Name: Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 2 carrots, peeled and diced; 2 celery stalks, diced; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 6 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened; 8 ounces egg noodles; 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley; 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Salt and pepper, to taste; Green onions or chives, chopped

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving a soul-warming dish with a deliciously creamy twist, the Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This soup brings together tender shredded chicken, cheesy goodness, and hearty egg noodles, all tossed with crispy bacon and fresh herbs. It’s comfort in a bowl that’s easy to make but packed with flavors that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. Once you try this soup, it will become a go-to recipe that always hits the spot whenever you need a little taste of home.

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, wholesome ingredients that work together to create a rich and satisfying soup. Each component plays a key role—from the savory chicken broth that forms the base, to the melty cheeses that add creamy texture and depth, to the veggies that brighten the dish with fresh flavor and vibrant colors.

Olive oil: Provides the perfect cooking fat for sautéing vegetables, enhancing their flavor gently.
Medium onion, chopped: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic base to your soup.
Garlic cloves, minced: Brings warmth and slight pungency that lifts the entire dish.
Carrots, peeled and diced: Adds natural sweetness and a delightful bite to your soup.
Celery stalks, diced: Offers fresh, earthy undertones and crisp texture.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, shredded to tender perfection.
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that makes the soup hearty and comforting.
Heavy cream: Gives the soup its signature creamy richness and smooth mouthfeel.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully into the broth, adding sharp, cheesy notes.
Cream cheese, softened: Contributes extra creaminess and a slight tang that balances the soup.
Dried parsley: Infuses gentle herbal freshness, enhancing flavor complexity.
Dried thyme: Adds subtle earthiness and depth to the broth.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together perfectly.
Egg noodles: Tender and comforting, these soak up the creamy broth beautifully.
Bacon, cooked and crumbled: Crispy, smoky bits that deliver irresistible texture and flavor.
Green onions or chives, chopped: Bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and mild oniony zing.

How to Make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Base

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and celery. Sauté these ingredients until they turn soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. This base layer is crucial because it creates the foundation of flavor that your soup will build upon. Watching those onions become translucent and the veggies start to soften feels like the first step toward magic in the pot.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Next, add the chicken breasts and pour in the chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer gently. This allows the chicken to cook slowly and become tender. After about 15 minutes, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks—this shredded chicken is going to soak up the creamy broth beautifully, making every spoonful hearty and satisfying.

Step 3: Add Cream and Cheeses

It’s time for the creamy goodness! Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese right into the pot. Keep the heat on low and stir gently until all the cheese melts and the soup becomes luscious and velvety. This cheesy blend is what transforms a regular chicken noodle soup into the irresistible Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe you’re going to want to make again and again.

Step 4: Add Noodles and Seasonings

Now, it’s noodle time! Pour in the egg noodles along with dried parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer everything together for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles are perfectly tender. These seasonings are what give the soup that comforting, herbaceous punch, making each bite flavorful and balanced.

Step 5: Finish the Soup

Return the shredded chicken to the pot, and add the crispy crumbled bacon. Stir it all together so every element is evenly distributed. At this stage, taste your soup and adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. The bacon adds a wonderful smokiness and texture contrast that elevates this soup from delicious to truly addictive.

Step 6: Serve

Ladle your soup into bowls while it’s hot, and don’t forget to sprinkle those chopped green onions or chives on top for a fresh, colorful finish. This final touch adds brightness and makes your soup look as vibrant as it tastes.

How to Serve Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like chopped green onions or chives add a fresh, crisp note that pairs perfectly with the creamy soup. You can also sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar cheese or even a few extra bacon crumbles on top for more richness and crunch. A dash of freshly ground black pepper right before serving helps wake up all the flavors.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, serve this soup with a crusty piece of bread or warm garlic rolls to sop up every delicious drop. A light side salad with crisp greens and a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the soup and add some refreshing texture to your plate. Even a simple grilled cheese sandwich pairs wonderfully for a cozy, comforting meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving this soup in hollowed-out bread bowls to make each serving feel extra special and homey. You can also portion it into individual ramekins and broil a little cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme right before serving adds a lovely aroma and a pop of color that’ll impress everyone.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This soup keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain its creamy texture and fresh flavor. When you’re ready to enjoy, just warm it gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe freezes well. Keep the soup without the noodles in a freezer-safe container, as noodles can get mushy when frozen. When reheating, add freshly cooked noodles on top or mix in cooked noodles warmed separately, and then serve. This way, your soup stays fresh and maintains the perfect texture.

Reheating

Reheat your soup on the stove over low to medium heat, stirring frequently to blend the ingredients evenly and prevent the cream and cheese from separating. If the soup becomes too thick, simply stir in a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up while heating. Nothing beats the taste of leftover Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe, warmed up and just as comforting as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative and can add even more flavor and tenderness to your soup. Just cook them the same way and shred once done.

Is there a vegetarian version of the Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?

While this recipe revolves around chicken, you can swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth to make a delicious vegetarian variation. Adding some smoked paprika can help mimic that smoky depth.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute heavy cream and cream cheese with coconut cream or cashew cream, and use a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative to keep the creamy texture without dairy.

What type of noodles work best in this soup?

Egg noodles are classic and work wonderfully here because they soak up the soup’s flavor and stay tender without getting mushy. However, you can also use other small pasta shapes like rotini or small shells if preferred.

How spicy is the Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?

This soup is not spicy at all unless you add spice on your own. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting with balanced herbs and smoky bacon, making it ideal for all palates.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe that makes it a standout comfort food favorite. It’s that perfect blend of creamy, cheesy, savory, and hearty all in one bowl. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to share with friends and family, this recipe delivers warmth and satisfaction every time. Give it a try—you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived without it in your recipe collection!