If you love warm, comforting soups with rich flavors, this Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Bacon is the perfect dish. This recipe takes classic chicken noodle soup to the next level by adding a creamy broth, crispy bacon, and tender shredded chicken—making it extra hearty and satisfying.
I love this recipe because it’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for chilly nights or when you need a little comfort food. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or prepping it for lunches throughout the week, this creamy soup is always a hit!
Let’s get into how to make this rich and creamy chicken noodle soup with bacon at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy, and comforting – A cozy twist on a classic soup.
- Loaded with flavor – Smoky bacon and tender chicken make every bite delicious.
- Perfect for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!
- Easy to make – Ready in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves: 6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes)
For the Soup:
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Bacon
1. Cook the Bacon
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Leave about 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the pot.
2. Sauté the Vegetables
- Add butter, onion, carrots, and celery to the pot.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes, until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
3. Make the Creamy Base
- Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and stir well, cooking for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add salt, pepper, thyme, and smoked paprika.
4. Add the Chicken and Noodles
- Bring to a simmer and add the shredded chicken and egg noodles.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender.
5. Stir in the Cream and Bacon
- Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until smooth.
- Add the crispy bacon back into the soup, reserving some for garnish.
6. Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and extra bacon, and serve warm with crusty bread or buttered biscuits.
My Best Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Use rotisserie chicken – It’s quick, flavorful, and saves time.
- Want extra thickness? – Let the soup simmer a few extra minutes, or add an extra tablespoon of flour.
- For a lighter version – Swap the heavy cream for whole milk or evaporated milk.
- Make it ahead – The flavors get even better the next day!
What to Serve with Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
This soup pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty bread or garlic toast – Perfect for dipping.
- A fresh green salad – Adds a refreshing contrast.
- Grilled cheese or biscuits – A classic comforting combo.
- A glass of white wine or warm tea – The perfect cozy beverage pairing.
FAQs
Can I make this soup ahead of time?
Yes! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream.
Can I freeze creamy chicken noodle soup?
It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it without the noodles for up to 3 months. Add freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add everything except the cream and noodles to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours, then stir in the cream and cooked noodles before serving.
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Bacon is rich, hearty, and packed with comforting flavors, making it the perfect meal for cold nights, sick days, or whenever you need a bowl of warmth.
Give it a try and let me know how it turns out!
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Bacon: The Ultimate Comfort Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon of bacon grease
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 3 cups egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the bacon grease over medium heat. Add the chopped bacon and cook until crispy.
- Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving the grease in the pot.
- Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, heavy cream, salt, black pepper, and thyme. Simmer for 5 more minutes.
- Serve hot, garnished with crispy bacon and fresh parsley.
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