Crack Chicken Noodle Soup: Easy Comfort, Big Flavor (Print Version)

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup brings creamy, savory joy to your table. Simple ingredients, unforgettable taste a hug in a bowl!

# 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: Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten

# Ingredients:

→ Soup Base & Protein

01 - 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
02 - 8 cups chicken broth, low-sodium
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil
04 - 1 medium yellow onion, diced
05 - 2 stalks celery, diced
06 - 2 medium carrots, diced

→ Flavor Powerhouses

07 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
09 - 1 tsp dried dill

→ Creamy Goodness

10 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
11 - 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
12 - 4 cups (about 6 oz) wide egg noodles

→ Finishing Touches

13 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
14 - 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab your biggest soup pot – the one that's seen all your kitchen adventures. Drizzle in a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your diced onion, celery, and carrots. This is where the magic begins, honestly. Sauté them gently until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. You want them fragrant and tender, not browned. I love how the kitchen starts to smell so comforting at this stage; it's the promise of good food to come.
02 - Once those veggies are getting soft, add your minced garlic. Stir it around for just a minute until you can smell it – don't let it burn, that's a mistake I've made too many times, and burnt garlic is just sad. Then, pour in your chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the ranch seasoning mix and dried dill. Let it bubble away for about 10 minutes, allowing all those flavors to really get to know each other. This is crucial for that signature Crack Chicken Noodle Soup taste.
03 - Now for the good stuff! Stir in your shredded cooked chicken. If you're using raw chicken, you'd cook it through before this step, but I'm all about shortcuts here. Next, add your egg noodles. Cook them according to package directions, usually around 7-10 minutes, until they're tender but still have a little bite. This is where I always keep an eye on the clock; nobody wants mushy noodles in their Crack Chicken Noodle Soup!
04 - Once the noodles are almost done, reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese in small dollops, stirring constantly until it's completely melted and smooth. This step is where the Crack Chicken Noodle Soup truly gets its luscious texture. Then, gradually stir in your shredded cheddar cheese until it's fully incorporated and melted. Keep the heat low; you don't want the cheese to curdle, which, yep, I've had happen when I got impatient!
05 - This is your moment to shine! Give the soup a good taste. Does it need more salt? A little more pepper? Maybe another tiny sprinkle of ranch seasoning if you're feeling extra? Remember, seasonings can vary, so trust your taste buds. This is your Crack Chicken Noodle Soup, make it sing! I often find myself adding a tiny pinch more salt here, just to make all the flavors pop.
06 - Ladle that glorious Crack Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and those crispy bacon bits, if you're using them. The vibrant green of the parsley and the smoky crunch of bacon really elevate it. This soup is meant to be enjoyed immediately, steaming hot, with a happy sigh. It should look rich, smell incredible, and taste like pure, unadulterated comfort.

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcook the noodles, nobody wants mush!
02 - This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup keeps well for a few days, but the noodles do absorb liquid.
03 - Tried smoked paprika once, gave the Crack Chicken Noodle Soup a nice smoky depth.
04 - A sprinkle of extra cheddar and fresh chives makes this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup photo-ready.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large soup pot
02 - cutting board
03 - sharp knife
04 - whisk

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 25g

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