Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, featuring creamy broth, tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a savory hint of turkey bacon. It’s rich, cheesy, and filling, making it the perfect choice for a cozy dinner on chilly nights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
- Creamy and Cheesy: Melted cream cheese and cheddar make this soup incredibly creamy.
- Customizable: Easily swap ingredients to fit your taste, from noodles to bacon.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 40 minutes, this soup is ideal for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 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)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery, and sauté for an additional 3 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
Step 2: Add Broth and Chicken
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken.
- Stir everything to combine and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cream Cheese
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cubed cream cheese.
- Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and blends smoothly into the broth, creating a creamy base.
Step 4: Add Seasonings and Cheese
- Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until the cheese is melted and well incorporated into the soup.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
- Add the egg noodles and cook for 7-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but not mushy.
Step 6: Add Turkey Bacon
- Stir in the crumbled turkey bacon and allow it to warm through.
Step 7: Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large pot for cooking the soup
- Cutting board and knife for chopping vegetables
- Ladle for serving
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and crusty bread for dipping.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat gently over medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Add a splash of broth if the soup has thickened.
Variations
- Noodle Options: Substitute egg noodles with other pasta types like rotini, macaroni, or bow ties.
- Regular Bacon: For a richer flavor, substitute regular bacon instead of turkey bacon.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and omit the cheddar for a lighter soup.
Helpful Tips
- Cream Cheese Consistency: Ensure the cream cheese is softened and cubed for easier melting.
- Preventing Mushy Noodles: If you expect leftovers, cook the noodles separately and add them to each bowl, as noodles can become overly soft when stored in soup.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving, especially if using low-sodium broth.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and adds extra flavor to the soup.
2. Can I freeze this soup?
Freezing isn’t recommended due to the cream cheese and noodles, which may change texture when thawed. For a freezer-friendly version, add cream cheese and noodles when reheating.
3. How can I make this soup thicker?
To thicken the soup, stir in an extra 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar or let it simmer longer with the cream cheese until the broth reduces.
4. Can I use another cheese instead of cheddar?
Yes! Gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack would also add a nice creaminess and flavor.
5. How do I make it gluten-free?
Substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth is gluten-free.
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy cheese, tender chicken, and savory bacon. It’s rich, flavorful, and a sure crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any cozy meal!
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
- 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)
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery, sautéing for an additional 3 minutes until vegetables start to soften.
- Add Broth and Chicken: Pour in the chicken broth and add the shredded chicken. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a gentle boil.
- Incorporate Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the cubed cream cheese, stirring until it melts and blends smoothly into the broth.
- Add Seasonings and Cheese: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese, dried dill, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and well incorporated into the soup.
- Cook Noodles: Add the egg noodles and cook for 7-10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
- Add Turkey Bacon: Stir in the crumbled turkey bacon and allow it to warm through.
- Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and enjoy hot.
Notes
- Cream Cheese Consistency: Make sure the cream cheese is softened and cubed before adding it to the soup for easier melting and a smoother texture.
- Noodle Options: Feel free to use any noodle variety, such as rotini or macaroni, depending on your preference.