This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a cozy classic! It’s made with tender chicken, creamy broth, and noodles, making it a hug in a bowl. Perfect for chilly days!
Whip this up when you want something warm and comforting. I love how it fills the kitchen with yummy smells! Plus, it’s so easy that even my cat could help (but I wouldn’t trust him in the kitchen). 😸
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken for a quick option. It adds flavor and saves time! If you’re looking for a plant-based option, chickpeas or shredded tofu can work as a substitute.
Chicken Broth: Homemade broth is always great, but store-bought works just fine too. For a lighter version, vegetable broth can replace chicken broth without losing much flavor.
Heavy Cream: Need a lighter option? Try half-and-half or whole milk, although it might not be as rich. Dairy-free? Coconut milk makes a nice substitute!
Bacon: Turkey bacon or even pancetta can replace traditional bacon, adding a different flavor while keeping it hearty. For a vegetarian version, skip this ingredient or use mushrooms for an umami kick.
Wide Egg Noodles: While I love egg noodles, you can swap them for any pasta you have on hand such as rotini, or even use gluten-free pasta if needed.
How Do I Get the Creamiest Soup Possible?
To achieve a wonderfully creamy texture, focus on the temperature when adding your cream and cheese. Here’s how to do it:
- Reduce the heat to low before adding heavy cream and cream cheese. This prevents curdling.
- Make sure your cream cheese is softened—this helps it blend smoothly into the soup.
- Stir continually while the cheese is melting to ensure everything combines beautifully.
With these steps, your soup will be thick, rich, and perfectly creamy! Enjoy every comforting spoonful!
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Soup:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles or pasta of choice
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crack Chicken Noodle Soup takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 20 minutes of cook time, making the total time approximately 35 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any night of the week!
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 the diced onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. This builds a nice base of flavor!
2. Add Carrots and Garlic:
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sliced carrots. Sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is fragrant and the carrots start to soften. You can almost smell the yumminess already!
3. Boil the Noodles:
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 7-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep them from sticking.
4. Create the Creamy Base:
Once the noodles are tender, reduce the heat to low. Now, stir in the heavy cream and softened cream cheese until they melt completely into the broth. This is where the soup gets its creamy goodness!
5. Mix in Chicken and Cheese:
Add the shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, dried parsley, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together, allowing the cheese to melt and create a cohesive, tasty soup.
6. Simmer and Flavor:
Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully, and it will thicken slightly, giving it that hearty quality we love!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once ready, ladle the soup into bowls and top with crumbled bacon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy this rich, creamy, and comforting dish!
There you have it! A wonderful pot of Crack Chicken Noodle Soup that is bound to make your day a little brighter!
Can I Use Leftover Rotisserie Chicken for This Soup?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. Just shred it and add it to the pot when mixing with the cheese for a quick and delicious option.
What If I Don’t Have Egg Noodles?
No worries! You can use any type of pasta you have on hand, such as penne or shells. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may require slightly different duration.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the consistency if needed.
Can I Make This Soup Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the soup in advance, but I recommend adding the noodles just before serving. If you add them too early, they may become mushy when reheating. Cook the noodles separately and stir them in right before serving for the best texture!
