Hi everyone! If you’re a fan of comforting, creamy soups with a twist, this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is sure to become a new favorite in your household. This soup has it all—tender chicken, hearty noodles, creamy cheese, and a bit of smoky goodness from crumbled turkey bacon. It’s a cozy meal that comes together in just about 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
The rich, creamy broth, packed with chicken, veggies, and noodles, is elevated with the addition of cream cheese and cheddar, giving the soup its signature “crack” appeal. Let’s dive into how you can make this delicious soup for your next family dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup:
This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes—rich, creamy, and hearty, but still light enough to enjoy year-round. The combination of chicken, bacon, cheese, and noodles in a creamy broth makes it a comforting meal that’s both satisfying and quick to prepare. Plus, it’s super versatile! You can adjust the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
I love making this soup because it’s easy to put together and always a hit with the family. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or turkey!
Ingredients for Crack Chicken Noodle Soup:
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Crack Chicken Noodle Soup:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for sautéing the vegetables.
- 1 medium onion, diced: Adds flavor and depth to the soup base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant, savory flavor.
- 3 medium carrots, sliced: For sweetness and a pop of color.
- 3 celery stalks, chopped: Adds crunch and flavor to the soup.
- 6 cups chicken broth (or low-sodium broth): Forms the base of the soup.
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken.
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed: For that creamy, rich texture.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds cheesy goodness and richness.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill: Adds a subtle, fresh flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley: For an herbal touch.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Adjust to your preference.
- 1 1/2 cups egg noodles (or any noodle of choice): Egg noodles are perfect, but you can use other pasta types if preferred.
- 1/2 cup turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled: Adds a smoky flavor without the heaviness of traditional bacon.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh and vibrant garnish to each bowl.
How to Make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup:
Follow these easy steps to create your own Crack Chicken Noodle Soup:
1. Sauté the Vegetables
In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Continue to cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften.
Tip: Sautéing the vegetables first helps release their flavors, giving the soup a richer, more developed taste.
2. Add Broth and Chicken
Pour in 6 cups of chicken broth and add the 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Stir to combine the ingredients and bring the soup to a gentle boil over medium heat.
Tip: If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, you can cook some chicken breasts or thighs separately and shred them for the soup. Rotisserie chicken also works great for a quick option!
3. Incorporate the Cream Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and add the cubed cream cheese. Stir the soup until the cream cheese has fully melted and blended into the broth, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
Tip: It helps if the cream cheese is softened beforehand. You can leave it at room temperature for about 20 minutes before using, or microwave it for 10 seconds to soften it up.
4. Add Seasonings and Cheddar Cheese
Once the cream cheese is fully incorporated, mix in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, 1/2 teaspoon dried dill, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheddar cheese melts and blends into the broth.
5. Cook the Noodles
Stir in 1 1/2 cups of egg noodles (or your noodle of choice) and cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Be sure to check the package instructions for the exact cooking time if you’re using a different type of noodle.
6. Add Turkey Bacon
Once the noodles are tender, stir in the cooked and crumbled turkey bacon. Let it warm through for about a minute, allowing the bacon flavor to mix into the soup.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the soup hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Tips for Making the Best Crack Chicken Noodle Soup:
- Cream Cheese Tip: To make sure the cream cheese melts smoothly, soften it beforehand and add it to the soup when the heat is low. This prevents clumping and ensures a creamy texture.
- Cheese Options: You can swap out cheddar cheese for other varieties like Monterey Jack, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
- Using Leftovers: This is a great recipe to use up leftover chicken or turkey. If you have leftover Thanksgiving turkey, just shred it and toss it in!
- Noodle Choice: While egg noodles are traditional, feel free to use any noodle you like—fusilli, rotini, or even spaghetti work well in this soup.
- Adjust the Seasoning: If you like a little kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
What to Serve with Crack Chicken Noodle Soup:
This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a complete meal on its own, but if you’d like to round out your dinner, here are a few ideas:
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy broth.
- Simple Side Salad: A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette balances out the richness of the soup.
- Garlic Bread: Serve with a side of garlic bread for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Grilled Cheese: For the ultimate comfort meal, pair this soup with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
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Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a delicious, comforting meal that’s sure to please the whole family. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with hearty flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something cozy for the weekend, this soup has you covered. Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 medium carrots, sliced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
- 6 cups chicken broth (or low-sodium broth)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups egg noodles (or any noodle of choice)
- 1/2 cup turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 920mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Protein: 29g