When it gets cold and the days get shorter, nothing warms your heart like homemade chicken noodle soup. But imagine taking this classic dish to a whole new level of taste and luxury. Welcome to Crack Chicken Noodle Soup, a creamy, indulgent twist that will soon be a favorite in your kitchen.
This soup combines tender chicken, soft noodles, and a rich broth with cream cheese, cheddar, and special herbs and spices. It’s a cozy, satisfying meal perfect for chilly days or when you need a comfort boost. And the best part? You can make it easily at home with just a few steps.
Key Takeaways
- Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a unique, creamy twist on traditional chicken noodle soup.
- The soup features tender chicken, soft noodles, and a rich broth enhanced with cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch seasoning.
- This recipe is perfect for cold days or when you need a cozy, comforting meal.
- Using rotisserie chicken can save time while adding flavor to the dish.
- The recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to your taste preferences.
Understanding the Addiction: What Makes This Soup Special
The cracked out chicken noodle soup has gained over 430,627 shares and 386,766 pins. It’s irresistible because of its creamy texture and savory spices. This mix creates a dish that’s hard to resist.
Origins of Crack Chicken
The name “crack” doesn’t mean it’s illegal. It means it’s so good, you’ll keep coming back for more. Cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and cheddar cheese blend together for a flavor that’s unmatched. It’s a favorite in many homes, thanks to its win in a 2011 recipe contest.
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
The secret to this soup’s success is its flavor. A creamy base, made with cream cheese and ranch seasoning, is rich and indulgent. Cheddar cheese adds a savory touch that complements the chicken and noodles perfectly. This mix of flavors makes the soup so addictive.
Why It’s Called “Crack” Chicken
The name cracked out chicken noodle soup comes from its addictive nature. It’s creamy, cheesy, and savory, making it hard to stop eating. Over 100 million views and shares prove it’s a viral hit, loved by many as the best ranch chicken noodle soup and cheesy chicken noodle soup.
“Once you try the cracked out chicken noodle soup, you’ll never go back to a regular chicken noodle soup again. It’s that good!”
Essential Ingredients for Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Making the perfect chicken noodle soup begins with picking the right ingredients. The “Crack Chicken” version is special because of its fresh, quality mix. Let’s explore the key ingredients that make this soup so tasty.
The soup’s base is boneless, skinless chicken breast. It’s tender and full of protein. Alongside egg noodles, they offer a great texture. The broth is made with chicken broth.
The creamy part comes from cream cheese and cheddar cheese. They make the soup rich and indulgent. Ranch seasoning mix brings all the flavors together, making it truly special.
The soup also includes carrots, celery, onion, and garlic for extra flavor. A bit of olive oil and fresh parsley add freshness.
With these top-notch ingredients, you’ll make a homemade chicken noodle soup that’s both comforting and irresistible. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate easy chicken noodle soup experience!
“Just made this last night and my family ate every last drop!” – Heather
“My daughter and son-in-law introduced me to it one evening. I immediately fell in love with it.” – Melvin
Kitchen Equipment and Preparation Tips
To make the best chicken soup recipes, like the famous crack chicken noodle soup, you need the right tools and prep. Having the right cookware and using smart techniques makes cooking easier. This way, you can quickly enjoy a delicious easy soup recipe.
Required Cookware
A large pot or Dutch oven is key for making tasty chicken soup. It lets you simmer the broth and cook the soup ingredients well. You’ll also need a sharp knife and cutting board for chopping veggies and chicken quickly.
Time-Saving Tools
- Food processor: Chop veggies like onions, celery, and carrots fast, saving time.
- Slow cooker or Instant Pot: These tools simmer and tenderize the soup, giving you more time to do other things.
Prep Work Essentials
Before cooking, spend a few minutes getting your ingredients ready. Cut the onions, celery, and carrots into small pieces. Mince the garlic and cut the chicken into cubes or shred it. Having these ready makes cooking the comfort food dish much easier.
| Ingredient | Preparation |
|---|---|
| Onions | Diced |
| Celery | Diced |
| Carrots | Diced |
| Garlic | Minced |
| Chicken | Cubed or shredded |
Creating the Perfect Creamy Base
The secret to a truly indulgent creamy chicken soup lies in the base. Adding cream cheese and cheddar cheese to the broth makes it velvety. Softening the cream cheese first ensures a smooth texture. The ranch seasoning mix adds to the creamy flavor.
For a dairy-free version, use cashew cream or plant-based alternatives. This keeps the soup meals rich and satisfying for all diets.
| Nutrition Facts (per serving) | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Fat | 18.8g |
| Saturated Fat | 5.1g |
| Cholesterol | 129.3mg |
| Sodium | 719.3mg |
| Carbohydrates | 22.2g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.6g |
| Total Sugars | 3.8g |
| Protein | 32.3g |
This creamy chicken soup stands out with its creamy base. It has a perfect balance of flavors and a rich texture. It’s no surprise it has a 5.0 average rating from 14 reviews.
“This creamy chicken soup is absolutely divine! The flavors are so well-balanced, and the creamy base is simply out of this world. I’ve never tasted anything quite like it.”
