Description
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy cheeses, smoky bacon, and tender egg noodles in a rich, flavorful broth. Perfect for chilly days or whenever you crave a cozy, satisfying meal, this soup brings together the ultimate comfort flavors in every spoonful.
Ingredients
Soup Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
Chicken and Broth
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 cups chicken broth
Dairy and Seasonings
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta and Garnishes
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- Green onions or chives, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery, sautéing until the vegetables soften and become fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, approximately 15 minutes. Remove the chicken breasts, shred them with two forks, and set aside.
- Add Cream and Cheeses: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese into the pot. Cook on low heat, stirring frequently until the cheeses fully melt and the soup attains a creamy texture.
- Add Noodles and Seasonings: Add the egg noodles along with dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Continue to simmer the soup until the noodles are tender, about 10 minutes.
- Finish the Soup: Return the shredded chicken to the pot, add the crumbled cooked bacon, and stir everything together to combine well. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions or chives before serving for a fresh and colorful finish.
Notes
- For a lighter soup, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half and use low-fat cream cheese.
- This recipe can be adapted for a slow cooker by adding all ingredients except the noodles and garnishes, cooking on low for 6-8 hours, then adding noodles 30 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
