Description
Hearty crack chicken soup offers a comforting blend of creamy broth, tender chicken, and irresistible flavors. Ranch seasoning and crispy bacon elevate this simple dish into a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups/720 ml cooked shredded chicken breast
- 10 strips bacon (cooked and diced)
- 6 cups/1.4 L low sodium chicken stock
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 oz/226 g cream cheese
- 10.5 oz/298 g condensed cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 8 oz/226 g angel hair pasta (broken into smaller lengths)
- 1 small onion (chopped)
- ½ cup diced carrots
- ½ cup diced celery
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsps ranch seasoning mix
- ½ tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Bacon Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread bacon slices on a baking sheet and roast until golden and crisp, approximately 12-15 minutes. Cool and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Vegetable Foundation: In a large stockpot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté diced onions, celery, and carrots until softened and translucent, about 5-6 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic notes.
- Liquid Base Creation: Whisk condensed cream of chicken soup with whole milk until smooth. Pour into stockpot and combine with chicken stock, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and cream cheese. Stir continuously until cream cheese melts completely and ingredients integrate.
- Protein and Flavor Integration: Fold shredded chicken and crumbled bacon into the simmering liquid. Allow flavors to meld for 5-7 minutes over reduced heat. Add angel hair pasta, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and cook until al dente, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Final Touches: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the soup, stirring until fully melted and creating a luxurious, creamy consistency. Ladle into serving bowls and optionally garnish with additional bacon crumbles or fresh chopped herbs. Serve alongside crusty artisan bread or a crisp green salad.
Notes
- Bacon Brilliance: Crisp bacon in the oven ensures even cooking and provides a perfect crunch without greasy splatters.
- Chicken Perfection: Poaching or roasting chicken beforehand allows for tender, easily shredded meat that absorbs soup flavors beautifully.
- Cheese Melting Magic: Add cheddar cheese gradually and stir constantly to prevent clumping and create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Pasta Precision: Watch angel hair pasta closely during cooking to avoid overcooking, which can make the soup mushy and lose its delightful texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 31 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg