Comforting Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe For Cold Days

Mixing tender shredded chicken with creamy ranch seasoning creates an irresistible crack chicken noodle soup that will become your new comfort food obsession.

Layers of rich flavors blend seamlessly in this hearty dish.

Comfort comes alive through each spoonful of warm, velvety broth.

Noodles absorb the decadent ranch-infused sauce, making every bite more delicious than the last.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet extraordinary recipe.

Home cooks will adore how quickly this meal comes together.

You’ll want to savor every single delectable spoonful of this crowd-pleasing soup that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Why You’ll Crave Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Craft a Gourmet Meal: Transform basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal culinary expertise, making sophisticated cooking accessible to everyone.
• Customize Your Comfort: Adapt the recipe with personal touches like adding extra vegetables or swapping noodle types, creating a signature soup that reflects your unique taste preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Warrior: Prepare a hearty, satisfying meal in under an hour, perfect for busy families seeking delicious and nutritious dinner solutions that don't compromise on flavor.
• One-Pot Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with a single-pot cooking method that streamlines preparation and reduces dishwashing time, making mealtime both delightful and practical.

What Goes Into Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the soup.

• Onions, Carrots, Celery: A classic mirepoix that provides a rich, aromatic base and adds depth to the soup's flavor profile.

• Ranch Seasoning: A zesty blend that infuses the soup with tangy and herbal notes.
• Garlic Powder, Dried Thyme, Black Pepper, Salt: Essential spices that enhance the overall taste and complexity of the dish.

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that creates the foundation of the soup and helps tenderize the chicken.

• Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that adds heartiness and traditional comfort to the soup.

• Cream Cheese: A rich ingredient that provides a smooth, luxurious texture and subtle tanginess.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright herb that adds a fresh, green finish to the soup.

• Olive Oil: A healthy oil used for searing chicken and sautéing vegetables.

How To Prepare Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Brown Chicken for Flavor

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, creating a delicious outer crust. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Onions
• Carrots
• Celery

Cook until soft and slightly translucent, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 3: Enhance with Seasonings

• Ranch seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Dried thyme
• Black pepper
• Salt

Step 4: Create Soup Base

Pour chicken broth into the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to boost flavor complexity.

Step 5: Cook Chicken

Return chicken to the pot, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Simmer covered for 15-20 minutes until chicken is fully cooked.

Step 6: Shred Chicken

Transfer chicken to a cutting board and shred using two forks, creating tender, uniform pieces.

Step 7: Add Noodles

Drop egg noodles into the simmering broth, cooking 6-8 minutes until perfectly al dente.

Step 8: Create Creamy Texture

Return shredded chicken to the pot. Stir in cream cheese until it melts completely, creating a rich and smooth consistency.

Step 9: Finish and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the soup, gently stirring to distribute herbs.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow soup to rest for 5 minutes, letting flavors blend and intensify before serving hot.

Tips To Improve Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Boost Chicken Flavor: Sear chicken first to lock in juices and create a golden, caramelized exterior that enhances overall taste profile.
• Control Noodle Texture: Add egg noodles near the end of cooking to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect al dente consistency.
• Enhance Creaminess Trick: Soften cream cheese beforehand and stir slowly to ensure smooth, lump-free integration into the soup.
• Maximize Herb Freshness: Chop parsley just before adding to preserve vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils.
• Season Strategically: Layer seasonings during different cooking stages to build complex, deep flavor dimensions throughout the dish.

Twists To Try On Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Spicy Southwest Soup: Replace ranch seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chiles, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean-Style Soup: Swap ranch seasoning for oregano and basil, use orzo pasta, and add spinach and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair.
• Dairy-Free Comfort Soup: Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream, ensuring a rich texture for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Low-Carb Veggie Soup: Replace egg noodles with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, maintaining the soup's hearty character while reducing carbohydrates.

Best Pairings For Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Pair Ranch Chicken Noodle Soup with Vibrant Companions
• Crisp Green Salad: Toss mixed greens with light vinaigrette to cut through the soup's creamy richness, adding refreshing contrast and balancing hearty flavors.
• Rustic Garlic Bread: Serve warm, crusty slices alongside the soup for perfect dipping, soaking up delicious broth and providing satisfying crunch.
• Crisp White Wine Complement: Select a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to enhance the soup's creamy texture, offering bright, acidic notes that cleanse the palate and elevate the dining experience.
• Zesty Pickle Plate: Arrange quick-pickled vegetables like cucumber, radish, and carrots to provide tangy counterpoint, adding bright, sharp elements that refresh between soup spoonfuls.

How To Keep Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Fresh

• Transfer cooled soup to airtight containers, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Keep ingredients separate from garnishes to maintain optimal texture.
• Pour soup into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving one-inch headspace. Freeze for 2-3 months. Avoid freezing noodles separately, as they might become mushy upon thawing.
• Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Heat until soup reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Defrost overnight in the refrigerator.

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup FAQ List

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly and can add more flavor and tenderness to the soup. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless, and adjust cooking time accordingly.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular egg noodles with gluten-free egg noodles or rice noodles. Also, check that the ranch seasoning is gluten-free or make your own seasoning blend.

• What type of chicken broth works best?

Homemade or low-sodium store-bought chicken broth are ideal. Homemade broth provides richer flavor, while low-sodium options allow you to control salt levels.

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Warm comfort meets creamy indulgence in this crack chicken noodle soup, a hearty dish blending tender chicken, rich cream, and perfectly cooked noodles. Comfort seekers will find pure satisfaction in each spoonful of this irresistible, soul-soothing recipe.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
• 16 oz egg noodles
• 4 cups chicken broth

Vegetables:

• 2 cups carrots, chopped
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 medium onion, chopped

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup ranch seasoning mix
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp salt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering and aromatic.
2. Sear chicken breasts for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown, creating a flavorful exterior seal.
3. Remove chicken and set aside, then introduce chopped onions, carrots, and celery to the same pot, sautéing until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent, approximately 5-6 minutes.
4. Sprinkle ranch seasoning, garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt over the vegetables, stirring to distribute seasonings evenly and release their robust flavors.
5. Pour chicken broth into the pot, scraping any browned bits from the bottom to enhance the soup’s depth of flavor.
6. Return chicken to the pot, bringing the liquid to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 15-20 minutes until chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
7. Transfer chicken to a cutting board and shred using two forks, ensuring uniform, tender pieces.
8. Add egg noodles to the simmering broth, cooking for 6-8 minutes until they reach an al dente consistency.
9. Reintroduce shredded chicken to the pot and stir in cream cheese, allowing it to melt and create a creamy, luxurious texture.
10. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, stirring gently to distribute herbs throughout the soup.
11. Let the soup rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and intensify.

Notes

• Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts to ensure quick and even cooking without extra fat.
• Choose wide egg noodles for a heartier texture that holds up well in the creamy broth.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting ranch seasoning or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle kick.
• Swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed alternative that maintains creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 487
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1244 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg