Chicken and Noodles Recipe

Cozy Chicken and Noodles Recipe: A Heartwarming Classic

Comfort emerges in this hearty chicken and noodles recipe that promises pure satisfaction.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen dance through every savory bite.

Warm, creamy textures blend perfectly with tender meat and soft pasta strands.

Home cooking reaches new heights when simple ingredients come together magically.

Delightful aromas will fill your kitchen, beckoning everyone to the table.

Subtle herbs and rich broth create a meal you cannot resist.

Settle in for a culinary journey that feels like a warm embrace.

Dive into this delectable dish and let comfort wrap around you.

Why Chicken and Noodles Is Comfort Food Gold

  • Conquer Comfort Food: Dive into a classic chicken and noodles dish that wraps you in warm, homemade goodness with minimal kitchen skills required.
  • Master One-Pot Magic: Transform simple ingredients into a satisfying meal using just a single skillet, reducing cleanup and maximizing flavor without complicated techniques.
  • Customize Your Culinary Canvas: Easily adapt the recipe by adding vegetables like peas or carrots, making it perfect for using pantry staples and accommodating different taste preferences.
  • Family Dinner Champion: Create a crowd-pleasing meal that appeals to both kids and adults, delivering protein-packed nutrition in a creamy, comforting format everyone will love.

What Goes Into Chicken and Noodles

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the core of this comforting dish and provides substantial texture.
  • Egg Noodles: Classic pasta that absorbs the creamy sauce and complements the shredded chicken perfectly.
Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a rich, savory base for the sauce.
  • Black Pepper, Dried Parsley: Seasonings that add depth and herbal notes to the overall flavor profile.
Sauce and Binding Ingredients:
  • Chicken Broth: Liquid base that provides moisture and intensifies the chicken flavor throughout the dish.
  • Butter, Flour: Essential components that create a smooth, velvety roux for thickening the sauce.
  • Salt: Crucial seasoning that balances and enhances all the other flavors in the recipe.

How to Make Chicken and Noodles with Ease

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Get your chicken breasts ready by trimming any excess fat and patting them completely dry. This helps ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.

Step 2: Perfectly Cook the Chicken

Drop the chicken into a large skillet and cover it with chicken broth. Let it simmer gently over medium-low heat until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken

Pull the chicken from the liquid and use two forks to shred it into tender, bite-sized pieces. Keep the cooking broth nearby – you’ll need it later!

Step 4: Create a Flavor Base

Melt butter in the same skillet and add:
  • Finely chopped onion
  • Minced garlic

Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent, releasing their amazing aroma.

Step 5: Build a Smooth Roux

Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, stirring constantly to create a silky smooth base that will thicken your sauce perfectly.

Step 6: Develop a Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour the reserved chicken broth into the roux, whisking continuously to prevent any pesky lumps from forming.

Step 7: Season and Combine

Fold the shredded chicken back into the sauce, seasoning with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Dried parsley

Step 8: Cook the Noodles

Boil egg noodles in a separate pot until they reach that perfect al dente texture, typically 7-8 minutes.

Step 9: Bring Everything Together

Drain the noodles completely and gently mix them into the chicken sauce, ensuring every strand gets coated with deliciousness.

Step 10: Final Simmer

Let the entire dish simmer for a few extra minutes, allowing all the flavors to dance and mingle together.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out this comfort food masterpiece while it’s hot. Sprinkle some extra parsley on top for a fresh finishing touch if you’d like!

Pro Tips for Cozy Chicken and Noodles

  • Boost Chicken Moisture: Pat chicken breasts completely dry before cooking to ensure maximum tenderness and prevent excess water from diluting flavors.
  • Quick Roux Mastery: Stir flour constantly when creating the sauce base to avoid burning and achieve a smooth, lump-free consistency that thickens perfectly.
  • Broth Brilliance: Reserve cooking liquid from chicken to intensify the sauce's depth, adding rich, concentrated flavor throughout the entire dish.
  • Noodle Perfection: Cook egg noodles just until al dente to prevent mushiness, maintaining a satisfying texture that complements the creamy chicken sauce.
  • Flavor Enhancement: Sprinkle extra dried parsley or fresh herbs right before serving to brighten the dish and add a fresh aromatic touch.

