Description
This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is a creamy, hearty, and comforting twist on classic chicken noodle soup. Loaded with tender chicken, ranch-inspired flavor, and melty cheese, it’s the ultimate cozy dinner—made without bacon or heavy cream for a lighter, family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 small onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups water
2 cups egg noodles
1 cup low-fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (homemade or store-bought)
1 cup sliced carrots
1 cup chopped celery
½ cup Greek yogurt (optional, for extra creaminess)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion, carrots, and celery; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook another 30 seconds.
Cook the chicken: Add chicken breasts, chicken broth, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked. Remove chicken, shred it, and set aside.
Make it creamy: Stir in cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning until smooth and combined.
Add noodles and chicken: Return shredded chicken to the pot, add egg noodles, and cook until tender (7–8 minutes).
Finish and serve: Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with herbs and serve hot.
Notes
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese.
Add extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini for more nutrition.
Freeze without noodles for best texture; add fresh noodles when reheating.
For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1½ cups)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: crack chicken noodle soup recipe, creamy chicken soup, healthy chicken soup, ranch chicken noodle soup