Growing up, there was nothing quite like my grandma’s homemade chicken noodle soup. The way the savory broth, tender chicken, and chewy noodles would warm me up on a chilly day – it was pure comfort in a bowl. But as I got older and my taste buds evolved, I started craving something a little more, well, crack-ed.
That’s when I discovered the magic of Crack Chicken Noodle Soup. It’s the classic chicken noodle soup I grew up with, but with a few delicious twists that take it to the next level. The creamy, cheesy element adds a rich, indulgent note, while the blend of spices gives it a flavor punch that’s simply irresistible.
Now, this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup has become my go-to recipe whenever I’m in the mood for a comforting, satisfying meal. It’s easy to whip up, with a total time of just 35 minutes, and it always leaves me and my family feeling cozy and content. Plus, the leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great meal-prep option too.
Why This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
What sets this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup apart is the magical combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and bold, flavorful spices. The secret lies in the addition of softened cream cheese, which melts right into the chicken broth to create a luxuriously velvety texture. And the blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley elevates the classic chicken noodle flavors, making each spoonful truly crack-ed.
But don’t be fooled – this recipe is still quick and easy to make. With a prep time of just 15 minutes and a cook time of 20 minutes, you can have a comforting, homemade meal on the table in no time. It’s the perfect solution for those nights when you want something hearty and satisfying, but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup, you’ll need a few key ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed – The star of the show! Tender, juicy chicken is the foundation of this soup.
- 4 cups chicken broth – The rich, savory broth provides the perfect backdrop for the other flavors.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened – This is the secret ingredient that gives the soup its creamy, indulgent texture.
- 2 cups egg noodles – Chewy, comforting egg noodles are the perfect pairing for the chicken and broth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – This adds a warm, aromatic depth to the soup.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Complementing the garlic, the onion powder lends savory, caramelized notes.
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley – Fresh herbal notes from the parsley balance out the other spices.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – A simple seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – A subtle kick of heat to round out the soup’s profile.
Step-by-Step Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Instructions
Preparing Your Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
With a total time of just 35 minutes, this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup comes together quickly and easily. You’ll need a large pot or Dutch oven to cook everything in, as well as a cutting board and knife for prepping the chicken.
1- Start by cubing the 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This will help the chicken cook through evenly and quickly in the broth.
2- In the large pot, bring the 4 cups of chicken broth to a simmer over medium-high heat. Once it’s gently bubbling, add in the cubed chicken and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
3- Next, add the 8 ounces of softened cream cheese to the pot. Use a whisk to gently incorporate the cream cheese, stirring until it’s fully melted and the broth is creamy and smooth.
4- Now it’s time to add the 2 cups of egg noodles. Let them simmer in the creamy broth for 8-10 minutes, until they’re tender and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they have a nice, chewy texture.
5- To finish, stir in the 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley, along with the 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. This seasoning blend will infuse the soup with irresistible flavor.
6- Ladle the hot, fragrant Crack Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls and serve it up hot. Garnish with a sprinkle of extra parsley if desired. Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience!
Pro Tips for Success
- Use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best texture and flavor. Avoid pre-cooked or frozen chicken, which can become tough or watery in the soup.
- Be sure to fully soften the cream cheese before adding it to the broth. This will help it melt in seamlessly and create a creamy, velvety base.
- Don’t overcook the egg noodles – they should have a nice, al dente bite. Keep an eye on them and test them frequently during the 8-10 minute simmering time.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you prefer a bolder flavor, feel free to increase the garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper.
- For an extra creamy texture, blend a portion of the soup in a blender or with an immersion blender before serving.
Serving and Storing Your Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Perfect Pairings for Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a wonderfully comforting and satisfying meal on its own, serving 4 people. But it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides and accompaniments.
For a complete dinner, try serving the soup with a fresh, crisp salad or some crusty bread for dipping. A glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea would also make a lovely pairing.
If you’re looking for a heartier meal, consider serving the Crack Chicken Noodle Soup alongside a grilled cheese sandwich or some buttery biscuits. The creamy, cheesy soup pairs so well with these classic comfort food pairings.
And don’t forget the garnishes! A sprinkle of extra dried parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or a handful of crushed crackers can all take this soup to the next level.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
One of the best things about this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is that it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers.
To store the soup, simply let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until steaming hot.
For longer-term storage, the Crack Chicken Noodle Soup can also be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then pour it into a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve it, thaw the soup in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
This makes Crack Chicken Noodle Soup a great option for meal prepping. You can make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it for quick, comforting lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Creative Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Variations
While this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup recipe is a delicious classic, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it.
For a heartier version, try adding in some diced potatoes or sweet potatoes. The extra veggies will make the soup even more filling and nutritious.
You could also switch up the noodles, using small pasta shapes like orzo or ditalini instead of the classic egg noodles. Or, for a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
And if you’re in the mood for a bit of a kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the soup. The creamy, cheesy base can stand up to a little extra heat.
Finally, for a seasonal twist, consider adding some fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary, or swapping in diced butternut squash or kale for a cozy fall version of the soup.
Making Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Diet-Friendly
This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup can easily be adapted to fit a variety of dietary needs and preferences.
For a gluten-free option, simply swap the egg noodles for a gluten-free pasta or even spiralized zucchini noodles. The creamy, cheesy broth will still be delicious with these substitutions.
If you’re watching your carb intake, you can reduce the amount of noodles or skip them altogether. The soup will still be satisfying and comforting without the extra carbs.
For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream in place of the traditional cream cheese. This will give you a similarly creamy texture without the dairy.
And if you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can make this soup meatless by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting the chicken altogether. Sautéed mushrooms or tofu would make a great protein addition.
No matter your dietary needs, this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup can be easily customized to fit your lifestyle and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cream cheese?
A: While the cream cheese is the signature ingredient that gives this soup its “crack” status, you could experiment with other soft, melty cheeses like goat cheese or mascarpone. Just keep in mind the flavor profile will be a bit different.
Q: How long does it take to make this soup?
A: This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup has a total time of just 35 minutes, with 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of cook time. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
Q: Can I freeze leftover Crack Chicken Noodle Soup?
A: Yes, this soup freezes beautifully! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup recipe serves 4 people. The ingredient amounts can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd.
Q: My soup turned out too thick or too thin – how can I fix it?
A: If your soup is too thick, simply add a bit more chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, try blending a portion of the soup in a blender to thicken it up, or let it simmer for a few minutes longer to reduce and concentrate the flavors.
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and flavor-packed dish that will warm you up on a cold day. Tender chicken, creamy broth, and hearty egg noodles come together in this easy-to-make recipe.
Ingredients
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
– 4 cups chicken broth
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 2 cups egg noodles
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, sauté the cubed chicken over medium heat until lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the chicken broth, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the cream cheese is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
3. Bring the soup to a simmer and add the egg noodles. Cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Notes
For a thicker, creamier soup, use 12 ounces of cream cheese. You can also add diced celery or carrots for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Soups, Stews & Chili
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food – creamy, cheesy, and full of bold, savory flavor. With its quick prep and cook time, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying.
But don’t just take my word for it – I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the magic for yourself. Once you taste the irresistible combination of tender chicken, velvety broth, and comforting noodles, it’s sure to become a new family favorite.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to make the best Crack Chicken Noodle Soup you’ve ever had. I can’t wait to hear how much you and your loved ones enjoy it!
