DINNER

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe

Chef Olivia

December 11, 2025
4 min read

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why make this recipe

This soup is warm, rich, and easy to make. It mixes creamy cheese with tender chicken and soft noodles. It feels like comfort food on a busy night. If you like one-pot meals, you will love this. For more cozy chicken ideas, see smothered chicken and rice recipe which shares the same homey vibe.

introduction

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a creamy chicken noodle soup with bacon and cheddar. It cooks fast and uses simple ingredients. The soup is creamy but not heavy. It works for weeknights and for feeding a family.

Ingredients :

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
6 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
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)

If you have extra cooked chicken, you can use it and make a quick sandwich later. Try the idea from this chicken caesar sandwiches page for a fast next-day meal.

Directions :

Prepare the Base:
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
Cook the Chicken:
- Add the chicken breasts and chicken broth to the pot.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
- Remove the chicken, shred it, and set aside.
Add Cream and Cheeses:
- Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and cream cheese to the pot.
- Cook on low heat until the cheeses melt and the soup is creamy.
Add Noodles and Seasonings:
- Add the egg noodles, parsley, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Simmer until the noodles are tender, about 10 minutes.
Finish the Soup:
- Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
- Add the crumbled bacon and stir to combine.
- Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve:
- Serve the soup hot, garnished with chopped green onions or chives.

how to make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

Start by softening the vegetables in oil. Add chicken and broth and cook until the chicken is done. Take the chicken out and shred it. Add creams and cheeses and melt them slowly. Put in noodles and herbs and cook until tender. Mix the chicken and bacon back in. Keep the heat low so the cream does not boil.

how to serve Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

Serve hot in deep bowls. Add extra chopped green onion on top. This soup goes well with a simple salad or crusty bread. If you want a noodle side with different flavors, you can also serve another noodle dish like chicken lo mein for a bigger meal mix.

how to store Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

In the fridge: Cool the soup and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
In the freezer: Freeze without the noodles for best texture. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat slowly. Add fresh cooked noodles when reheating if needed.

tips to make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

Use low heat after adding cream to avoid curdling.
Cook bacon ahead and keep it crunchy to add at the end.
If you want a quicker version, use rotisserie chicken shredded and add it near the end.
For a spicy twist, try ideas from a jalapeno popper chicken soup recipe and add jalapeño or pepper jack cheese.
Taste as you go and adjust salt after adding cheese.

variation (if any)

Make it lighter: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Use different cheese: Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack for a milder taste.
Add veg: Stir in peas or spinach at the end for color and nutrition.
Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free noodles.

FAQs

Q: Can I use leftover cooked chicken?
A: Yes. Add shredded cooked chicken at the end so it does not dry out.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free cream and cheese alternatives. The soup will taste different but still work.

Q: How do I keep noodles from getting soggy?
A: Cook noodles until just tender and do not overcook. Or cook noodles separately and add when serving.

Q: Can I skip the bacon?
A: Yes. The soup still tastes good without bacon. You can add extra cheese or herbs.

Q: Can I freeze the whole soup with noodles?
A: It is better to freeze without noodles. Noodles can get soft when frozen and reheated.