Homemade Chicken and Noodles Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a steaming bowl of Chicken and Noodles. For my family, it’s more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a cold day, a nostalgic reminder of home-cooked goodness, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any dinner table. Over the years, I’ve tweaked and perfected this recipe, and what I’m sharing with you today is the culmination of countless family dinners and happy smiles. This isn’t just any Chicken and Noodles recipe; it’s the Chicken and Noodles recipe – rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. From the tender, juicy chicken to the perfectly cooked, silky noodles, every element harmonizes to create a symphony of comfort food that will leave you and your loved ones craving more. Forget canned soups and processed ingredients; this is about real food, made with love and simple, wholesome ingredients. Get ready to experience the magic of homemade Chicken and Noodles – it’s easier than you think and infinitely more rewarding.

Ingredients

Crafting the perfect Chicken and Noodles starts with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the depth of flavor and the comforting texture we all crave. Let’s break down each ingredient and explore why it’s essential for this recipe:

• Chicken:
  • 2 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Chicken is the star of the show, providing the protein and savory foundation for our dish. Boneless, skinless breasts are a lean and versatile choice, cooking quickly and shredding beautifully. For a richer flavor, you can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs or a whole chicken. Using bone-in chicken will require a longer cooking time but will yield a more intense chicken flavor in your broth. If using bone-in pieces, ensure you adjust cooking time accordingly and debone the chicken after cooking before shredding. Consider the quality of your chicken; pasture-raised or organic chicken often boasts a richer, more natural flavor that will elevate the overall taste of your dish.
• Broth:
  • 8 cups Chicken Broth (Low Sodium): The broth is the liquid heart of Chicken and Noodles, infusing every bite with savory goodness. Opting for low-sodium broth allows you to control the salt level and prevents the dish from becoming overly salty. High-quality chicken broth is key; homemade broth is always the gold standard, offering unparalleled depth of flavor. If using store-bought, look for brands that are labeled “organic” or “free-range” and have minimal additives. If you are using bone-in chicken, you can even use the cooking liquid from boiling the chicken as part of your broth, straining it well to remove any solids.
• Noodles:
  • 1 lb Egg Noodles (Wide or Medium): Egg noodles are the classic choice for Chicken and Noodles, offering a delightful chewiness and silky texture that perfectly complements the tender chicken and savory broth. Wide or medium egg noodles work best, providing substance and holding their shape well during cooking. Look for egg noodles made with high-quality semolina or durum wheat for the best texture and flavor. If you prefer a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free egg noodles or even other types of noodles like rice noodles or gluten-free pasta shapes.
• Vegetables (Aromatic Base):
  • 1 large Yellow Onion, diced: Onion forms the aromatic base of our dish, adding sweetness and depth of flavor. Yellow onions are a versatile choice, offering a balanced flavor that isn’t too overpowering. Dicing the onion ensures it cooks evenly and releases its flavors into the broth.
  • 2 Carrots, peeled and diced: Carrots contribute sweetness, color, and a subtle earthy note to the Chicken and Noodles. Dicing them ensures they cook through and become tender along with the other vegetables.
  • 2 Celery stalks, diced: Celery adds a fresh, slightly peppery flavor and aromatic complexity to the dish. Dicing the celery ensures it cooks evenly and blends seamlessly into the flavor profile. The combination of onion, carrots, and celery is often referred to as “mirepoix” and is a foundational flavor base in many cuisines.
• Butter and Flour (For Roux):
  • 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness and flavor to the roux, which is the thickening agent for our Chicken and Noodles. Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt level and prevents the dish from becoming too salty.
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is used to create the roux, thickening the broth and creating a creamy, luxurious texture. The roux ensures the Chicken and Noodles isn’t just watery broth but has a comforting, slightly thickened consistency.
• Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • 2 teaspoons Salt, or to taste: Salt is essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients and balancing the overall taste of the dish. Adjust the amount of salt to your preference, keeping in mind that low-sodium broth may require more salt. Taste and season as you go.
  • 1 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground: Freshly ground black pepper adds a warm, pungent spice that complements the savory flavors of the Chicken and Noodles. Freshly ground pepper has a more vibrant flavor than pre-ground pepper.
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme: Dried thyme adds a subtle earthy, herbaceous note that enhances the savory flavor profile of the dish. Thyme pairs beautifully with chicken and vegetables. You can also use fresh thyme sprigs if available, adding them to the broth while simmering and removing them before serving.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dried Rosemary: Rosemary adds a piney, fragrant aroma and a slightly peppery, woodsy flavor that complements the chicken and vegetables. Rosemary is a strong herb, so use it sparingly. Like thyme, you can also use fresh rosemary sprigs and remove them before serving.
  • 2 Bay Leaves: Bay leaves infuse the broth with a subtle, tea-like aroma and a hint of menthol. They add depth and complexity to the flavor profile. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving as they are not edible.
  • Optional: 1/4 cup Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: For an even richer and creamier Chicken and Noodles, you can add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end of cooking. This is optional but adds an extra layer of indulgence.
  • Optional: Fresh Parsley, chopped (for garnish): Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbaceous touch and a pop of color as a garnish. It brightens up the dish and adds a final fresh note.

