Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Soul-Warming Comfort

Comfort meets convenience in this creamy crack chicken noodle soup that promises to revolutionize weeknight dinners.

Every spoonful carries rich, velvety flavors that melt into pure satisfaction.

Home cooks adore how quickly this dish comes together with minimal effort.

Shredded chicken blends seamlessly with smooth, cheesy sauce and tender noodles.

The secret ingredient adds an unexpected twist that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

Hearty and luxurious, this soup delivers warmth in a bowl that feels like a culinary hug.

You won’t be able to resist diving into this irresistible meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into something extraordinary.

Why Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Is a Family Favorite

• Combine the irresistible taste of bacon, creamy ranch, tender chicken, and melted cheese that will make everyone at the table cheer with delight.
• Swap ingredients easily- use different meats, add extra vegetables, or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this recipe a lifesaver for home cooks looking to simplify meal preparation while delivering restaurant-quality results.

Ingredients for Rich and Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Bacon: Crispy and flavorful topping that adds a smoky crunch to the soup.
• Chicken: Tender protein that provides the main substance of the soup.
• Cream Cheese: Creamy ingredient that helps thicken and enrich the soup base.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds richness and depth.
• Milk: Smooth dairy component that contributes to the soup's creamy texture.

• Celery, Carrots: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch and classic soup flavor.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Zesty blend that adds tangy and herbal notes.

• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid that forms the soup's foundation.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Condensed soup that enhances the overall chicken flavor.

• Egg Noodles: Classic soup noodle that adds hearty texture.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional herb that provides a bright, fresh finish.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and enhance the soup's flavors.

How to Make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Step by Step

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon

Cook bacon in a large pot or Dutch oven until perfectly crispy. Pull out the bacon and set aside, leaving a thin layer of delicious bacon grease in the pot.

Step 2: Awaken Vegetables

Toss chopped celery and carrots into the bacon grease. Saute until vegetables become tender and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Build Soup Base

Pour in chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Blend softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix into the liquid. Stir continuously until cream cheese melts completely and blends smoothly.

Step 4: Introduce Chicken

Fold shredded chicken into the simmering liquid. Bring to a gentle bubble. Lower heat and let the soup simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to dance and mingle.

Step 5: Noodle Magic

Split noodles in half and drop into the pot. Cook until noodles become perfectly soft, about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into creamy goodness.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Sprinkle crumbled bacon back into the soup. Season with salt and pepper to personal taste. Optional: Scatter fresh parsley on top. Serve piping hot and enjoy the comfort.

Tips for Creaminess and Flavor in Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Maximize Bacon Flavor: Crisp the bacon until golden brown for a deeper, smokier taste that adds incredible depth to the soup's overall flavor profile.
• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Shred the cheddar cheese yourself and add it gradually while stirring constantly to ensure smooth, even melting without lumps.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even plant-based chicken alternatives for different dietary preferences.
• Control Soup Consistency: Adjust the liquid ratio by adding more broth if the soup becomes too thick, or simmer longer to reduce and thicken the base.
• Quick Meal Prep Hack: Prepare the bacon and shred the chicken in advance to cut down on cooking time and streamline the soup-making process.

How to Store and Reheat Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the soup fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring best quality and taste.
• Warm soup in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent scorching.
• Transfer single servings to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.

What to Serve Alongside Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Chardonnay's buttery notes perfectly complement the creamy soup's rich texture, cutting through the heaviness while enhancing the bacon's smoky undertones.
• Warm, toasted sourdough or rustic French bread provides a delightful crunch and helps soak up the luxurious soup base, creating a complete comfort food experience.
• A light, zesty green salad with a sharp vinaigrette balances the soup's richness, adding freshness and a crisp contrast to the hearty chicken and bacon combination.
• A mild amber ale or wheat beer offers a refreshing counterpoint to the soup's creamy profile, with subtle hop notes that enhance the overall dining pleasure.

Crack Chicken Soup Variations to Explore

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular noodles with gluten-free egg noodles or rice noodles. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and verify ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap bacon and chicken with plant-based alternatives like smoked tofu or tempeh bacon. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add extra protein with chickpeas or white beans.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice. Reduce milk quantity and increase broth for lighter consistency. Add extra cheese for richness and flavor.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cream cheese and coconut milk. Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds. Ensure all seasoning mixes are dairy-free.

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this crack chicken noodle soup, where creamy ranch-infused broth mingles with tender chicken and hearty noodles. Irresistible flavors promise a soul-warming meal that’ll keep spoons diving back for more deliciousness.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 3 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
• 12 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Base and Broth:

• 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• ½ cup celery, chopped
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• 1 packet (1 ounce/28 grams) ranch seasoning mix

Pasta and Garnish:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) thin spaghetti, angel hair pasta, or other noodles
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a large pot until golden and crisp, then extract and reserve, preserving a thin layer of rendered fat for subsequent cooking.
2. Introduce diced celery and carrots into the bacon-infused pot, sautéing until vegetables become translucent and slightly tender.
3. Pour chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, then incorporate cream of chicken soup and milk, creating a smooth liquid base.
4. Integrate softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning, whisking continuously until the cream cheese dissolves completely and blends seamlessly with the liquid.
5. Gently fold shredded chicken into the simmering liquid, allowing the mixture to reach a delicate bubbling point before reducing heat and letting flavors harmonize for approximately 12 minutes.
6. Divide uncooked noodles in half and submerge into the soup, stirring periodically to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking until pasta reaches optimal tenderness.
7. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, stirring until the cheese melts and creates a rich, creamy texture throughout the soup.
8. Reintroduce crispy bacon fragments, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance overall flavor profile, and optionally garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Swap bacon for turkey bacon or coconut bacon bits to create a lighter, healthier version with less saturated fat.
• Use gluten-free egg noodles or zucchini noodles to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or following low-carb diets.
• Consider reducing cream cheese and using Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, lower-calorie alternative that maintains creamy texture.
• Prep vegetables and chicken in advance to cut down on cooking time and simplify the recipe for busy weeknight meals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 490
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg