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Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

4.4 from 98 reviews

This rich and creamy Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting dish loaded with tender shredded chicken, savory bacon, and a cheesy broth full of vegetables and egg noodles. Perfect for cozy evenings, it combines classic chicken noodle soup ingredients with indulgent cream and cheese for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Sautéed Vegetables

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 carrots, peeled and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced

Main Protein and Broth

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 6 cups chicken broth

Dairy and Creamy Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients

  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 8 ounces egg noodles
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • Green onions or chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Base: In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté these vegetables until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken breasts to the pot along with the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until the chicken is cooked through, approximately 15 minutes. Remove the chicken breasts from the pot, shred them using two forks, and set aside.
  3. Add Cream and Cheeses: Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and softened cream cheese into the pot. Cook over low heat, stirring frequently, until all the cheeses melt and the soup becomes creamy and smooth.
  4. Add Noodles and Seasonings: To the creamy soup base, add the egg noodles along with dried parsley, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer until the noodles are soft and tender, which should take about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking.
  5. Finish the Soup: Return the shredded chicken back into the pot, add the crumbled cooked bacon, and stir thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped green onions or chives for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy a comforting bowl of Crack Chicken Noodle Soup.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked before shredding to avoid any risk of undercooked meat.
  • For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half and use reduced-fat cheeses.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling.
  • If preferred, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Gluten-free egg noodles can be used to make this soup gluten-free.
  • Bacon can be omitted or replaced with turkey bacon for a leaner protein option.

Keywords: crack chicken soup, creamy chicken noodle soup, bacon chicken soup, cheddar chicken soup, easy chicken soup, comfort food, homemade soup, creamy soup