When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compare to a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. However, this isn’t just any chicken noodle soup—this is Crack Chicken Noodle Soup, a flavorful twist that takes the classic dish to a whole new level of indulgence. Packed with creamy cream cheese, savory cheddar, and a touch of dried dill and parsley for seasoning, this soup has earned its “crack” name for being almost addictively delicious.

This soup is perfect for colder days or as a go-to recipe when you need a cozy pick-me-up. With its rich, creamy broth and hearty chunks of shredded chicken, carrots, and celery, it offers a well-balanced meal in a single bowl. For those looking to make this dish even easier, using rotisserie chicken can save time while adding flavor.

For more about the history and appeal of chicken soup, check out this Wikipedia page on chicken soup.

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup combines classic flavors with unexpected ingredients to create a unique, comforting experience in every spoonful.

Ingredients Breakdown

The ingredients in Crack Chicken Noodle Soup blend seamlessly to create a hearty, creamy soup with layers of flavor. Here’s a closer look at each component and how it contributes to the overall dish:

• Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics, providing a subtle base flavor and keeping the soup heart-healthy.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics are essential for building a rich foundation of flavor. Onion adds sweetness, while garlic brings a warm depth to the soup.
• Carrots and Celery: These classic chicken soup vegetables add natural sweetness, texture, and a nutritional boost. Carrots are loaded with vitamin A, while celery is known for its fiber and low-calorie content. Learn more about celery to discover why it’s a perfect addition.
• Chicken Broth: The soup’s primary liquid. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the saltiness, or make homemade broth for extra depth of flavor. Low-sodium broth can help create a balanced taste without overloading on salt.
• Shredded Chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, makes this recipe quick and convenient. It’s an easy way to add protein and flavor.
• Cream Cheese & Cheddar Cheese: These cheeses melt into the broth, creating a creamy, luxurious texture. The tanginess of cream cheese complements the sharpness of cheddar.
• Dill & Parsley: Dried herbs that add subtle earthiness and balance to the creamy base.
• Egg Noodles: Classic in any chicken noodle soup. Egg noodles cook quickly and absorb flavors well.
• Turkey Bacon: A lighter alternative to regular bacon, it adds a smoky element without too much fat.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Creating this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is straightforward, with each step enhancing the flavors and textures that make this recipe a comfort food classic. Follow these instructions for a perfectly creamy and hearty soup.

Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, add one tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. This creates a light base for cooking and adds a subtle richness to the soup.
2. Cook Onion: Add the diced onion and cook for about 4-5 minutes until it’s softened and slightly translucent. Cooking the onion first allows its natural sweetness to develop, providing a flavorful base for the soup.
3. Add Garlic, Carrots, and Celery: Stir in minced garlic, followed by the sliced carrots and chopped celery. Sauté these together for another 3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften. This step enhances the flavor and aroma of the soup by lightly caramelizing the aromatics. For an in-depth look at carrot nutrition, read more about carrots here.

Add Broth and Chicken

1. Pour in the Chicken Broth: Add six cups of chicken broth, ensuring the broth is hot if possible to bring the mixture to a simmer faster. Use low-sodium broth for a balanced taste, or homemade if you have it on hand.
2. Add Shredded Chicken: Stir in two cups of pre-cooked, shredded chicken. Using rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken can cut down on prep time and adds depth to the dish.

Bringing the soup to a gentle boil at this stage allows the flavors of the chicken, vegetables, and broth to meld together, creating a rich base.

Incorporate Cream Cheese

1. Reduce Heat to Low: Lowering the heat is key to melting the cream cheese smoothly.
2. Add Cream Cheese Cubes: Drop in the softened, cubed cream cheese gradually, stirring constantly. This ensures it melts evenly, creating a creamy base without clumping. Adding cream cheese in smaller pieces can help it blend more easily into the broth.

Add Seasonings and Cheddar Cheese

1. Mix in Cheddar Cheese: Once the cream cheese has melted, add a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the soup, creating a rich, cheesy flavor.
2. Season with Dill, Parsley, Salt, and Pepper: Sprinkle in half a teaspoon each of dried dill and parsley. These herbs add a hint of freshness and balance to the creaminess. Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

The cheddar and herbs add savory notes that enhance the overall flavor profile of the soup.

Cook the Noodles

1. Add Egg Noodles: Stir in 1½ cups of egg noodles (or your preferred noodle type). Allow them to cook for about 7-10 minutes, or until tender. Egg noodles are a classic choice that soak up the flavors, but any sturdy noodle works well. Find other options on this egg noodle page.

Add Turkey Bacon

1. Stir in Turkey Bacon: Add the crumbled turkey bacon just before serving, giving it time to warm through while maintaining some crispness. Turkey bacon adds a smoky flavor without the heaviness of regular bacon, keeping the soup balanced.

Tips for Perfect Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

Making Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is easy, but a few tips can ensure you get the best results every time. Here are some ways to make this soup even creamier, avoid lumps, and personalize it to suit your taste and dietary preferences.

Making it Creamier

• Extra Cream Cheese: For an ultra-creamy texture, consider adding an additional ounce or two of cream cheese. Alternatively, stir in a splash of heavy cream or whole milk just before serving.
• Blending a Portion: If you enjoy an even thicker broth, remove a cup of the soup (without the noodles) and blend it until smooth, then add it back in. This thickens the soup naturally while keeping it creamy.

