Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Homemade Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe: Cozy Comfort in a Bowl

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

Comfort meets excitement in this creamy, cheesy dish that brings warmth to your kitchen.

Hearty ingredients blend together, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

Packed with tender chicken and rich cream cheese, this recipe promises to become a new favorite.

Each spoonful delivers a perfect balance of creamy texture and savory goodness.

Home cooks will adore how simple yet impressive this soup can be.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and impress everyone at the dinner table with this irresistible recipe.

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Bursting With Flavorful Goodness

  • Conquer Comfort Food Cravings: This crack chicken noodle soup delivers pure deliciousness in every spoonful.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spices to match your taste preferences and pantry supplies.
  • Quick and Satisfying Meal: Prepare a restaurant-quality soup faster than ordering takeout, with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or cozy nights when you want something warm and filling.

Ingredients To Make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

Protein Base:
  • Chicken Breasts: A lean protein that provides the main substance and flavor of the soup.
  • Turkey Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky dimension to the soup's overall taste profile.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Heavy Cream, Cream Cheese, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Create a rich, creamy, and luxurious texture for the soup.
Vegetables and Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic, Carrots, Celery: Provide a foundational flavor and aromatic base for the soup.
  • Green Onions or Chives: Offer a fresh, light garnish that adds a mild onion flavor.
Liquid and Seasoning:
  • Chicken Broth: Forms the primary liquid base of the soup.
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and adding a subtle richness.
Herbs and Seasonings:
  • Parsley, Thyme, Salt, Pepper: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.
Noodles:
  • Egg Noodles: Provide a comforting, classic pasta element to the soup.

How To Cook Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Perfectly

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add these vegetables and cook until softened:
  • Chopped onion
  • Minced garlic
  • Diced carrots
  • Chopped celery

Sauté for about 5 minutes, letting the vegetables release their delicious flavors.

Step 2: Poach the Chicken

Nestle chicken breasts into the pot and pour in chicken broth. Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to a gentle simmer.

Cook for 15 minutes until the chicken is completely cooked through. Carefully remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.

Set the tender shredded chicken aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Goodness

Introduce these rich ingredients to create a luxurious base:
  • Heavy cream
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Cream cheese

Cook on low heat, stirring constantly until the cheeses melt completely and the soup becomes smooth and velvety.

Step 4: Add Noodles and Herbs

Stir in these ingredients:
  • Egg noodles
  • Fresh parsley
  • Dried thyme
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the noodles to become perfectly tender and absorb all the delicious flavors.

Step 5: Final Touches

Return the shredded chicken to the pot and sprinkle in crumbled turkey bacon.

Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the steaming soup into bowls.

Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or chives. Serve piping hot and savor every creamy, cheesy spoonful of this comforting soup!

Tips To Improve Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking to ensure uniform and quick cooking throughout the meat.
  • Grate cheese at room temperature and add gradually while stirring constantly to prevent clumping and create a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Add egg noodles near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain a nice al dente consistency without becoming mushy.
  • Replace regular chicken broth with low-sodium version and control salt levels by adding small amounts of salt incrementally while tasting.
  • Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives to make the recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Variations To Change Up Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Dairy-Free Deconstructed: Replace heavy cream, cheddar, and cream cheese with coconut milk, nutritional yeast, and dairy-free cream cheese. Use plant-based bacon bits for crunch.
  • Gluten-Free Wellness Bowl: Swap egg noodles with quinoa or zucchini noodles. Ensure chicken broth is gluten-free certified. Top with fresh herbs for added nutrition.
  • Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chiles, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for bold flavor.
  • Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add extra mushrooms for umami and depth.

Pairing Ideas To Serve Alongside Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

  • Select a buttery, medium-bodied white wine that complements the soup's creamy texture and rich cheese flavors. The wine's subtle oakiness will balance the saltiness of the bacon and chicken.
  • Slice a warm, tangy sourdough bread to dip into the soup. Its robust crust and slightly sour notes will cut through the soup's richness and provide a delightful textural contrast.
  • Prepare a light, crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a zesty vinaigrette. The salad's freshness will cleanse the palate between spoonfuls of the hearty, cheesy soup.

Storage Tips To Keep Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Fresh

  • Store leftover soup in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Transfer frozen or refrigerated soup to a pot. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore original consistency. Warm until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

  • What makes this chicken noodle soup different from traditional recipes?

This version adds cheddar cheese, cream cheese, and turkey bacon for extra richness and a flavor boost that transforms the classic soup into a more indulgent meal.

  • Is this soup good for meal prep?

Yes, the soup reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time for quick and easy meals during the week.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can substitute regular egg noodles with gluten-free egg noodles or use zucchini noodles to make the recipe gluten-free without compromising the overall taste and texture.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty crack chicken noodle soup delivers comfort in a bowl, blending creamy ranch-infused chicken with tender noodles. Savory ingredients meld together, creating a soul-warming meal that promises to satisfy hungry diners with each delightful spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced

Base and Seasonings:

  • 6 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Dairy and Noodles:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 8 ounces egg noodles

Garnish:

  • Green onions or chives, chopped

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, garlic, carrots, and celery for 5 minutes until vegetables become tender and fragrant.
  2. Add chicken breasts and chicken broth to the pot. Bring mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until chicken is completely cooked through.
  3. Extract chicken from broth, shred using two forks, and reserve to the side.
  4. Lower heat and incorporate heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Stir continuously until cheeses melt completely and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
  5. Introduce egg noodles, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper into the pot. Simmer for approximately 10 minutes, allowing noodles to become perfectly tender.
  6. Reintroduce shredded chicken to the soup and fold in crumbled turkey bacon. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Ladle the rich, creamy soup into serving bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or chives for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
  8. Serve immediately while piping hot, enjoying the comforting blend of creamy textures and savory ingredients.

Notes

  • Customize the heat by adjusting black pepper or adding red pepper flakes for extra kick.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version without losing creaminess.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to cut down cooking time and add more robust flavor to the soup.
  • Freeze individual portions in airtight containers for quick meal prep during busy weeks.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.2 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star