Creamy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup for Soulful Comfort (Print Version)

Warm up with our creamy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup! This easy, cheesy, and comforting recipe is pure joy in a bowl. Perfect for cozy evenings.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains Gluten

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
03 - 4-6 ounces wide egg noodles

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
05 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
06 - 1 (1 ounce) packet ranch seasoning mix
07 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Fresh Add-ins & Finishing Touches

10 - 2 stalks celery, diced
11 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and diced
12 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - First, let's get that chicken simmering. Place your chicken breasts in a large pot, cover them with the chicken broth, and bring it to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat and let them poach for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. While that's happening, get your veggies ready. Dice your onion, celery, and carrots. This is where I often get a little messy, chopping everything with enthusiasm! Once the chicken is done, take it out, let it cool a bit, then shred it. Don't toss that broth though, it's gold for your Crack Chicken Noodle Soup!
02 - In the same pot (after carefully pouring out the broth into a separate bowl for a moment), melt the butter over medium heat. Add your diced onion, celery, and carrots. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften. This is the stage where your kitchen starts to smell absolutely amazing, honestly! Stir in your minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Don't let the garlic burn; I've made that mistake more times than I care to admit, and it just makes everything bitter. Keep it moving!
03 - Pour that reserved chicken broth back into the pot with your sautéed veggies. Bring it to a simmer. Now, here's the fun part: add your softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix. Whisk, whisk, whisk! You want to get all those lumps out and create a smooth, creamy base for your Crack Chicken Noodle Soup. This step really transforms the broth into something rich and inviting. It's so satisfying watching it all melt together.
04 - Once your soup base is smooth and simmering, it's time for the noodles. Add your egg noodles to the pot and cook according to package directions, usually about 7-10 minutes, or until al dente. Keep an eye on them; nobody likes mushy noodles! Stir in your shredded chicken. This is where the soup really starts to look like the hearty meal it's meant to be. The chicken soaks up all that incredible flavor.
05 - Now for the cheddar! Reduce the heat to low, then stir in your freshly shredded cheddar cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated. You don't want to boil the soup once the cheese is in, or it might separate. I learned that the hard way, with a weirdly lumpy batch once. Just gentle heat and patient stirring will give you that perfectly smooth, cheesy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup.
06 - Taste and adjust seasonings. You might need a pinch of salt or a grind of black pepper, depending on your broth and ranch mix. Ladle your hot, creamy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup into bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley. The vibrant green against the creamy soup just looks so inviting, and the fresh herb really brightens up the flavors. Honestly, the smell alone is enough to make your mouth water. Serve it up and enjoy that blissful comfort!

# Notes:

01 - My biggest tip: don't overcook those noodles! They'll continue to soften in the hot soup, so pull them just before they're perfectly done.
02 - Storage advice that actually works from my kitchen trials: this soup lasts 3-4 days in an airtight container in the fridge, but add extra broth when reheating if it's too thick.
03 - Substitution I've tried that worked surprisingly well: rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut if you're short on time.
04 - Serving suggestion that makes this dish extra special: a crusty baguette or garlic bread for dipping is an absolute must!

# Equipment Needed:

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

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 Calories
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 30g

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