Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
If you’re looking for a warm, hearty, and flavor-packed soup, this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort meal! Combining tender shredded chicken, creamy broth, crispy bacon, melty cheese, and egg noodles, this dish is rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious.
Perfect for cold nights, sick days, or family dinners, this soup is easy to make in just 30 minutes and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or just want a cozy bowl of comfort, this cheesy, creamy chicken noodle soup is the way to go!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Ultra Creamy & Cheesy – Packed with ranch flavors, cheddar cheese, and a rich broth.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
✔ Comfort Food Classic – Like traditional chicken noodle soup, but even better!
✔ Kid-Friendly & Family Approved – A delicious meal everyone will love.
✔ Great for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients for Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth
- 2 cups (480ml) milk or heavy cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
For the Chicken & Noodles:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great)
- 6 ounces egg noodles (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
For Garnish & Extra Flavor:
- ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley
Kitchen Equipment Needed
✔ Large Pot or Dutch Oven – To cook the soup evenly.
✔ Ladle – For easy serving.
✔ Mixing Spoon or Whisk – To stir everything together.
✔ Measuring Cups & Spoons – For accurate ingredient portions.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Soup Base
- Pour in the chicken broth, milk (or heavy cream), and cream of chicken soup.
- Whisk in the ranch seasoning mix, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add the Chicken & Noodles
- Stir in the shredded chicken and bring the soup to a light boil.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (6-8 minutes), until tender.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese & Bacon
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Stir in crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra bacon, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions or parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy this rich, creamy, and comforting soup!
Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Noodle Soup
✔ Use Rotisserie Chicken – Saves time and adds great flavor.
✔ Don’t Overcook the Noodles – Cook until just tender to avoid mushy noodles.
✔ Adjust the Consistency – Add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
✔ Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
✔ Make It Extra Creamy – Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer texture.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Make It Spicy – Add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Use a Different Cheese – Swap cheddar for pepper jack, mozzarella, or Colby Jack.
Make It Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
Swap the Protein – Try turkey, ham, or even sausage instead of chicken.
Add More Veggies – Toss in carrots, celery, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Storing Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- The noodles will absorb liquid over time, so you may need to add extra broth when reheating.
Reheating Instructions
- Stovetop: Heat over medium heat, adding broth or milk to thin it out if needed.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing Instructions
- Freeze without noodles (as they can become mushy when thawed).
- Store the soup base in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
- When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, heat, and add fresh-cooked noodles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients except the noodles, cheese, and bacon to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. Stir in cooked noodles, cheese, and bacon just before serving.
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make the soup without noodles, refrigerate, and add fresh-cooked noodles when reheating.
What can I serve with Crack Chicken Noodle Soup?
This soup pairs well with garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Try rotini, bowtie, or fusilli pasta instead of egg noodles.
How do I make this soup lighter?
Use low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and turkey bacon for a lighter version.
Conclusion
This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting dish that’s perfect for cold days, family meals, or anytime you need a warm bowl of deliciousness. With its rich ranch flavor, crispy bacon, and tender noodles, every bite is pure comfort food bliss!
Try this easy 30-minute recipe today and enjoy a restaurant-quality soup right at home. Don’t forget to share it with friends and family—they’ll love it just as much as you do!
PrintCrack Chicken Noodle Soup
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a rich, creamy, and cheesy comfort food packed with tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, egg noodles, and ranch seasoning. Ready in just 30 minutes, this cozy soup is perfect for family dinners, cold nights, or meal prep. If you love a classic chicken noodle soup with a creamy, cheesy twist, this recipe is for you!
Ingredients
For the Soup Base:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups (960ml) chicken broth
- 2 cups (480ml) milk or heavy cream
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth of flavor)
For the Chicken & Noodles:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great)
- 6 ounces egg noodles (or any pasta of choice)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
For Garnish & Extra Flavor:
- ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Soup Base
- Pour in the chicken broth, milk (or heavy cream), and cream of chicken soup.
- Whisk in the ranch seasoning mix, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add the Chicken & Noodles
- Stir in the shredded chicken and bring the soup to a light boil.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (6-8 minutes), until tender.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheese & Bacon
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Stir in crumbled bacon, reserving some for garnish.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
- Ladle the soup into bowls and top with extra bacon, shredded cheese, and chopped green onions or parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy this rich, creamy, and comforting soup!
Notes
- Use Rotisserie Chicken – Saves time and adds great flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles – Cook until just tender to avoid mushy noodles.
- Adjust the Consistency – Add more broth if you prefer a thinner soup.
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese – Melts better than pre-shredded cheese.
- Make It Extra Creamy – Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer texture.