Craving next-level comfort food? This Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is ultra-creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly satisfying. It combines juicy shredded chicken, crispy bacon, tender noodles, ranch seasoning, and melty cheddar for a rich, cozy bowl that lives up to its “crack” reputation—because once you try it, you’ll be hooked.
It’s easy to make in one pot and hits all the right notes: savory, creamy, hearty, and perfect for chilly nights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened and cubed
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Preparation
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Step 2: Add Chicken & Broth
- Add the raw chicken breasts, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
Step 3: Shred Chicken
- Remove the chicken, shred it with two forks, and return it to the pot.
Step 4: Stir in Creaminess
- Reduce heat to low. Add cubed cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and heavy cream. Stir gently until the cheese and cream cheese melt completely and the broth is creamy.
Step 5: Cook the Noodles
- Add the egg noodles and cook for 7–8 minutes until tender. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 6: Add Bacon & Finish
- Stir in chopped bacon and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Ladle into bowls and garnish with green onions or parsley.
Variation
- Low Carb: Swap noodles for cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños
- Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, peas, or corn near the end
- Cheese Swap: Use pepper jack or mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor
- Slow Cooker Method: Combine all (except noodles, cheese, cream) in slow cooker on LOW for 6 hours, then shred chicken, add dairy and cooked noodles at the end
Cooking Note
To avoid curdling, don’t boil the soup after adding cream cheese and heavy cream—keep it on low and stir until smooth. For best texture, cook noodles directly in the soup shortly before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with warm garlic bread or biscuits
- Add a crisp side salad to balance the richness
- Top with extra shredded cheese or bacon bits
- Great for cozy dinners, potlucks, or Sunday lunches
- Perfect paired with a sparkling apple cider or iced tea
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken to cut prep time
- Soften cream cheese before adding for quicker melting
- Don’t skip the ranch—it brings the signature flavor
- Stir noodles often to prevent them from sticking or clumping
- Store leftovers in the fridge and add a splash of broth or cream when reheating
Time Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~25g
- Fat: ~34g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sodium: ~860mg
Values may vary depending on ingredient brands and measurements.
FAQs
Can I freeze crack chicken noodle soup?
- It’s best not to freeze it with noodles and dairy, as texture can change. Freeze the soup without those ingredients, then add them fresh after reheating.
Can I make it gluten-free?
- Yes—use gluten-free pasta and check that your ranch mix is gluten-free.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
- Absolutely! Add shredded cooked chicken after the broth comes to a simmer and reduce cook time slightly.
Can I leave out the bacon?
- Yes, but it adds great flavor and texture. You can substitute turkey bacon or omit entirely.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning?
- Mix your own: 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp dried dill, ½ tsp dried parsley, ½ tsp salt.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is rich, creamy, and seriously crave-worthy—bringing together all the best parts of comfort food in one delicious bowl. Loaded with tender chicken, melty cheese, ranch flavor, and bacon, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re cozying up on a cold night or treating yourself to a hearty lunch, this soup is simple to make, full of bold flavor, and totally addictive. One bite and you’ll see why it’s called crack.