Easy Homemade Chicken and Noodles Recipe – Comfort Food
As winter winds blow, nothing beats the smell of homemade chicken and noodles cooking. This dish takes you back to happy family times and cozy meals. It’s a mix of tender chicken, egg noodles, and a rich broth that feeds your body and soul.
Looking for a comforting meal or a taste of the past? This homemade chicken and noodles is perfect. It’s ready in 30-45 minutes, making it a satisfying feast for all. Let’s explore this comfort food recipe together!
Table of Contents
Why This Homestyle Chicken and Noodles is the Ultimate Comfort Food
Chicken and noodles are a favorite in American cuisine. They offer a comforting and satisfying meal. This homestyle chicken and noodles recipe is special because of its creamy texture and rich flavor.
Historical Origins of the Dish
This dish comes from the traditional chicken and dumplings recipe. It has been loved for generations. But, this version uses homestyle noodles instead of dumplings, making it unique.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This recipe stands out because of its high-quality ingredients and careful preparation. It uses homemade or frozen, thick egg noodles for a better texture and flavor. The broth is creamy and flavorful, made with chicken broth and cream of chicken soup.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Water | 2 cups |
| Chicken Broth | 1 box (32 oz) |
| Frozen Egg Noodles | 1 package (12 oz) |
| Cooked Chicken | 2 cups (shredded or cubed) |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | 1 can (10 3/4 oz) |
| Kosher Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Coarse Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
The recipe calls for homemade noodles or frozen thick egg noodles. This ensures the right texture and flavor. This focus on detail makes it the ultimate comfort food for families and gatherings.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Chicken and Noodles Recipe
To make the ultimate comfort food, you need a few key ingredients. At the heart is tender chicken, from a rotisserie or boneless breasts. You also need rich, flavorful chicken broth for the sauce.
Wide, egg noodles soak up all the tasty flavors. Aromatics like celery, carrots, and onions add depth and texture. Butter, flour, and milk or cream make the creamy sauce that holds it all together.
You can also add seasonings and herbs to make it your own. Try thyme, bay leaves, parsley, paprika, and garlic powder. There are countless ways to customize this classic dish to your liking.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked chicken, shredded | 1 lb |
| Low-sodium chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Wide egg noodles | 12 oz |
| Carrots, chopped | 1 cup |
| Celery, chopped | 1 cup |
| Onion, diced | 1 small |
| Butter | 4 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tbsp |
| Whole milk or heavy cream | 1/2 cup |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a comforting chicken and noodles dish. It’s sure to warm your soul.
Kitchen Equipment and Preparation Tips
Making the perfect homemade chicken and noodles recipe needs the right tools and prep tips. You’ll need the right cookware and some smart tricks to cook it fast. Let’s look at what you need to make this comforting dish quickly.
Required Cookware
Use a large Dutch oven or deep pot to avoid messy splatters and ensure even cooking. The extra depth keeps the broth and noodles in place. A sturdy wooden spoon or ladle makes stirring the creamy mix easy.
Prep Time Saving Techniques
- Use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save minutes.
- Add frozen peas for a quick, pre-chopped veggie.
- Minced garlic with a garlic press for fast flavor.
Temperature Control Tips
Keeping the right temperatures is crucial for perfect chicken and noodles. Sauté onions and garlic over medium-high heat to get their aroma. Then, lower the heat to medium for a gentle simmer with the broth and noodles.
This method ensures the noodles cook right without overcooking the chicken. With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you can have this comfort food classic ready in under an hour.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Make a delicious homemade chicken and noodles dish with these simple steps. Start by sautéing onions, garlic, and carrots in a large pot or Dutch oven with butter. Once they’re soft, add 4 cups (32 ounces) of chicken stock and 1 cup of water, along with your favorite herbs and seasonings. Let the carrots cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
Next, add more chicken stock and toss in diced celery and the egg noodles. While the noodles cook, make a simple roux. Melt 1/2 cup of butter in a saucepan and whisk in an equal amount of all-purpose flour. Then, stir in 2 cans (10 ounces each) of cream of chicken soup and milk until it thickens.
- Shred or chop 2 pounds of cooked boneless chicken breasts and add them to the pot with the noodles.
- Stir in the creamy roux mixture and frozen peas, and let the dish simmer until it reaches your desired thickness, about 10-15 minutes.
