Creamy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup: A Hearty Bowl (Print Version)
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup delivers creamy comfort! Your new family favorite is easy to make and perfect for any night.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Dairy-Optional
# Ingredients:
→ Soup Base
01 -
2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
02 -
6 cups chicken broth
03 -
4 cups wide egg noodles
04 -
1 cup chopped carrots
05 -
1 cup chopped celery
06 -
1/2 cup chopped yellow onion
→ Creamy Goodness
07 -
4 oz cream cheese, softened
08 -
1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
→ Flavor Boosters
09 -
1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
10 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
11 -
1 tsp dried dill
12 -
1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Garnish & Toppings
13 -
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
14 -
Crispy bacon bits (optional)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, grab a nice big pot or Dutch oven, drizzle in a bit of olive oil, and get it warming over medium heat. Toss in your chopped carrots, celery, and onion. This is where the magic starts! Sauté them until they soften up a bit, about 5-7 minutes. You'll start to smell that sweet, savory aroma filling your kitchen, and honestly, that's half the joy of making this comforting meal. Don't rush this step; building that flavor base is key.
02 -
Once those veggies are tender, stir in your minced garlic. Let it cook for just about a minute until it's fragrant – you don't want it to burn, trust me, I've done that and it's not a flavor you want in your soup! Pour in your chicken broth, then bring the whole mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the liquid starts to warm up, getting ready to infuse all those wonderful flavors into our soup. Keep an eye on it, and maybe give it a little stir.
03 -
Now for the noodles! Add your egg noodles to the simmering broth. Cook them according to package directions, usually around 7-10 minutes, until they're al dente. This is a crucial step; nobody wants mushy noodles, right? I always taste one to make sure they're just right. While they're cooking, the broth will thicken slightly, absorbing some of that noodle starch, which is totally a good thing for this dish.
04 -
Now for the creamy part! Reduce the heat to low. Add your softened cream cheese, heavy cream (or milk), ranch seasoning mix, dried dill, and black pepper. Stir, stir, stir! This is where you want to be patient and make sure everything is completely melted and combined. I once rushed this, and ended up with little cream cheese lumps, which isn't the end of the world, but smooth is better, you know? This makes the soup so rich.
05 -
Finally, stir in your cooked, shredded chicken. Let it heat through for just a few minutes. Since the chicken is already cooked, it just needs to warm up and soak in all those incredible flavors. Give it a good taste here and adjust any seasonings if needed. Maybe a little more pepper? A tiny pinch of salt? This is your soup, after all, so make it perfect for you! I sometimes add a touch more dill, because I love it.
06 -
Ladle your glorious soup into bowls. Garnish with some fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits, if you're feeling fancy (and you should!). The aroma filling your kitchen right now? That's the smell of pure comfort and a truly delicious meal. It should look creamy, hearty, and utterly inviting. Enjoy every single spoonful of this warm, satisfying bowl of goodness!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't add the cream cheese and heavy cream until *after* the noodles are cooked and the heat is reduced. High heat can make dairy curdle, a mistake I learned the hard way.
02 -
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat; microwaving too quickly can sometimes make the creamy sauce separate.
03 -
For a little extra zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving can brighten all the flavors.
04 -
If you don't have heavy cream, a splash of whole milk works, but the texture won't be quite as rich.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot or Dutch oven
02 -
whisk
03 -
ladle
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 Calories
Total Fat: 28g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 20g