Description
Crack chicken noodle soup is a comfort food classic. It combines creamy, cheesy goodness with the warmth of chicken noodle soup. This recipe will become a family favorite. It’s easy to make and even easier to devour. With tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, flavorful broth, every spoonful is pure comfort. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this soup is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
(Serves 6–8)
- For the Soup:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 6 cups (1.4L) chicken broth
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 oz (225g) egg noodles
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups (180g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 teaspoon dried ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra shredded cheese
- Additional crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken:
- In a large pot, heat butter or olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the chicken breasts or thighs. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks. Set aside.
- Add the Noodles & Creamy Base:
- Stir in the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 6–8 minutes).
- Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, stirring until melted and fully incorporated.
- Pour in heavy cream and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Season & Finish:
- Add the shredded chicken back to the pot. Stir in crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt to taste.
- Let the soup simmer for another 5 minutes until fully heated through.
- Serve & Garnish:
- Ladle into bowls and top with fresh parsley, extra cheese, and additional bacon if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use milk instead of heavy cream and reduced-fat cream cheese.
- Swap egg noodles for gluten-free noodles or rice for a different texture.
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Crack Chicken Soup, Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup, Cheesy Chicken Soup, Comfort Food