Mastering the Art of Seasoning
Perfecting your cracked chicken soup starts with seasoning. The ranch seasoning blend is key, made of dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. These herbs and spices blend to give your crock pot soup recipes a ranch flavor.
But seasoning doesn’t end there. Adding fresh parsley gives an extra flavor boost. It’s important to balance the seasonings. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. For homemade ranch seasoning, mix equal parts of the dried herbs and spices.
Herbs and Spices
- Dried dill
- Dried parsley
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Balancing Flavors
Finding the right balance in seasoning is key. Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This way, you can adjust the flavors to your taste. Your easy soup dishes will have a perfect mix of flavors.
“The key to a truly exceptional cracked chicken soup lies in the careful curation of its seasonings. With a little finesse, you can unlock a world of flavor that will have your family and friends asking for seconds.”
The Secret to Tender Chicken and Perfect Noodles
To get the perfect creamy chicken soups, focus on the chicken and noodles. Cook the chicken until it’s tender but not overcooked. This prevents it from becoming dry. Using a rotisserie chicken can be a quick and easy option.
For the noodles, there are a few ways to keep them just right. You can cook egg noodles separately and add them to the soup. Or, you can simmer them in the soup seasonings until they’re perfect. If you make the soup ahead of time, cook and store the noodles separately. Then, add them when you reheat the soup.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Chicken | 1 |
| Onion | 1 |
| Celery | 3 stalks |
| Carrots | 3 |
| Chicken Broth | 8 cups |
| Chicken Bouillon | 2 cubes |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Egg Noodles | 8 oz |
By using these tips, you can make a creamy chicken soup with tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles. This will make your soup a comforting and satisfying meal.
Adding Vegetables and Enhancing Nutrition
To make a crack chicken noodle soup both hearty and nutritious, pick the right veggies. Carrots, celery, and onions add flavor and boost nutrition. For even more vitamins and minerals, try spinach, kale, or broccoli.
Best Vegetable Combinations
- Carrots: Add 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced, for a sweet, crunchy texture.
- Celery: Use 2 stalks of celery, chopped, to provide a savory, aromatic base.
- Onions: Dice 1 large yellow onion to create a flavorful foundation.
- Leafy Greens: Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach or kale towards the end for a nutrient-dense addition.
- Broccoli: Chop 1 cup of broccoli florets to incorporate even more wholesome goodness.
Cooking Times for Vegetables
When adding veggies to your one-pot meal, think about their cooking times. Harder veggies like carrots go in early. Leafy greens add freshness towards the end.
| Vegetable | Cooking Time |
|---|---|
| Carrots | 30-40 minutes |
| Celery | 20-30 minutes |
| Onions | 15-20 minutes |
| Spinach/Kale | 5-10 minutes |
| Broccoli | 15-20 minutes |
Timing your veggie additions right makes your hearty soup a perfect match for crack chicken ingredients.
Variations and Dietary Modifications
Crack chicken noodle soup is great for many diets. You can make it in a slow cooker or with less carbs. It’s a comforting dish that fits many needs.
Slow Cooker and Instant Pot Versions
Make crack chicken noodle soup easily in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. Just put all the ingredients in and let it cook. The slow cooker makes the chicken tender, and the Instant Pot is quicker.
Low-Carb and Gluten-Free Modifications
- Use zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a low-carb version. They keep the flavor but cut carbs.
- For a gluten-free chicken noodle casserole, skip the noodles or use gluten-free pasta.
Dairy-Free Version
Make a dairy-free crack chicken noodle soup with coconut milk and dairy-free cheese. It’s perfect for those avoiding dairy.
These changes let you enjoy crack chicken noodle soup while meeting your dietary needs. Whether you like slow-cooked, low-carb, or dairy-free, there’s something for everyone.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Enjoying your homemade chicken soup is a joy. But what about leftovers? It’s important to store and reheat your chicken broth soup right. This keeps its flavor and creamy texture.
Proper Storage Methods
Keep your chicken soup ingredients fresh by storing it in an airtight container. Do this in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, cool the soup first. Then, put it in a freezer-safe container or bag. This way, you can enjoy it for up to 3 months.
Reheating Techniques
When reheating your chicken noodle soup, do it gently on the stovetop. Stir often to avoid scorching. If it’s too thick, add a bit of chicken broth or cream. Store noodles separately to keep them from getting mushy.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 4 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
By following these tips, you can enjoy your homemade chicken soup for a long time. Savor each spoonful and let the chicken broth soup fill your kitchen again.
Serving Suggestions and Garnishes
Make your chicken noodle soup even better by serving it hot. Add some fresh and tasty toppings. Sprinkle chopped parsley for a bright, herbaceous flavor. Or, top it with shredded cheddar cheese for a creamy, indulgent touch.
For a crunchy bite, crumble some crispy turkey bacon over the soup.
Pair your crack chicken noodle soup with some crusty bread. Soft garlic bread or savory crackers for dipping are great too. A light, refreshing green salad is perfect as a side. It balances the soup’s richness with fresh, crunchy veggies.
For extra texture, add a sprinkle of crispy fried onions or crunchy croutons. These garnishes not only look good but also add a nice contrast to the creamy chicken and noodles. These simple touches can make your chicken soup dinner even more special.