The whole cooking process takes about 30-45 minutes. This homemade chicken and noodles recipe makes 10 servings. Each serving has 262.36 calories, 14g of fat, 26.41g of carbohydrates, and 6.92g of protein.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken broth | 4 cups (32 ounces) |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Butter | 1/2 cup |
| Boneless chicken breasts | 2 pounds |
| Cream of chicken soup | 2 cans (10 ounces each) |
| Egg noodles | 1 bag (12 ounces) |
“This chicken and noodles recipe is a true comfort food classic that’s easy to make and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings.”
Creating the Perfect Creamy Base
The secret to a delicious chicken and noodles dish is the base. This recipe uses condensed soups and a homemade roux for the perfect consistency.
Making the Roux
To start, make a roux. Melt 1/4 cup of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it’s smooth.
Achieving Ideal Consistency
Now, add the rest of the liquids to the roux. Whisk in 3 1/2 cups of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Simmer, stirring often, until it thickens in 5-7 minutes. This roux, with the noodles’ starch, makes the base creamy.
Remember, noodles soak up some liquid. You might need more broth or cream to keep it creamy.
Vegetable Preparation and Integration
To make your homemade chicken and noodles dish better, focus on how you prepare and mix in the veggies. Onions, carrots, celery, and peas are key. Start by cooking the onions until they’re clear. Then, add garlic and carrots.
When the carrots are soft, add the celery. This makes the dish crunchy. Wait to add the peas until the end. This keeps them fresh and green.
These colorful veggies add nutrition and flavor to your dish. They make your chicken and noodles more exciting.
| Vegetable | Preparation | Cooking Order |
|---|---|---|
| Onions | Diced | Sauté first until translucent |
| Garlic | Minced | Add after onions |
| Carrots | Diced | Add after onions and garlic, cook until tender |
| Celery | Diced | Add after carrots |
| Peas | Frozen | Add towards the end to maintain texture |
By carefully prepping and adding these vegetable preparation elements, you’ll make your chicken and noodles dish even better. It will taste and look amazing.
Noodle Selection and Cooking Techniques
Choosing the right egg noodles for homemade chicken and noodles is key. Wide egg noodles are classic, but you can try Amish noodles or make your own. For a different taste, use fettuccine or other wide, flat pasta.
Types of Noodles to Use
- Wide egg noodles
- Amish noodles
- Homemade noodles
- Fettuccine or other wide, flat pasta
To cook the noodles, use the chicken broth for about 5 minutes, uncovered. Cooking time might change based on the noodle type. But always aim for them to be tender and fully cooked. The starch from the noodles will also thicken the broth, making it creamy and comforting.
Proper Cooking Times
- Cook the noodles in the chicken broth for about 5 minutes, uncovered.
- Adjust the cooking time as needed, depending on the noodle type.
- The noodle starch will help thicken the broth, creating a rich and creamy texture.
Mastering the cooking techniques for the perfect noodles will take your homemade chicken and noodles to new levels. It’s all about the comfort and taste.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage and reheating are key for your homemade chicken and noodles. These tips will help you enjoy your leftovers fully.
Storing Leftovers
Put leftover chicken and noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Use a freezer-safe container or bag to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating Refrigerated Leftovers
To reheat, put the dish in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it every now and then until it’s hot, about 5 minutes. Or, reheat small portions in the microwave at 50% power, stirring every 1-2 minutes.
Reheating Frozen Leftovers
Thaw frozen leftovers in the fridge overnight before reheating. Then, reheat it like refrigerated leftovers. If it’s too thick, add a little milk or chicken stock.
| Storage Method | Maximum Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 4 days |
| Freezer | 3 months |
Follow these easy storage and reheating tips. Enjoy your homemade chicken and noodles for days.
Conclusion
The chicken and noodles recipe in this article is a comforting meal perfect for family dinners. It combines the best of chicken noodle soup and chicken pot pie. This makes it a creamy, satisfying dish.
It uses budget-friendly ingredients and is easy to make. This comfort food classic will quickly become a favorite in your home.
This recipe has a flavorful chicken and vegetable base. The noodles are cooked just right. Together, they make a meal that warms and nourishes you.
It’s great for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This chicken and noodles recipe is both tasty and convenient.
So, invite your family over and enjoy this homemade chicken and noodles recipe. It will make you feel full, nourished, and remind you of home.