake
- Fluffy Doughnuts for Beginners
- Bacon Cheeseburger Bombs
- Steak and Onion
- Easy Strawberry Cake Roll
- Apricot Cake
- Keto Cream Cheese Chocolate Pound Cake
- Mango Coconut Cheesecake Cake
- Irish Beef Stew
- Italian Potato and Meat Pies
- Title: Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles
- Chuck Steak Roast