Flavorful Takes on Chicken and Noodles

  • Spicy Southwest Chicken Noodles: Add diced jalapeños, chili powder, and cumin to the sauce for a zesty kick. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Incorporate oregano, basil, and thyme into the sauce. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped sun-dried tomatoes before serving.
  • Creamy Mushroom Chicken Noodles: Sauté sliced mushrooms with onions and garlic. Use half-and-half instead of broth for an extra rich sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions.
  • Asian-Inspired Sesame Chicken Noodles: Replace dried parsley with ginger and sesame oil.

What to Serve with Chicken and Noodles

  • Pairing Mellow White Wine: Choose a crisp, light-bodied Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the creamy chicken and noodles, cutting through the richness with refreshing acidity.
  • Rustic Bread Companion: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or French baguette slices alongside the dish, perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce and adding textural contrast.
  • Fresh Herb Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light green salad with mixed lettuce, fresh dill, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty main course and provide a bright, zesty counterpoint.

Store Chicken and Noodles Like a Pro

  • Transfer leftover chicken and noodles to an airtight container, ensuring it cools completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Let the dish reach room temperature within 2 hours of cooking, preventing bacterial growth and maintaining food safety.
  • Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping the meal fresh and delicious for quick reheating.
  • Pack meal in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn, and store for up to 2 months with minimal flavor loss.

FAQs for Chicken and Noodles Lovers

  • What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook evenly and shred easily, creating tender meat that absorbs the sauce perfectly.

  • Can I use different types of noodles?

Egg noodles are traditional, but you can substitute with wide egg noodles, pasta, or even whole wheat noodles for a healthier twist without significantly changing the recipe’s core flavor.

  • How do I prevent the sauce from becoming lumpy?

Whisk the chicken broth into the roux slowly and consistently, stirring continuously to break down any flour clumps and create a smooth, creamy sauce.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, chicken and noodles reheat well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for preparing meals in advance.

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Chicken and Noodles Recipe

Chicken and Noodles Recipe


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4.6 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 40-45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Hearty chicken and noodles bring comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending tender meat with silky pasta in pure Midwestern warmth. Home cooks discover pure satisfaction through this simple, soul-soothing classic that connects generations with each delicious spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 lbs chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth

Noodles and Base:

  • 16 oz egg noodles
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp butter

Seasonings and Extras:

  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 small onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 tbsp dried parsley

Instructions

  1. Trim chicken breasts and pat dry with paper towels, preparing them for even cooking.
  2. Place chicken in a large skillet, covering with chicken broth, and simmer over medium-low heat for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked through.
  3. Remove chicken from liquid, shred using two forks, and set aside while reserving the cooking broth.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté finely chopped onion and minced garlic until translucent and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
  5. Sprinkle flour over the onion mixture, stirring continuously to create a smooth roux and prevent burning.
  6. Gradually pour reserved chicken broth into the roux, whisking consistently to eliminate lumps and create a creamy sauce.
  7. Add shredded chicken back into the sauce, incorporating salt, black pepper, and dried parsley for enhanced flavor.
  8. Meanwhile, cook egg noodles in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente, typically 7-8 minutes.
  9. Drain noodles thoroughly and fold them into the chicken mixture, ensuring even distribution of sauce and protein.
  10. Allow the dish to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, helping flavors meld together and reaching a perfect serving temperature.
  11. Serve hot, garnishing with additional parsley if desired.

Notes

  • Adjust cooking liquid by adding more broth if sauce becomes too thick during simmering.
  • Swap regular egg noodles with gluten-free alternatives for celiac or wheat-sensitive diners.
  • Create a lighter version by using skinless chicken breasts and reducing butter quantity for lower-calorie preparation.
  • Enhance flavor profile by incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of dried parsley for more vibrant taste.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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