Avoiding Lumps

• Slowly Add the Cream Cheese: Cut the cream cheese into small cubes and add it gradually over low heat, stirring continuously. This allows it to melt evenly without clumping.
• Use Softened Cheese: Letting the cream cheese soften at room temperature before adding it can also help it melt smoothly into the broth.

Substitutions and Customizations

• Chicken Options: Using rotisserie chicken is convenient, but if you prefer, you can cook fresh chicken breasts or thighs directly in the broth for extra flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: To make this recipe dairy-free, try using dairy-free cream cheese and cheddar. Coconut cream can also add richness without dairy.
• Gluten-Free Noodles: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles to make this soup gluten-free. Rice noodles absorb flavor well, making them a good alternative.

Making it Healthier

• Low-Fat Cheese: Substitute low-fat cream cheese and cheddar if you’re looking to reduce calories.
• Skip the Bacon: If you want to keep the fat content lower, omit the turkey bacon or use a smaller portion as a garnish.

Personalize this soup to your taste or dietary needs, and you’ll have a comforting, creamy bowl that’s perfect every time.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a hearty dish on its own, but pairing it with complementary sides can elevate the meal. Here are some delicious options to round out your soup experience:

• Crusty Bread: A warm slice of crusty bread, like sourdough or baguette, is perfect for dipping into the creamy broth. The bread’s crunch adds a satisfying texture to each bite.
• Side Salad: A fresh green salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes adds a crisp contrast to the soup’s richness. A light vinaigrette dressing works well here, balancing the soup’s creaminess.
• Veggie Sticks: If you want something light, carrot sticks, celery, and bell pepper strips are refreshing and can be easily dipped into the soup.

Beverage Pairings

• White Wine: A light, crisp white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the soup’s creaminess without overpowering it.
• Hot Cider or Herbal Tea: For a cozy, alcohol-free option, try hot apple cider or a mild herbal tea with subtle notes, like chamomile, which pair well with comforting soup flavors.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to prevent the cream cheese from separating. Avoid freezing, as the dairy may not reheat well, impacting the soup’s creamy texture.

Nutritional Information and Adjustments

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a flavorful, hearty dish, but it’s also rich in calories and nutrients. Here’s a basic breakdown of the nutritional values, along with suggestions for making it lighter.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 400–500 calories, depending on specific ingredients
• Protein: 25–30 grams, primarily from chicken and cheese
• Carbohydrates: Around 20–30 grams, with egg noodles contributing most of the carbs
• Fat: Roughly 20–25 grams, mostly from cream cheese and cheddar

Lighter Adjustments

• Reduce Fat Content: Substitute full-fat cream cheese and cheddar with low-fat versions to cut down on calories and fat. You can also use just half the cream cheese without sacrificing too much creaminess.
• Increase Vegetables: Add more carrots, celery, or even leafy greens like spinach for a nutrient boost without adding many calories.
• Use Zucchini Noodles or Shirataki Noodles: If you want to cut back on carbs, consider swapping out egg noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles, both of which are low in calories and carbs.

For those following a low-carb or keto-friendly diet, these adjustments can make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup a better fit without compromising on taste.

FAQs

To help you make the most of this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup recipe, here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Can I make this soup ahead of time?

Yes, this soup can be made in advance. Prepare it up to the point of adding the noodles, and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, reheat the soup on the stove and add the noodles, allowing them to cook fresh to maintain their texture.

What type of noodles work best in this recipe?

Egg noodles are traditional and add a wonderful texture, but you can also use other types of pasta, such as rotini or bowtie. For a gluten-free option, rice noodles or gluten-free pasta work well too.

Can I freeze Crack Chicken Noodle Soup?

Because of the dairy content, freezing may cause the soup to separate upon reheating. However, you can freeze the soup without the cream cheese and cheddar, then add these ingredients when reheating for the best results.

What can I substitute for turkey bacon?

If you don’t have turkey bacon, regular bacon or smoked ham makes a good substitute, adding a savory, smoky flavor.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes! Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheddar alternatives, or substitute coconut milk for the creaminess.

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

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• Author: Kouider Walid Bentahar
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

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Description

This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is a creamy, comforting twist on traditional chicken noodle soup, perfect for cozy nights or a quick lunch. It combines savory shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, and a touch of herbs with classic carrots, celery, and egg noodles.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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)

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Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add minced garlic, carrots, and celery, and sauté for an additional 3 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth, add the shredded chicken, and stir to combine. Bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Incorporate Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Add cubed cream cheese, stirring until it melts and blends into the broth smoothly.
Add Seasonings and Cheese: Mix in cheddar cheese, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and is well incorporated.
Cook Noodles: Stir in the egg noodles and cook for 7-10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
Add Turkey Bacon: Stir in the crumbled turkey bacon, letting it warm through.
Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy hot.

Notes

• Choosing Chicken: For convenience, rotisserie chicken works well, but any pre-cooked, shredded chicken will do. Freshly cooked chicken can add extra depth if you have time.
• Creaminess Tip: Soften the cream cheese before adding, and incorporate it gradually to avoid lumps and create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Noodle Alternatives: Egg noodles are classic, but feel free to substitute with gluten-free pasta, rice noodles, or even zoodles for a lower-carb option.
• Making Ahead: To keep noodles from becoming mushy, prepare the soup up to the noodle step, then cook and add noodles when reheating.
• Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Avoid freezing if possible, as dairy can separate; if you do freeze, omit the cheeses and add them fresh when reheating.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Soup
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Calories: 350 kcal