Crack Chicken Noodle Soup

There’s nothing like a warm bowl of soup to comfort the soul, and Crack Chicken Noodle Soup takes this classic to a whole new level. Packed with tender chicken, savory broth, cream cheese, bacon, and hearty noodles, this soup is rich, creamy, and downright addictive.

It’s called “Crack” Chicken Noodle Soup for a reason—once you try it, you won’t be able to stop! This comforting, flavorful soup is the perfect blend of familiar ingredients, like chicken, noodles, and vegetables, but with an irresistible twist from the addition of cream cheese and crispy bacon.

2. Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 6 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups egg noodles (or any pasta of choice)
• 1 cup carrots, chopped
• 1 cup celery, chopped
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

3. Directions

1. Cook the chicken: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the broth and seasonings: Pour in the chicken broth, dried thyme, and parsley. Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Shred the chicken: While the soup is simmering, shred the cooked chicken using two forks. Add the shredded chicken back into the pot.
5. Add the noodles: Stir in the egg noodles (or pasta of your choice) and cook for about 7–8 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
6. Stir in the cream cheese: Add the softened cream cheese to the pot and stir until it melts completely into the broth, making the soup creamy and rich.
7. Add bacon: Stir in the crumbled bacon, reserving a bit for garnish if desired. Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
8. Serve: Ladle the soup into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot with crusty bread or crackers for dipping.

4. How to Prepare

Preparing Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is incredibly simple and doesn’t require any special skills. Start by cooking the chicken and sautéing the vegetables in the same pot to build flavor. Once the vegetables are softened, add the chicken broth, seasonings, and shredded chicken. The real magic happens when you stir in the cream cheese, which turns the broth into a velvety, creamy base. As the noodles cook in the broth, they absorb all those delicious flavors, creating a rich, comforting texture. The addition of crispy bacon gives the soup a savory crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy broth. You can also adjust the consistency by adding more or less broth, depending on how thick or thin you prefer your soup. The key is to let the cream cheese melt fully into the soup for that ultra-smooth, creamy finish.

5. Preparation Time

This soup comes together quickly, with a prep time of about 10 minutes and a cook time of 20–25 minutes. Total time: approximately 30–35 minutes. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting, satisfying dish in a pinch.

6. Servings

This recipe serves about 6 people. It’s great for a family meal or as leftovers for lunch the next day. The soup stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and you can freeze it for up to 3 months if you want to save some for later.

7. FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs, but you’ll need to cook them longer to ensure they’re fully cooked through. It’s best to thaw the chicken first, but if you’re in a pinch, frozen chicken can work.

Q2: Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can. To make this in a slow cooker, add the chicken, broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, and parsley to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken, stir in the cream cheese, and cook on high for another 15 minutes before serving.

Q3: How can I make this soup gluten-free?
To make this soup gluten-free, simply substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or another gluten-free pasta option.

Q4: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a substitute. Just make sure to cook it until crispy for the best texture and flavor.

Q5: Can I make this soup vegetarian?
To make this soup vegetarian, substitute the chicken with extra vegetables like mushrooms or use a plant-based protein, and replace the bacon with a vegetarian bacon alternative or omit it entirely. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian version.

8. Conclusion

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together creamy, savory, and hearty flavors in one pot. The tender chicken, rich broth, and creamy texture from the cream cheese make each spoonful utterly satisfying, while the crispy bacon adds the perfect touch of crunch. It’s an easy, quick recipe that’s sure to please everyone at the table, from picky eaters to soup lovers. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner to warm you up on a cold evening or a delicious meal to serve family and friends, Crack Chicken Noodle Soup will hit the spot. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or noodles, making it a versatile option for any meal. Try it today, and experience a new twist on classic chicken noodle soup that will have everyone asking for seconds!