This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a warm hug in a bowl! Packed with tender chicken, noodles, and a creamy broth, it’s a cozy meal that feels like home.
I love how easy it is to whip up, perfect for chilly days! Just toss everything in and let it simmer. Pair with some warm bread, and you’re set for a comfy dinner! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast for the best texture. You can swap it with rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken, or even shredded turkey if you have some on hand.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is great, but store-bought works too. For lower sodium options, choose low-sodium chicken broth. You can also use vegetable broth for a lighter version.
Heavy Cream: If you want a lighter soup, substitute with half-and-half or coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Greek yogurt can add creaminess without the fat.
Bacon: While crispy bacon adds flavor, turkey bacon or even sautéed mushrooms can stand in for a healthier take. You can also skip the bacon entirely for a vegetarian soup.
Cream Cheese: If you’re short on cream cheese, mascarpone or ricotta cheese can provide a similar creamy texture.
What’s the Best Way to Make Sure My Soup is Creamy?
To achieve that rich, creamy texture, properly combine the cream cheese and heavy cream. Follow these steps:
- While the noodles are cooking, whisk the cream cheese with the heavy cream until it’s smooth. This prevents lumps in your soup.
- When you stir the cream mixture into the soup, do it gently over low heat. High heat can cause the cream to curdle, so keep it warm but not boiling.
- Add cheese gradually, stirring well to ensure it melts completely into the broth.
Following these tips will result in a deliciously creamy chicken noodle soup that everyone will love!
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 oz wide egg noodles
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- Fresh chives or parsley, chopped, for garnish
Time Needed:
This delicious Crack Chicken Noodle Soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking time. In just about 45 minutes, you can enjoy a warm bowl of comfort!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add in the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook these veggies until they start to soften, which should take about 5-7 minutes. The smell will be wonderful!
2. Add Garlic:
Now, add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
3. Pour in the Broth:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and increase the heat to bring it to a boil. This is where the magic starts to happen!
4. Season and Cook the Noodles:
Once it’s boiling, add the dried thyme, parsley, basil, and season with salt and pepper. Reduce the heat to a simmer, and then add the egg noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions until they are al dente, usually about 6-8 minutes.
5. Prepare the Creamy Mixture:
While the noodles are cooking, grab a separate bowl and whisk together the heavy cream and softened cream cheese until it’s nice and smooth. This will add that rich, creamy texture to your soup!
6. Combine Everything:
Once the noodles are ready, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Stir in the shredded chicken, cream mixture, chopped bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. Gently stir until everything is well combined and the cheese melts into the soup, making it wonderfully creamy.
7. Taste and Adjust:
Give your soup a taste and adjust with extra salt or pepper if desired. This is your creation, so make it just right for you!
8. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your soup hot, garnished with extra bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color.
9. Enjoy!
Optionally, pair it with some crusty bread or crackers on the side for a complete meal. Enjoy your cozy bowl of Crack Chicken Noodle Soup!
This dish is sure to warm your heart and fill your belly. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Store-bought Rotisserie Chicken?
Absolutely! Store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Just shred the chicken and add it to the soup as directed. It’ll add wonderful flavor!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Greek yogurt can also work for a creamy texture with less fat!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover soup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, and add a splash of broth or cream if needed to refresh its consistency.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
You can definitely make this soup ahead! Just prepare it as directed, but hold off on adding the cream and cheese until you’re ready to serve. This will keep it fresh and creamy when you reheat it!
