Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Soup
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Soup is a rich and comforting dish perfect for cozy evenings. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and egg noodles in a creamy, cheesy broth, it’s a flavor-packed one-pot meal the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- Butter: 2 tablespoons
- Onion: 1, chopped
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Chicken broth: 4 cups
- Cooked chicken: 3 cups, shredded
- Egg noodles: 1 (8-ounce) package
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup, shredded
- Bacon: ½ cup, cooked and crumbled
- Cream cheese: 1 (8-ounce) package, softened
- Ranch seasoning mix: 1 packet
- Salt and pepper: To taste
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish
Instructions
1. Sauté Aromatics
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
2. Cook the Chicken and Noodles
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer.
- Add the shredded chicken and egg noodles, stirring to combine.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
3. Make it Creamy
- Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, softened cream cheese, and ranch seasoning mix.
- Continue to cook over low heat until the cheese is melted and the soup is creamy, about 5 minutes.
4. Season and Thicken
- Season the soup with salt and pepper to taste.
- Remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken.
5. Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the soup into bowls.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.
FAQs for Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Soup
1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient option for this recipe. Just shred the cooked meat and add it directly to the soup.
2. Can I substitute the egg noodles?
Yes, you can use other pasta types such as bowtie, penne, or rotini. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta’s package instructions.
3. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the soup without the noodles and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the soup and cook the noodles separately to prevent them from becoming mushy.
4. Can I freeze this soup?
While this soup can be frozen, the cream and cheese may separate when reheated, affecting the texture. To freeze, prepare the base (without heavy cream, cream cheese, or cheddar) and add these ingredients after reheating.
5. How can I make this soup lighter?
- Use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheddar cheese.
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk.
- Add extra vegetables like spinach, kale, or zucchini to boost nutrition while reducing calories.
6. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with diced mushrooms or chickpeas and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Skip the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon substitute.
7. What can I use instead of ranch seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, mix 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, 1 teaspoon of dried dill, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of salt as a substitute.
8. Can I make this soup gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta, and ensure your ranch seasoning and broth are gluten-free.
9. How do I reheat leftovers?
Reheat the soup gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Stir frequently to prevent the cheese and cream from separating.
10. What toppings go well with this soup?
Additional toppings like shredded cheese, crumbled bacon, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh herbs (parsley or chives) enhance the flavors of this soup.
11. Can I add more vegetables?
Certainly! Diced carrots, celery, or peas can be added to the soup for extra flavor and nutrition. Add them along with the onion and garlic in the first step.
These FAQs should help you customize and perfect your Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Soup for any occasion!
Notes
- Flavor Boost: Letting the soup sit for a few minutes before serving enhances the flavor and helps it thicken naturally.
- Customizable: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, peas, or diced carrots for extra nutrition.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This Creamy Chicken Bacon Ranch Soup is a hearty and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or comforting weekends, it’s sure to become a family favorite!