Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Soothing Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

Whipping up a comforting crack chicken noodle soup can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Creamy textures and robust flavors dance together in this irresistible dish.

Comfort food enthusiasts will absolutely adore this recipe’s unique blend of ingredients.

Hearty noodles swimming in a rich, velvety broth create a meal that hugs you from the inside.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with this crowd-pleasing creation.

Packed with tender chicken and a delightful creamy base, you won’t be able to resist seconds.

Grab a spoon and get ready to savor every single delicious bite.

What Makes Crack Chicken Soup So Good

  • Loaded with Flavor Punch: Packed with creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and crispy turkey bacon, this soup delivers an explosion of rich, satisfying tastes in every single spoonful.
  • Quick One-Pot Dish: Prepare a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal in a single pot with simple ingredients, minimizing cleanup and maximizing deliciousness for busy families or hungry groups.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Equally awesome as a cozy weeknight dinner, weekend lunch, or potluck contribution that will have everyone asking for seconds and begging for the recipe.

Crack Chicken Soup Essentials

Main Ingredients:

Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender and shredded meat for hearty protein.
  • Turkey Bacon: Crispy and smoky meat for extra flavor.
Dairy:
  • Cream Cheese: Rich and creamy base for soup texture.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese for depth.
Noodles and Vegetables:
  • Egg Noodles: Classic pasta for comforting soup base.
  • Onion: Sweet and aromatic base vegetable.
  • Carrots: Bright and colorful vegetable for nutrition.
  • Celery: Crunchy and fresh vegetable for soup depth.
Seasonings and Liquids:
  • Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid foundation for soup.
  • Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil for sautéing.
  • Garlic: Pungent and aromatic seasoning.
  • Dill: Herbal and fresh herb for brightness.
  • Parsley: Green and fresh herb for garnish.
  • Salt: Essential seasoning for flavor balance.
  • Black Pepper: Warm and spicy ground seasoning.

How to Prepare Crack Chicken Soup

Step 1: Prep Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium warmth.

Toss in chopped onions and cook until they turn translucent and soft.

Add:
  • Minced garlic
  • Diced carrots
  • Chopped celery

Sauté everything together until vegetables become tender and release their delightful flavors.

Step 2: Build Soup Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot and add shredded chicken.

Stir ingredients together and bring the mixture to a gentle bubbling simmer.

Step 3: Create Creamy Texture

Lower heat and drop cubed cream cheese into the soup.

Stir continuously until cream cheese melts completely and blends smoothly into the broth.

Step 4: Layer Flavor Boosters

Incorporate:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Chopped fresh dill
  • Chopped parsley
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir until cheese melts and seasonings distribute evenly throughout the soup.

Step 5: Cook Noodles

Add egg noodles and let them cook for 7-10 minutes until they reach perfect tenderness.

Step 6: Finish With Crunch

Sprinkle crumbled turkey bacon into the soup and allow it to warm through.

Step 7: Serve With Love

Ladle soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve piping hot.

Smart Tips for Crack Chicken Soup

  • Dice vegetables uniformly for consistent cooking and better texture throughout the soup.
  • Cube cream cheese and let it sit at room temperature before adding to prevent clumping and ensure smooth integration.
  • Crisp turkey bacon separately to maintain its crunchiness, then sprinkle on top just before serving for maximum flavor and texture.
  • Add egg noodles towards the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain their perfect al dente texture.
  • Simmer soup on low heat after adding cream cheese to prevent scorching and ensure a silky, creamy consistency.

Keeping & Reheating Crack Chicken Soup

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the soup fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled soup to freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
  • Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
  • Pour soup into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

Best Pairings for Crack Chicken Soup

  • Savory Bread Companion: Crusty sourdough or garlic bread slices perfectly complement the creamy, rich texture of crack chicken noodle soup. The bread's crispy edges help soak up the delicious broth while adding a delightful crunch.
  • Refreshing Drink Pairing: Crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the soup's creamy density, providing a light and zesty contrast. Its herbal notes harmonize beautifully with the dill and parsley in the recipe.
  • Cleansing Palate Cleanser: Sparkling water with a slice of lemon works wonderfully to refresh your taste buds between spoonfuls. The citrus helps balance the soup's richness and provides a clean, bright interlude during the meal.
  • Temperature Balance Partner: Chilled cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette offers a cool, crisp counterpoint to the warm, hearty soup. Its fresh ingredients and tangy dressing create a perfect balance of temperatures and flavors.

Fun Twists on Crack Chicken Soup

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, maintaining the creamy soup's texture and flavor profile.
  • Gluten-Free Version: Substitute egg noodles with gluten-free rice noodles or zucchini spirals for a celiac-friendly adaptation.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice instead of noodles and reduce overall carbohydrate content while preserving the soup's rich, comforting essence.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Swap cream cheese with cashew cream or coconut milk yogurt, and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese for a similar creamy consistency.

FAQs

  • What makes this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup different from traditional chicken noodle soup?

This version combines classic chicken soup with creamy cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, and crispy turkey bacon for a richer, more indulgent flavor profile that sets it apart from regular chicken noodle soup.

  • Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?

While egg noodles work best for traditional texture, you can substitute with medium-sized pasta like rotini or medium shells if needed. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.

  • Is this soup considered a complete meal?

Yes, this soup is protein-packed with chicken and turkey bacon, includes vegetables like carrots and celery, and has a creamy base, making it a hearty and satisfying one-pot meal that can stand alone as a complete dinner.

  • How can I make this soup lighter or healthier?

To reduce calories, use low-fat cream cheese, reduced-fat cheddar, and turkey bacon. You can also add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini to increase nutritional value without significantly changing the recipe’s core flavor.

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Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 40 reviews

  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comfort meets convenience in this crack chicken noodle soup, where tender shredded chicken mingles with creamy ranch seasoning. Hearty noodles and rich flavors promise a soulful meal you’ll crave, making weeknight dinners deliciously simple and satisfying.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1 1/2 cups egg noodles

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 medium carrots, sliced
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Additional Components:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened and cubed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a spacious pot and warm olive oil over medium temperature, introducing diced onions and allowing them to become translucent and tender.
  2. Incorporate minced garlic, chopped carrots, and sliced celery into the aromatic mixture, sautéing until vegetables release their vibrant essence.
  3. Pour chicken broth into the vegetable foundation, gently introducing shredded chicken and creating a harmonious liquid base.
  4. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer, adding cubed cream cheese and stirring persistently until it dissolves completely into the broth, creating a luxurious, creamy texture.
  5. Enrich the soup with cheddar cheese, fresh dill, chopped parsley, and seasoning elements, blending until the cheese melts seamlessly.
  6. Introduce egg noodles directly into the simmering liquid, allowing them to cook until achieving perfect tenderness and absorbing the surrounding flavors.
  7. Sprinkle crumbled turkey bacon throughout the soup, permitting it to warm and distribute its smoky essence.
  8. Transfer the steaming soup into serving bowls, garnishing with additional fresh parsley to enhance visual appeal and provide a final herbal note.

Notes

  • Swap protein options by using rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or even plant-based chicken alternatives for dietary flexibility.
  • Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium chicken broth and controlling added salt during cooking.
  • Enhance creaminess by whisking cream cheese before adding to prevent clumping and ensure smooth texture.
  • Customize spice levels by adjusting black pepper or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 890 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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