I’ve always loved creating meals that feel like a warm hug in a bowl, and Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is one of my favorites to make. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a chilly evening when I wanted something comforting, hearty, and quick to prepare. From the very first spoonful, I knew it would become a staple in my kitchen. The creamy, savory broth paired with tender chicken, soft noodles, and just the right blend of spices makes it irresistible. It’s the kind of soup that brings family and friends together, perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep for the week.

You’ll love this recipe because it balances flavors perfectly without being heavy or complicated. The soup is rich but light enough to enjoy any day of the week. What makes it even more delightful is its versatility. You can easily swap vegetables based on what you have in your pantry, add extra herbs for a more fragrant taste, or even include your favorite low-fat cream alternatives to make it healthier. It’s a recipe that adapts to your taste and still keeps that comforting, homestyle feel.

Not only is this soup versatile, but it’s also affordable. Most ingredients are pantry staples, and it doesn’t require any fancy or expensive items. You can make a large batch without breaking the budget, making it perfect for families or for freezing portions to enjoy later.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this recipe:

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (use your preferred method)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream or milk alternative
8 ounces egg noodles
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
1/2 cup chicken ham, diced
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

This combination of ingredients creates a comforting, flavorful soup that warms the soul and satisfies hunger. The mix of turkey bacon, chicken ham, tender chicken, and noodles ensures each spoonful is a balanced bite of protein, carbs, and rich flavor.

Preparing Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is straightforward, and it’s designed to be both quick and satisfying. The step-by-step process ensures even beginner cooks can achieve a rich, flavorful soup that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare your ingredients: Start by finely chopping the onion, mincing the garlic, dicing the chicken ham, and cooking the turkey bacon until crispy. Shred the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Having everything ready before cooking makes the process smooth and efficient.
Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds the base flavor for your soup.
Combine chicken and ham: Add the shredded chicken and diced chicken ham to the pot. Stir well to incorporate the flavors. Cooking these ingredients briefly allows them to absorb the aromatic base without losing their texture.
Add liquids and spices: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and allow the broth to simmer for 5-7 minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.
Cook the noodles: Add the egg noodles directly to the simmering soup. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 7-9 minutes, until tender but not mushy.
Incorporate cream and cheese: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream or milk alternative. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and the soup becomes creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Add turkey bacon: Crumble the cooked turkey bacon and sprinkle it into the soup. This adds a smoky, savory element that complements the creamy broth perfectly.
Final touches: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add chopped parsley for garnish if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor, or allow it to cool slightly before storing portions for later.

Quick and Easy Tips:

Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken to save time.
Frozen vegetables like peas or carrots can be added to increase nutrition.
Turkey bacon can be baked in advance to reduce prep time.

Customizable Options:

Substitute noodles with gluten-free or whole wheat alternatives.
Swap heavy cream with a light cream or plant-based alternative to reduce calories.
Add a dash of smoked paprika for a deeper flavor or a pinch of chili flakes for heat.

Popularity:
Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a favorite for many because it combines comfort, convenience, and flexibility. Families love it for weeknight dinners, and it’s also perfect for meal prep. The creamy, cheesy texture, paired with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and smoky turkey bacon, ensures everyone at the table is satisfied.

This soup consistently receives compliments for its rich flavor and comforting aroma. It’s versatile enough to please picky eaters while still being hearty enough for those seeking a satisfying, filling meal.

Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe | Classic Comfort Food | Cozy Winter Soup

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Crack Chicken Noodle Soup is a creamy, comforting soup featuring tender chicken, smoky turkey bacon, chicken ham, and hearty noodles. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or cozy family gatherings, this soup combines rich flavors and simple ingredients for an easy-to-make, satisfying meal.

Author: Lura Skye
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 20
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 1x

Instructions

Prepare all ingredients: chop onion, mince garlic, dice chicken ham, cook turkey bacon, and shred chicken.
In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Sauté onion for 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Stir in shredded chicken and chicken ham; cook briefly to combine flavors.
Pour in chicken broth, then add thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Add egg noodles and cook 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy.
Add crumbled turkey bacon, mixing evenly.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Notes

Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken saves time.

Noodles can be cooked separately to prevent sogginess if storing leftovers.

Optional vegetables like carrots or peas can be added during simmering.

(FAQs)

1. Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes, Crack Chicken Noodle Soup can be prepared in advance. Store the soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If storing, it’s best to cook the noodles separately and add them when reheating to prevent them from becoming mushy.

2. Can I freeze this soup?
Absolutely. Freeze the soup without the noodles for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook the noodles fresh before serving.

3. Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken works perfectly for this recipe. Shredded rotisserie chicken or poached chicken can save time while maintaining flavor.

4. Can I make this soup dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or any unsweetened plant-based cream. Use dairy-free cheese to keep the soup creamy while avoiding dairy.

5. How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of chili flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the soup when adding the spices. Adjust gradually to suit your preferred level of heat.

6. Can I add vegetables?
Yes, vegetables such as carrots, peas, celery, or spinach can be added. Add them after the broth simmers to ensure they cook just right without becoming too soft.

7. Can I use different types of noodles?
Yes, egg noodles are traditional, but you can use rice noodles, gluten-free pasta, or even spiralized vegetables like zucchini for a lighter version.

8. How do I keep the soup creamy without it curdling?
Reduce the heat to low when adding cream or milk alternatives and stir continuously. Avoid boiling after adding dairy to prevent separation.