Place this on the table and look away—it's vanished! My guests just gobble it up.

This slow cooker crack chicken noodle soup is a heartwarming dish that combines the creamy, savory flavors of crack chicken with the comforting essence of chicken noodle soup. It's a perfect meal for busy family days or cozy weekends, and it’s sure to bring everyone around the table. The origin of the 'crack' in this dish's name comes from the addictive combination of cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning, making it a guaranteed hit with the kids (and grown-ups too!). You’ll find that it’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare.

This soup pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad and some warm, crusty bread for dipping. You can also serve it with some roasted vegetables like carrots or green beans to round out the meal. For a lighter option, try pairing it with a simple fruit salad or a platter of cut-up veggies and ranch dip. The possibilities are endless, and it’s all about making the meal special for your family.

Servings: 6-8

2 lbs chicken breasts
8 cups chicken broth
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
2 cups carrots, diced
1 cup celery, diced
1 onion, chopped
8 oz cream cheese
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
8 oz egg noodles
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup chopped parsley (optional)

1. Place the chicken breasts, chicken broth, ranch seasoning mix, carrots, celery, and onion into the slow cooker.

2. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.

3. Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred using two forks.

4. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Add the cream cheese and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and well combined.

5. Stir in the cooked bacon and egg noodles. Cover and cook for an additional 20-30 minutes on low, until the noodles are tender.

6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm.

For a healthier option, you can use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar cheese. If your family prefers a more vegetable-heavy soup, feel free to add in extra veggies like peas, corn, or spinach. To make it gluten-free, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta. For those with picky eaters, you can serve the noodles separately and let everyone add as much or as little as they like. Enjoy making this dish your own!