This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful twist on classic chicken soup. Packed with tender shredded chicken, fresh veggies, and a hint of ranch seasoning, this comforting dish is perfect for cozy nights, family dinners, or whenever you need a warm and satisfying meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and creamy – Loaded with cream cheese, cheddar, and sour cream for ultimate comfort.
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner option.
- Protein-packed – With shredded chicken and cheese, this soup is both hearty and filling.
- Flavorful and comforting – The ranch seasoning and fresh veggies add layers of deliciousness.
- Perfect for leftovers – Tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Unsalted butter – For sautéing the veggies.
- Onion, celery, and carrots – The classic base for a flavorful soup.
- Garlic – Adds depth and aroma.
- Chicken broth – Provides the savory liquid base.
- Dry ranch seasoning mix – Adds a tangy, herby kick.
- Black pepper and dried parsley – For added seasoning.
- Shredded cooked chicken – Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Sour cream and cream cheese – For a creamy, rich texture.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully into the soup.
- Fresh spinach – Adds nutrients and a pop of color.
Directions
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until vegetables are softened.
2. Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour in chicken broth and stir in the ranch seasoning mix, black pepper, and dried parsley.
- Bring to a simmer.
3. Add Chicken:
- Stir in the shredded cooked chicken and let it cook for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Incorporate Dairy:
- Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream, cubed cream cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stir until the cheese melts and the soup becomes smooth and creamy.
5. Add Spinach:
- Stir in fresh spinach and let it cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
Variations
- Add noodles – Stir in cooked egg noodles or pasta for a heartier meal.
- Spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for some heat.
- Dairy-free option – Use dairy-free cream cheese, cheddar, and sour cream alternatives.
- Thicker soup – Mix in a slurry of cornstarch and water for extra thickness.
- Low-carb version – Skip the noodles and use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This soup can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before storing in freezer-safe containers.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If the soup thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?
Yes! Add raw chicken breasts or thighs when you add the broth, let them simmer until fully cooked, then shred them before continuing.
Can I add noodles to this soup?
Absolutely! Cook egg noodles or pasta separately and stir them in before serving.
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add everything except the dairy ingredients and spinach to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and spinach in the last 30 minutes.
What can I serve with this soup?
This soup pairs well with crusty bread, garlic toast, or a simple side salad.
How do I make the soup thinner?
If the soup is too thick, add extra chicken broth or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this without ranch seasoning?
Yes! Substitute it with a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and parsley for a similar flavor.
What’s the best cheese to use?
Cheddar works great, but you can also try pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for a different flavor.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! It reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Thaw and drain it well before adding it to the soup.
How can I make this soup more filling?
Add rice, quinoa, or beans for extra heartiness.
Conclusion
This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a creamy, comforting, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for chilly nights, busy weeknights, or when you need a hearty meal. With tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and the perfect seasoning, this soup is guaranteed to be a family favorite. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of warmth and deliciousness!
Print
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish packed with tender shredded chicken, fresh veggies, and a hint of ranch seasoning. This easy 30-minute soup is perfect for cozy nights, meal prep, or whenever you need a hearty and flavorful bowl of warmth!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp dried parsley
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups egg noodles (optional)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions
-
Sauté the Vegetables:
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, celery, carrots, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until softened.
-
Add Broth and Seasonings:
- Pour in chicken broth and stir in ranch seasoning, black pepper, and dried parsley.
- Bring to a simmer.
-
Add Chicken and Noodles (Optional):
- Stir in shredded chicken and let cook for 10 minutes.
- If using noodles, add them and cook until tender.
-
Incorporate Dairy:
- Reduce heat to low and stir in sour cream, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese.
- Stir until fully melted and smooth.
-
Add Spinach and Serve:
- Stir in fresh spinach and let cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For a thicker soup, mix in a cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).
- For a low-carb version, skip the noodles and add cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
- Make it spicier by adding red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Soup, Comfort Food, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
