Chicken And Noodles Recipe

Hearty Homestyle Chicken and Noodles Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Comfort flows through every spoonful of this hearty chicken and noodles recipe that promises pure satisfaction.

Generations of home cooks have perfected this classic dish for good reason.

Tender chicken mingles with soft, silky noodles in a rich, creamy broth that warms you from the inside out.

Homemade goodness rarely feels this effortless or tastes this delightful.

Each bite carries the essence of traditional home cooking with robust flavor and soul-soothing comfort.

The recipe transforms simple ingredients into a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Cozy Bowl of Chicken & Noodles Awaits

  • Comfort Food Champion: Dive into a heartwarming dish that wraps you in pure, nostalgic goodness with its rich, savory flavors and tender chicken.
  • Quick Kitchen Hero: Whip up this one-pot wonder in minimal time, using simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry for a stress-free meal.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Perfect for picky eaters and hungry crowds, this recipe pleases everyone from kids to grandparents with its classic, crowd-pleasing taste.
  • Nutritious Meal Maker: Packed with protein from chicken and loaded with colorful vegetables, this dish delivers a balanced, wholesome dinner that keeps everyone satisfied.

Chicken and Noodles Ingredient Lineup

Protein:
  • Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein that forms the base of this comforting dish.
Vegetables:
  • Onion, Carrots, Celery, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that add depth and aromatic flavor to the recipe.
Liquid and Seasonings:
  • Chicken Broth: Rich liquid that provides moisture and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Thyme, Bay Leaf: Herbs that contribute a subtle, earthy flavor to the chicken and noodles.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the flavors of the recipe.
Noodles:
  • Egg Noodles: Classic pasta that adds heartiness and texture to the chicken dish.

Steps for Hearty Chicken and Noodles

Step 1: Boil and Shred Chicken

Select a whole chicken or chicken breasts.

Place in a large pot, cover with water, and boil until fully cooked through.

Remove chicken from pot and use two forks to shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetable Base

In the same pot, heat olive oil and add the following ingredients:
  • Diced onions
  • Chopped carrots
  • Sliced celery
  • Minced garlic

Cook vegetables until they become soft and fragrant, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 3: Create Flavorful Broth

Pour chicken broth into the pot with sautéed vegetables.

Add these seasonings:
  • Fresh thyme
  • Bay leaf
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Allow the mixture to simmer for 15 minutes, letting the herbs infuse the liquid with rich flavor.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Noodles

Add shredded chicken and wide egg noodles to the pot.

Cook until noodles become tender and absorb the delicious broth, approximately 6-8 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Ladle the hot chicken and noodles into bowls.

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Serve immediately for maximum comfort and warmth.

Chicken and Noodles Pro Tips

  • Chop fresh thyme or parsley right before serving to add a vibrant, aromatic touch to the dish.
  • Add egg noodles during the last 6-8 minutes of cooking to keep them perfectly al dente and prevent overcooking.
  • Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at the end for a richer, more luxurious texture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, reheating gently to maintain the noodles' texture.

Fun Chicken and Noodle Variations

  • Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace egg noodles with rice noodles or gluten-free pasta for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth for a plant-based version.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute noodles with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake.
  • Dairy-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free and use alternative seasonings like fresh herbs for added flavor complexity.

Serving Up Chicken and Noodles

  • Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Pair this hearty chicken and noodles dish with a crisp green salad for added freshness and nutrition.
  • Comfort Side Companion: Serve warm buttermilk biscuits or crusty bread on the side to soak up the delicious broth and complement the meal's rich flavors.
  • Veggie Enhancement Option: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a burst of color and a light, herbal finish that brightens the entire dish.
  • Creamy Twist Alternative: Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving to create a creamy texture and enhance the overall richness of the chicken and noodles.

Storing Chicken and Noodles for Later

  • Store chicken and noodles in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the dish is completely cooled before sealing.
  • Transfer leftovers to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining best quality and taste.
  • Place portions in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Yes, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor to the dish.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular egg noodles with gluten-free egg noodles or rice noodles to make the recipe gluten-free.

  • Can I freeze Chicken and Noodles?

You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop.

  • How can I add more protein to this recipe?

Consider adding extra shredded chicken, diced ham, or stirring in a beaten egg for additional protein boost.

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Chicken And Noodles Recipe

Chicken And Noodles Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 27 reviews

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

Description

Hearty Chicken and Noodles comfort brings classic midwestern warmth straight to dinner tables. Creamy, rich flavors meld perfectly, inviting home cooks to savor each comforting spoonful with pure satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 23 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Noodles and Broth:

  • 8 cups chicken broth
  • 45 cups egg noodles

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 1 medium onion
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 3 carrots
  • 2 stalks celery
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Immerse chicken in simmering water at 165°F, cooking thoroughly until meat easily pulls apart, then delicately shred using two forks.
  2. Without cleaning the pot, sauté aromatic vegetables – diced onions, julienned carrots, chopped celery, and minced garlic – until translucent and fragrant, approximately 4-5 minutes.
  3. Pour rich chicken broth into the vegetable mixture, introducing fresh thyme, a single bay leaf, and seasoning with salt and cracked black pepper. Allow the liquid to gently simmer for 12-15 minutes, developing complex flavors.
  4. Reintroduce the tender shredded chicken into the bubbling broth, then carefully fold in egg noodles. Continue cooking for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles reach perfect al dente consistency.
  5. Remove bay leaf, taste for final seasoning adjustments, and ladle the steaming, comforting one-pot meal into warmed serving bowls, garnishing with optional fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Optimize chicken tenderness by poaching slowly in broth instead of rapid boiling to prevent tough meat texture.
  • Enhance flavor depth by using homemade chicken stock or adding a splash of white wine during vegetable sautéing for complexity.
  • Consider gluten-free adaptation by substituting regular egg noodles with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
  • Boost nutritional value by incorporating additional vegetables like spinach or kale during the final cooking stage for extra vitamins and minerals.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 22 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg
Michael Reyes

Michael Reyes

Founder & Lead Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Southwestern and Latin American cuisine
  • Developing easy single-serving recipes
  • Food styling and food photography

Education

Santa Fe Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Practical, hands-on learning in essential kitchen skills, including food safety, hygiene, knife techniques, and kitchen organization.

Michael’s love for cooking runs deep, rooted in the bold, colorful flavors of his New Mexico upbringing.
After earning his Culinary Arts Certificate from Santa Fe Community College, he spent years sharpening his skills in kitchens that celebrated traditional Southwestern and Latin American dishes.
He believes cooking should feel approachable and fun, never complicated. When he’s not stirring up new recipe ideas, Michael’s out hiking scenic trails, chatting with farmers at local markets, or chasing the perfect sunset shot for inspiration.

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