If you’re craving a warm, indulgent bowl of comfort that’s bursting with flavor, then you’ve just got to try this Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe. It’s a luscious blend of tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy dairy, and hearty noodles all simmered to perfection in a savory broth that feels like a cozy hug on a cold day. This soup is all about layering rich textures and bold flavors with the simplicity that makes it a quick favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here is a star in its own right, combining to create that unforgettable balance of creamy, savory, and fresh. These staples are easy to find but essential for giving the Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe its signature taste and satisfying texture.
- 3 cups cooked shredded or chopped chicken breast: Rotisserie chicken works great if you want to save time while keeping it juicy and flavorful.
- 1 10.5 oz. can condensed chicken soup: Adds richness and a velvety base to your broth that elevates every spoonful.
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock: Keeps the soup flavorful without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 1 cup whole milk: Brings a creamy softness that rounds out the soup’s bold flavors.
- 1/2 cup chopped celery: Adds a subtle crunch and fresh earthiness to balance the creaminess.
- 2 medium carrots, sliced: Provides a gentle sweetness and some lovely color contrast in the bowl.
- 1 1 oz. packet Ranch dressing mix: This magic ingredient adds tang and herbaceous depth with minimal effort.
- 12 slices thick cut bacon, cooked and crumbled: Crispy, smoky bits that inject irresistible savory bites in every spoonful.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey goodness that makes this soup downright addicting.
- 3/4 cup softened cream cheese: The creamy binder that brings the broth to a dreamy, luscious consistency.
- 8 oz. thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta, uncooked: Delicate noodles soak up all the flavor without overwhelming the gentle broth.
How to Make Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Crumble the Bacon
Start by cooking your thick-cut bacon to crispy perfection. Once cooked, let it drain on paper towels to shed excess grease. Then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. This step is key because those crispy bacon bits will add a smoky and crunchy contrast that lifts the whole soup.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add your cooked chicken, condensed chicken soup, chicken stock, whole milk, softened cream cheese, sliced carrots, chopped celery, ranch dressing mix, and the crumbled bacon. Stir everything well and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. This flavorful blend is where all those layers start coming together for an irresistible broth.
Step 3: Simmer to Develop Flavors
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer carefully for 20 to 25 minutes. This slow simmer lets the veggies soften and infuses the broth with the hearty flavors of bacon, chicken, and ranch seasoning. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the cream cheese from sticking to the pot.
Step 4: Add Noodles and Cheese
Now it’s time for the noodles and cheese! Toss in the uncooked thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta along with the shredded mild cheddar cheese. Stir gently and let the soup simmer until the noodles are tender but not mushy, and the cheese has melted completely into that creamy, rich broth. This step makes the soup wonderfully thick and satisfying.
Step 5: Final Touches and Serve
Give your soup a final stir to make sure everything is evenly combined and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Then, ladle into warm bowls and get ready to dive into one of the most comforting bowls of soup you’ll ever have.
How to Serve Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing isn’t just about looks—it’s about adding that final pop of fresh flavor and texture. Sprinkle a little extra shredded cheddar on top and a few crisp bacon crumbles for crunch. Fresh chopped parsley or green onions also brighten the bowl perfectly.
Side Dishes
This soup is hearty but pairs beautifully with sides that complement without overpowering. Try a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or warm, crusty bread to scoop up every last drop of that delicious broth. A simple garlic breadstick is a great cozy addition.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or want to jazz it up, try layering the soup in transparent glass mugs to showcase its creamy texture and colorful ingredients. You can even serve it in mini bread bowls for a fun, rustic twist that makes every bite feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before storing to preserve the fresh flavors and textures.
Freezing
You can freeze the soup, but for best results, hold off on adding noodles before freezing. Freeze the soup broth separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and add fresh noodles during reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. If the soup feels too thick, add a splash of chicken stock or milk to loosen it up. Add noodles last so they don’t become soggy and overcooked during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in the Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe?
Absolutely! While mild cheddar adds that creamy, melty sweetness, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a sharp white cheddar for a bolder flavor. Just make sure to choose cheeses that melt well.
Is it possible to make this soup without cream cheese?
The cream cheese really gives this soup its creamy texture and richness, but if you want to skip it, try substituting with heavy cream or a full-fat Greek yogurt stirred in at the end. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What can I substitute for the ranch dressing mix?
If you don’t have ranch dressing mix on hand, you can make your own blend using dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a bit of salt and pepper. This will add the same herby, tangy punch that the mix provides.
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken myself?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that works perfectly in this recipe. It’s juicy and already cooked, so it saves time without compromising flavor.
How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
To keep noodles from getting soggy, add them near the end of cooking and cook just until tender. Also, avoid adding them when reheating leftovers; instead, cook fresh noodles separately and add when serving.
Final Thoughts
This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe is truly a bowl of pure joy that hugs you from the inside out. It’s cheesy, creamy, smoky, and loaded with hearty ingredients that comfort every craving. Whether you’re cooking for a cold evening or just want to impress friends with something cozy and delicious, this recipe is a winner you’ll want to keep close forever. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll become your new go-to soup for every season.
Print
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a comforting and creamy chicken soup loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and a hint of ranch seasoning. Perfect for a cozy meal, this hearty soup uses thin spaghetti noodles and a blend of soups and dairy for a rich, flavorful broth that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Chicken and Soup Base
- 3 cups cooked shredded or chopped chicken breast (You can also use rotisserie chicken)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed chicken soup
- 6 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 1 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 (1 oz) packet Ranch dressing mix
Vegetables
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 2 medium carrots, sliced
Other Ingredients
- 12 slices thick cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mild cheddar cheese
- 8 oz thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta, uncooked
Instructions
- Cook the Bacon. Cook the thick cut bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels. Once cool, cut or crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients and Boil. In a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat, combine the shredded chicken, condensed chicken soup, chicken stock, whole milk, softened cream cheese, sliced carrots, chopped celery, ranch dressing mix, and the crumbled bacon. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer the Soup. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the soup simmer gently for 20 to 25 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the vegetables to soften.
- Add Noodles and Cheese. Stir in the uncooked thin spaghetti or angel hair pasta and shredded mild cheddar cheese. Continue to simmer the soup until the noodles are fully cooked and tender, typically about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Serve and Enjoy. Once the noodles are tender and the soup is creamy and well combined, ladle into bowls and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less chicken stock.
- Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, but add it at the end of cooking to avoid curdling.
- For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat cheddar cheese and milk.
- This soup stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and freezes nicely without noodles added; cook noodles fresh when reheating.
