This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is cozy and full of flavor! With tender chicken, hearty noodles, and creamy broth, it feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
I love how easy it is to make this soup. Just toss everything in one pot and let it simmer—perfect for chilly days or when you’re feeling under the weather!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil or Butter: Either works to sauté your veggies. I often opt for butter for added richness, but olive oil is a healthy alternative. If you’re dairy-free, use vegetable oil or coconut oil.
Vegetables: Celery, carrots, and onion are classic. If you have other veggies, like bell peppers or peas, feel free to toss those in for extra nutrition and flavor.
Shredded Chicken: I recommend rotisserie chicken for ease, but leftover grilled or poached chicken works too. For a lighter option, you can substitute with shredded turkey.
Egg Noodles: These noodles provide a comforting texture, but you can use any pasta shape you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
Cream Cheese: For creaminess, cream cheese is perfect! If you’re looking for a healthier option, try Greek yogurt or sour cream. You can also use a dairy-free cream cheese if necessary.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a delicious flavor, but you might want to mix it up! Use mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for some heat.
How Can I Make Sure My Soup Is Creamy and Well-Combined?
To achieve a creamy broth that’s perfectly smooth, focus on incorporating the cream cheese properly. Here’s how:
- After adding the broth and chicken, make sure to stir the cream cheese in gradually. Keep the heat low to avoid boiling.
- Use a whisk if needed to break up any lumps of cream cheese. This helps create a nice texture.
- Lastly, taste for seasoning before serving. Sometimes, a little extra salt or pepper can really elevate the flavors!
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or poached)
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup can be prepared in about 15 minutes with a cooking time of around 15-20 minutes, making it a wonderful choice for a quick and delicious meal. In total, you’re looking at approximately 30-35 minutes from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced celery, carrots, and onions. Cook these for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
2. Add the Broth:
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This will form the base of your flavorful soup!
3. Introduce Chicken and Noodles:
Next, add the cooked shredded chicken and egg noodles into the pot. Allow everything to simmer together until the noodles are tender, which should take about 7-8 minutes.
4. Make it Creamy:
Once the noodles are cooked, lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese. Mix it well until it’s fully melted and creates a nice creamy broth.
5. Final Touches:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, dried parsley, and dried thyme. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste! Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is now ready to serve! Ladle it into bowls and garnish with extra crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and hearty meal!
This soup combines creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors with hearty noodles and tender chicken—perfect comfort food with a “crack chicken” twist!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way is to leave it in the fridge overnight or use the cold water method for a quicker thaw. You can also cook the chicken directly from frozen, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time for the noodles.
How Can I Make This Soup Lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten this soup, consider using lower-fat cream cheese or substituting it with Greek yogurt. You can also reduce the amount of cheese used and load it up on veggies instead!
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the soup, let it cool, and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through. Keep in mind that noodles may absorb some liquid, so you might want to add a bit more broth when reheating.
What Should I Serve with Crack Chicken Noodle Soup?
This soup is hearty on its own but pairs nicely with crusty bread, garlic bread, or a simple side salad. You could also serve it with crackers for some extra crunch!
