why make this recipe
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is comfort food with a flavor punch: creamy, cheesy, and brightened by ranch seasoning and green onions. It’s quick to assemble, family-friendly, and perfect for chilly nights or when you need an easy, satisfying weeknight meal. If you like hearty chicken dishes, you might also enjoy this baked cheesy chicken for another weeknight option.
introduction
This version of Crack Chicken Noodle Soup takes the popular "crack chicken" flavor profile — cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch — and combines it with egg noodles and chicken broth for a cozy, noodle-forward soup. It’s rich without being heavy, comes together mostly in one pot, and stretches easily for leftovers.
how to make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Follow the simple steps below to transform a handful of pantry ingredients into a creamy, comforting soup. The full ingredient list and step-by-step directions are provided after this overview.
Ingredients :
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions :
- In a large pot, combine chicken breast and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and cook until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Add the egg noodles, ranch seasoning, and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is melted.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and green onions.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
how to serve Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Serve hot in bowls with extra chopped green onions or a sprinkle of cheddar on top. A side of crusty bread or crackers is perfect for dipping. For a lighter presentation, serve with a simple green salad.
how to store Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Cool completely before refrigerating. Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, do so gently on the stovetop over low heat to prevent the dairy from separating; add a splash of broth or milk if the soup thickens too much. This soup can be frozen, but note that cream- and noodle-based soups sometimes change texture after freezing — consider freezing the broth and shredded chicken separately from the noodles and cream cheese if you plan long-term storage.
tips to make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs; thighs add more flavor and stay tender.
- For quicker prep, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken; add it to the broth at step 3 and reduce initial cooking time.
- Stir cream cheese in small pieces so it melts evenly.
- If you prefer thinner soup, add more chicken broth a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- For a lower-sodium option, use low-sodium broth and adjust seasoning at the end.
- Want more soup ideas? Check this collection of easy soups for inspiration.
variation (if any)
- Add vegetables: carrots, celery, or peas can be sautéed at the beginning for extra nutrition and texture.
- Spice it up: a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce add heat.
- Swap cheeses: Monterey Jack or pepper jack work well for a different flavor profile.
- Make it lighter: replace half the cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt (stir in off-heat to avoid curdling).
FAQ
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes. Place chicken and broth in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Shred the chicken, then add cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and noodles and cook until noodles are tender (or cook noodles separately and add before serving).
Q: Can I use different noodles?
A: Yes — small egg noodles, ditalini, or even broken spaghetti work. Adjust cooking time according to the noodle package directions.
Q: Is ranch seasoning necessary?
A: It provides the signature flavor, but you can substitute a blend of dried parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and dill if you prefer a homemade mix.
Conclusion
For more variations and inspiration for this comforting favorite, see this full write-up on Crack Chicken Noodle Soup – My Incredible Recipes and another take at The BEST Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe EVER | The Recipe Critic.
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Ingredients
Method
- In a large pot, combine chicken breast and chicken broth. Bring to a boil and cook until the chicken is cooked through.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and return it to the pot.
- Add the egg noodles, ranch seasoning, and cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is melted.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and green onions.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
