If you’re searching for a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, then you’ve found it with Crack Chicken and Noodles. This creamy, cheesy, and savory concoction combines tender chicken, luscious cream cheese, savory bacon, and delicate noodles in a broth so rich you’ll want seconds and thirds. It’s comfort food elevated to a whole new level—one spoonful will have you reaching for your favorite cozy spot and savoring every bite like a cherished secret recipe between friends.

Crack Chicken and Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet each plays a crucial role in building the irresistible flavors and textures that make Crack Chicken and Noodles so special. From the creamy soup base to the crunchy bacon bits, every element is chosen to create a perfectly balanced, hearty meal.

3 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken: Pre-cooked chicken saves time and adds tender protein without extra fuss.

1 can cream of chicken soup: Delivers a velvety richness that forms the backbone of the sauce.
6 cups chicken broth: Brings depth and savory goodness while keeping the dish light enough.

1 cup milk: Adds creaminess and helps mellow the flavors perfectly.
2 medium or 12 baby carrots, sliced or shredded: These add a hint of sweetness and lovely color to the dish.

1/2 teaspoon celery salt: Enhances the savory notes with a subtle herbal touch.
1 oz packet ranch dressing mix or 1 tablespoon Mt Elbert’s Seasoning: Packs in robust flavor and a bit of tang to elevate the sauce.
8 oz cream cheese: The star ingredient that makes it irresistibly creamy and rich.

1 pound bacon, cooked & crumbled: Adds crispy, smoky bursts that contrast perfectly with the creaminess.
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey goodness and adds sharpness to balance the dish.
1/2 pound angel hair pasta: Delicate noodles that absorb the flavors beautifully without overwhelming the dish.

Fresh or dried parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness to finish the dish elegantly.

How to Make Crack Chicken and Noodles

Step 1: Build Your Flavorful Base

Start by placing your shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, carrots, celery salt, ranch dressing mix (or your Mt Elbert seasoning), and cream cheese into a large stockpot. Heat everything over medium until it reaches a gentle boil, stirring occasionally to combine it into a luscious sauce. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for at least 30 minutes. This slow simmer is key for marrying those flavors perfectly and softening the carrots just the right amount.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon and Pasta

While the sauce simmers away, cook your bacon until crisp, then crumble it into small, delightful bits. This step is one of the secrets to texture and flavor contrast. Then, break the angel hair pasta into bite-sized pieces. The smaller pasta size ensures quick cooking and easy eating in the final dish.

Step 3: Combine and Finish Cooking

After your base has simmered well, stir in the cooked bacon, broken pasta, and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to simmer gently until the cheese has melted completely and the pasta is tender yet toothsome. Stir frequently to prevent the noodles from sticking and to keep all those flavors mingling. If you like, toss in some fresh or dried parsley just before serving to add a herbaceous note and a splash of green.

How to Serve Crack Chicken and Noodles

Garnishes

While the dish is fantastic on its own, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions brings a fresh vibrancy that brightens up the rich sauce. For an extra touch, you might add a little extra shredded cheddar or crispy bacon bits on top to increase the indulgence and texture contrast.

Side Dishes

Serve your Crack Chicken and Noodles alongside a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables to balance out the luscious creaminess with some freshness and crunch. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also perfect companions that help you soak up every last bit of the sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleasing presentation, serve Crack Chicken and Noodles in individual rustic bowls, topped with garnishes and perhaps a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a shake of smoked paprika. You could also use it as a hearty filling for stuffed bell peppers or bake it in a casserole dish topped with crispy breadcrumbs for a golden crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Crack Chicken and Noodles reheats beautifully and stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will soak up some sauce over time, so you might want to stir in a splash of broth or milk when reheating to bring it back to its creamy glory.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of Crack Chicken and Noodles for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of extra liquid if needed to loosen the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat slowly over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and to refresh the creaminess. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between. Adding a splash of broth or milk helps maintain that luscious texture everyone loves.

FAQs

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! While angel hair pasta is delicate and cooks quickly, you can swap it for egg noodles, rotini, or even small shells. Just adjust cooking times accordingly so the pasta doesn’t overcook or become mushy.

Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of Crack Chicken and Noodles by substituting the chicken with hearty mushrooms or plant-based chicken alternatives and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Omit the bacon or replace it with smoked tempeh or crispy fried onions for texture.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

You sure can! Combine all the ingredients except the pasta, cheese, and bacon in the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Add the pasta, cheese, and bacon during the last 30 minutes to ensure the pasta cooks properly and the cheese melts perfectly.

What if I don’t have ranch dressing mix or Mt Elbert’s Seasoning?

No worries! A simple mix of dried herbs like parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder can mimic those flavors nicely. You can also find plenty of homemade ranch spice blends online to make your own.

How spicy is this dish?

This version of Crack Chicken and Noodles is mild and creamy, perfect for all taste buds. If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to kick things up.

Final Thoughts

Crack Chicken and Noodles is one of those recipes that quickly becomes a beloved favorite because it’s comforting and full of flavor without any complicated steps. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers that perfect cozy dinner experience every time. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with this hearty, creamy classic that truly feels like coming home.

Crack Chicken and Noodles Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 6–8 servings 1x

Diet: Low Salt

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty Crack Chicken and Noodles recipe combines tender shredded chicken, creamy soup, cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and delicate angel hair pasta in a flavorful chicken broth base. Perfect as a comforting, one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and packed with rich, savory goodness, it’s ideal for family dinners or cozy nights in.

Instructions

Prepare the Base: In a large stock pot, combine shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, carrots, celery salt, ranch dressing mix or Mt Elbert’s Seasoning, and cream cheese. Heat over medium-high heat until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.

Simmer the Soup: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the cream cheese to fully melt and incorporate.
Cook the Bacon: While the soup is simmering, cook the bacon until crispy. Drain excess grease and crumble the bacon into small pieces. Set aside.
Prepare the Pasta: Break the uncooked angel hair pasta into smaller pieces (about 1 to 2 inches long) to ensure even cooking and easier eating. Set aside.

Add Pasta, Bacon, and Cheese: Stir the cooked bacon, broken pasta pieces, and shredded cheddar cheese into the simmering pot. Continue to cook over low heat until the pasta is tender and the cheese has melted completely, approximately 8-10 minutes.
Finish and Serve: If desired, stir in fresh or dried parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, garnished with additional parsley if preferred.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.

For a lower sodium version, use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce or omit celery salt.
Angel hair pasta cooks faster than other pasta types; watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Mt Elbert’s Seasoning is a flavorful alternative to ranch mix that adds depth to the dish.

Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the dairy.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes

Category: Main Course
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 410
Sugar: 3g

Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 11g

Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0.2g
Carbohydrates: 25g

Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: crack chicken, chicken and noodles, creamy chicken soup, bacon chicken pasta, easy chicken dinner