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Crack chicken soup in a large stockpot with shredded chicken, pasta, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese

Crack Chicken Soup

Creamy, cheesy soup loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese for the ultimate one-pot comfort meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked shredded chicken breast from about 1.5 lbs raw chicken, or use rotisserie chicken
  • 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup 1 can
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 8 oz full-fat cream cheese softened to room temperature and cubed small
  • 0.5 cup diced carrots
  • 0.5 cup diced celery
  • 1 small yellow onion chopped
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter up to 2 tablespoons as needed
  • 10 strips regular-cut bacon cooked and diced
  • 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 8 oz angel hair pasta broken into 2 to 3 inch pieces
  • 1 pinch salt and black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large stockpot
  • Baking sheet with parchment paper
  • Whisk
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350F. Lay bacon strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes until crispy and golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and chop once cooled. Cook and shred chicken if not using rotisserie. Set both aside.
  2. Heat 1 to 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large stockpot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, diced celery, and diced carrots. Saute for 5 to 6 minutes until softened and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk the condensed cream of chicken soup with the whole milk until smooth. Pour into the stockpot along with the chicken stock, ranch seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the cubed cream cheese to the simmering broth. Stir continuously for 3 to 4 minutes until fully melted and the broth looks smooth and creamy. Do not allow the soup to reach a hard boil or the sauce can break.
  5. Add the shredded chicken and diced bacon to the pot. Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld and the broth turns golden and creamy.
  6. Add the broken angel hair pasta, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until just al dente. Do not overcook. If making ahead, skip adding pasta now and cook it separately. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and the soup looks glossy and thick.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately. Top with extra bacon bits and fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

Soften cream cheese at room temperature for 30 minutes before starting for the smoothest melt. Store pasta separately to prevent it from absorbing all the broth overnight. Freeze the soup base without pasta for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of chicken stock or milk to loosen.