Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Experience the ultimate comfort in a bowl with this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup recipe! Rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken, savory vegetables, and hearty noodles, this soup is an easy dinner solution that will warm your soul. Perfect for chilly nights or when you're in need of a satisfying, homemade meal.
This soup has been a family favorite for years, combining comfort food with a creamy twist. Everyone loves a bowl of this hearty delight on a cold day!
Perfect for Any Occasion
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is not just a comforting winter meal; it’s an excellent dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or looking for something quick and satisfying after a long day, this soup delivers. Its creamy texture and hearty ingredients make it versatile enough for both lunch and dinner. Kids and adults alike will appreciate its rich flavors, making it a go-to recipe for busy families.
Moreover, this soup is perfect for meal prep. You can make a large batch and store individual portions in the fridge or freezer. This means you can have wholesome, homemade soup ready to go whenever hunger strikes, saving you valuable time during your week.
Nutritional Benefits
This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. The inclusion of lean chicken breast provides a great source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and overall health. Additionally, the colorful vegetables such as carrots and celery add vitamins and minerals, promoting good health and boosting your immune system during those colder months.
The use of heavy cream, while rich, can be balanced with the nutritious components of the soup and enjoyed in moderation. You can even substitute with lighter options like half-and-half or milk if you're seeking a healthier version without sacrificing too much flavor.
Customizable and Versatile
One of the best qualities of Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is its versatility. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or switching up the seasonings. For a kick of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or jalapeños. You can also swap the egg noodles for whole grain or gluten-free options to meet dietary preferences.
If you want to up the flavor, try incorporating herbs like rosemary or fresh parsley just before serving. The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability, making it easy to experiment and find a version that suits your taste perfectly.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Make sure to have all ingredients ready before starting the cooking process.
Instructions
Prepare Chicken
In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, shredded chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Add Noodles
Once boiling, add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Finish with Cream
Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Allow to simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve hot and enjoy this comforting bowl of soup!
Storage Tips
To ensure your Crack Chicken Noodle Soup remains fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 4 days. If you'd like to freeze it, consider leaving out the noodles until you reheat the portion. This prevents them from becoming mushy during storage.
When reheating, you may need to add a bit more chicken broth or water to restore the desired consistency. Gently heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Enjoy the convenience of having delicious soup ready at a moment's notice!
Serving Suggestions
For a complete meal, serve Crack Chicken Noodle Soup with crusty bread or a simple side salad. The crunchy texture of freshly baked bread complements the creamy soup beautifully, making every bite enjoyable. You can also consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra cheesy touch.
If you’re feeling festive, add a side of garlic breadsticks or a light, refreshing coleslaw to balance the richness of the soup. Pairing it with these sides makes your meal feel more complete and offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures.
Cooking Variations
If you're in the mood for some experimentation, try making this soup in a slow cooker or an Instant Pot. For a slow cooker, simply dump all the ingredients (minus the cream) and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Stir in the cream only during the last 30 minutes for a creamy finish.
For an Instant Pot version, sauté the vegetables and garlic first, then add the remaining ingredients and set to cook on high for about 10 minutes. Quick and efficient, both methods will yield a comforting soup that’s sure to warm your heart.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works great.
→ Is it possible to make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, just combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Experience the ultimate comfort in a bowl with this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup recipe! Rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken, savory vegetables, and hearty noodles, this soup is an easy dinner solution that will warm your soul. Perfect for chilly nights or when you're in need of a satisfying, homemade meal.
Created by: Emma Johnson
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup diced carrots
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
How-To Steps
In a large pot, combine the chicken broth, shredded chicken, carrots, celery, onion, and garlic. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
Once boiling, add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Stir in the heavy cream, thyme, parsley, salt, and pepper. Allow to simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 15g