Comforting Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort finds new meaning in this creamy crack chicken noodle soup that melts away daily stress.

Some recipes become instant classics through pure deliciousness.

Rich, velvety textures blend perfectly with tender chicken pieces.

Hearty noodles swim in a savory broth that whispers warmth and satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners transform when you discover this magical combination of ingredients.

Simplicity meets incredible flavor in every single spoonful.

Prepare to experience a meal that feels like a culinary hug.

What Goes Great with Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Serve with buttery, crusty sourdough bread to soak up the rich, creamy soup base and complement the bacon's smoky notes.
• Select a crisp Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio to balance the soup's creamy texture and cut through the richness of cheese and bacon.
• Prepare a tangy apple and fennel salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty, comfort-style soup.
• Follow with a simple apple crisp or lemon bars to cleanse the palate after the robust, creamy soup experience.

Fun Flavor Variations for Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Slow Cooker Method: Prepare the entire soup in a crockpot by adding all ingredients except noodles and cheese. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, adding noodles and cheese during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular noodles with gluten-free egg noodles or cauliflower rice. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and verify ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives or extra firm tofu. Replace bacon with smoked mushrooms or coconut bacon bits. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute cream cheese with dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Use unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Replace cheddar cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds.

What’s Comforting About Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Combines kid-pleasing ingredients like bacon, cheese, and creamy broth that everyone will love.
• Simplifies cooking by using a single pot, reducing cleanup time and making meal preparation stress-free.
• Easily adapt by swapping proteins, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting seasonings to suit individual tastes.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Chicken: Tender, shredded meat for hearty protein base.
• Bacon: Crispy topping with rich smoky flavor.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Creamy melting element for extra richness.

• Cream Cheese: Smooth texture enhancer with tangy undertone.
• Milk: Adds creamy consistency to soup.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides depth and thickening base.

• Celery, Carrots: Classic soup vegetables with subtle sweetness and crunch.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Delivers zesty flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional bright garnish.

• Egg Noodles: Classic soup noodle with soft texture.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasoning for final flavor adjustment.

How to Make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

Step 1: Crisp Up Bacon

Cook bacon in a large pot until golden and crunchy. Transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving a small amount of bacon drippings in the pot.

Step 2: Soften Aromatic Vegetables

Toss chopped celery and carrots into the bacon drippings. Sauté until vegetables become tender and slightly translucent, approximately 5 minutes.

Step 3: Build Soup Base

Pour chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk into the pot. Add softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning. Whisk continuously until cream cheese completely dissolves and creates a smooth mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate Chicken

Mix shredded chicken into the soup. Bring mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing flavors to blend thoroughly. Reduce heat and let it bubble softly for 10-15 minutes.

Step 5: Cook Noodles and Melt Cheese

Snap noodles in half and drop into the simmering soup. Cook until noodles reach perfect tenderness, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and stir until completely melted.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle reserved crispy bacon pieces over the soup. Season with salt and pepper. Optional: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Ladle into bowls and serve piping hot.

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Tips You’ll Be Glad You Know

• Bacon Brilliance: Crisp the bacon thoroughly to maximize flavor and texture, ensuring it adds a delightful crunch when sprinkled on top.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Shred the cheddar cheese yourself for smoother melting and richer taste compared to pre-shredded varieties.
• Chicken Choice: Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut or shred leftover roasted chicken to add extra depth and save preparation time.
• Creamy Consistency Control: Adjust milk quantity if you prefer a thicker or thinner soup- start with less and gradually add more to reach desired consistency.
• Low-Sodium Swap: Replace regular broth and ranch seasoning with low-sodium alternatives to manage salt intake without compromising flavor.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the soup completely before transferring to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pour cooled soup into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2-3 months. Avoid freezing noodles, as they can become mushy when thawed.
• Warm gently in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore original consistency if needed.
• Transfer frozen soup to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat slowly on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent scorching and maintain creamy texture.

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy comfort meets hearty delight in this crack chicken noodle soup, a soul-warming dish packed with tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and perfectly cooked noodles. Homemade magic awaits at your dinner table, promising a quick, satisfying meal that brings pure warmth and joy to hungry hearts.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cups milk (or heavy cream for a richer soup)

Base and Seasonings:

• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce/28 grams)
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Initiate the flavor foundation by sautéing diced onions in olive oil over medium heat until translucent, then introduce minced garlic and cook briefly to release its aromatic essence.
2. Carefully pour chicken broth into the pot, gently nestling whole chicken breasts into the liquid. Allow the mixture to reach a rolling boil before reducing to a gentle simmer, ensuring chicken cooks thoroughly and becomes tender.
3. Extract the perfectly cooked chicken from the broth and methodically shred using two forks, creating tender, bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded meat back to the simmering liquid.
4. Transform the soup’s character by incorporating cream cheese, stirring until it dissolves completely. Integrate ranch seasoning and milk, whisking until the mixture achieves a silky, uniform consistency.
5. Introduce egg noodles directly into the creamy broth, allowing them to cook and absorb the rich flavors. Sprinkle cheddar cheese throughout, stirring until it melts into a luxurious, velvety texture.
6. Elevate the soup’s complexity by folding in crispy, crumbled bacon. Taste critically and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to achieve a balanced flavor profile.
7. Ladle the steaming soup into serving bowls, finishing with a delicate garnish of freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while maintaining optimal temperature and creamy consistency.

Notes

• Elevate the soup’s richness by using homemade chicken broth for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Swap egg noodles with gluten-free alternatives like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for low-carb dietary needs.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring added salt during seasoning process.
• Customize protein options by substituting chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein for varied dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 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: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 33 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg