Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

Short Description

This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy cheese, and hearty egg noodles in a rich and flavorful broth. Packed with vegetables, herbs, and a creamy base, this soup is perfect for chilly days, weeknight dinners, or when you need a cozy and satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Creamy: A decadent, velvety broth made with cream cheese and cheddar.
• Hearty & Filling: Loaded with chicken, noodles, and crispy bacon for a satisfying meal.
• Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and one-pot preparation.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Meat

• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 lb chicken breasts, boneless, skinless

Vegetables & Herbs

• 2 carrots, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 green onion or chives, for garnish
• ½ teaspoon parsley, dried
• ½ teaspoon thyme, dried

Broth & Seasonings

• 6 cups chicken broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

• 8 oz egg noodles

Dairy

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream

Other

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve some bacon grease for added flavor, if desired.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. In the same pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
3. Remove from the pot and shred using two forks.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add the onions, carrots, and celery. Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
2. Stir in the garlic, parsley, and thyme and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Broth

1. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
2. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and let simmer for 10 minutes to allow flavors to develop.

Step 5: Cook the Noodles

1. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 6-8 minutes, until tender.

Step 6: Make It Creamy

1. Lower the heat and stir in cream cheese until fully melted.
2. Pour in heavy cream and mix well.
3. Add cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 7: Finish & Serve

1. Stir in the crumbled bacon and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.
2. Garnish with green onions or chives before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap egg noodles for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Different Cheese: Try pepper jack, mozzarella, or gouda for a new flavor twist.
• Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
• Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze soup (without noodles) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a pot over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes! Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time.

How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?

Cook the noodles separately and add them just before serving.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Try rotini, bowtie, or ditalini instead of egg noodles.

What can I serve with this soup?

Serve with garlic bread, biscuits, or a side salad.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, then stir in the dairy ingredients before serving.

What if my soup is too thick?

Add extra broth or milk until desired consistency is reached.

Can I make this soup dairy-free?

Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free cheese alternative.

How do I make this keto-friendly?

Replace egg noodles with shredded cabbage or cauliflower rice.

Can I add more protein?

Yes! Try adding cooked sausage, ham, or turkey.

Is this soup kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy, cheesy base makes it a favorite for all ages.

Conclusion

This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is creamy, cheesy, and packed with hearty ingredients, making it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a cozy meal on a cold day, or a dish the whole family will love, this soup is sure to satisfy. Try different variations to make it your own and enjoy a bowl of rich, flavorful goodness!

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