Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat the Oil: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Onions and Garlic: Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 2: Add the Broth and Chicken

1. Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken broth to the pot and stir to combine.
2. Add the Chicken and Seasonings: Place the chicken pieces into the pot. Stir in the ranch seasoning, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt.
3. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

Step 3: Add the Cream and Noodles

1. Pour in the Milk and Heavy Cream: Add the milk and heavy cream to the pot, stirring well to combine.
2. Add the Noodles: Add the uncooked egg noodles and stir. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom.

Step 4: Add the Cream Cheese and Cheddar

1. Add Cream Cheese: Stir in the cubed cream cheese until melted and fully incorporated. This will make the soup rich and creamy.
2. Add Shredded Cheddar: Add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts into the soup for an extra cheesy flavor.

Step 5: Add Bacon and Garnish

1. Stir in the Bacon: Add the crumbled bacon to the soup, stirring to combine.
2. Garnish: Ladle the soup into bowls and top with chopped green onions and fresh parsley if desired.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve your Crack Chicken Noodle Soup with crusty bread, a side salad, or simply on its own for a hearty, satisfying meal. This soup is especially comforting on cold days and is bound to become a family favorite.

Tips and Variations:

• Make it in a Slow Cooker: To use a slow cooker, add all ingredients except noodles, cheeses, and bacon. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, then add noodles and cheeses, stirring in the bacon at the end.
• Add More Veggies: For extra nutrition, add diced carrots, celery, or spinach.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, substitute rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken; add it just before adding the cream and noodles.

Conclusion:

This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is creamy, savory, and loaded with the irresistible flavors of cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning. With every spoonful, you’ll enjoy a warm, comforting bowl that’s bound to make everyone at the table crave seconds. Perfect for family dinners or a cozy night in, this recipe is a delicious way to elevate classic chicken noodle soup. Enjoy!