Instructions

Now that we have all our ingredients prepped and ready, let’s embark on the journey of creating our comforting Chicken and Noodles masterpiece. Follow these step-by-step instructions carefully to ensure success:

1. Poach the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, place the chicken breasts and cover them with the chicken broth. Ensure the chicken is fully submerged in the broth. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Simmering gently is crucial; boiling will make the chicken tough. Poaching the chicken in broth not only cooks it through but also infuses it with flavor and creates a flavorful cooking liquid that will become part of our dish. Simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. You can check for doneness by inserting a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast; it should register 165°F (74°C).
2. Shred the Chicken and Reserve Broth: Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon and place it on a cutting board or plate to cool slightly. Do not discard the broth in the pot; this is now flavorful chicken broth that we will use as the base of our Chicken and Noodles. While the chicken is cooling, shred it using two forks or your fingers. Shredding the chicken into bite-sized pieces makes it easy to eat and ensures even distribution throughout the dish. Set the shredded chicken aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot (no need to wash it), melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are softened and the onions are translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Sautéing the vegetables in butter before adding the broth enhances their sweetness and flavor, creating a richer base for the dish. Don’t rush this step; allowing the vegetables to soften and release their aromas is essential for building flavor.
4. Make the Roux: Sprinkle the flour over the sautéed vegetables in the pot. Stir continuously with a wooden spoon or whisk to combine the flour with the butter and vegetables. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it is lightly golden and fragrant. Cooking the roux for a short period, without browning it too much, helps to eliminate the raw flour taste and ensures it will thicken the broth properly. This step is crucial for achieving the desired creamy texture.
5. Gradually Add Broth and Seasonings: Slowly pour the reserved chicken broth into the pot with the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the roux is fully incorporated into the broth and the mixture is smooth. Add the salt, black pepper, dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaves to the pot. Stir to combine the seasonings and herbs. Adding the broth gradually and whisking continuously is important to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce.
6. Simmer and Thicken: Bring the broth mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly as the roux does its work. Stirring occasionally prevents sticking and ensures even thickening. You’ll notice the broth becoming slightly thicker and more opaque as it simmers.
7. Add Noodles and Chicken: Add the egg noodles to the simmering broth mixture. Stir gently to ensure the noodles are submerged in the liquid. Return the shredded chicken to the pot. Stir to combine the chicken and noodles with the broth.
8. Cook Noodles to Perfection: Continue to simmer gently until the egg noodles are cooked through and tender, but still slightly firm to the bite (al dente). This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your noodles. Follow the package instructions for the specific cooking time of your noodles, but start checking for doneness around 8 minutes. Avoid overcooking the noodles, as they can become mushy.
9. Adjust Seasoning and Cream (Optional): Taste the Chicken and Noodles and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half for extra richness and creaminess. Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving.
10. Serve and Garnish: Ladle the hot Chicken and Noodles into bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired, for a pop of freshness and color. Serve immediately and enjoy the comforting warmth and delicious flavors of your homemade Chicken and Noodles!

Nutrition Facts

Understanding the nutritional content of your meals can be helpful for making informed dietary choices. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown for our Chicken and Noodles recipe. Please note that these are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

• Servings: Approximately 6 servings
• Calories per Serving (Estimated): 450-550 calories (This is an estimate and can vary depending on factors like chicken fat content, noodle type, and added cream)

Approximate Macronutrient Breakdown per Serving (Estimated):

• Protein: 30-40 grams
• Fat: 15-25 grams
• Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams

Important Considerations:

• These are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients used. Using leaner chicken, low-fat broth, and omitting cream will reduce the fat and calorie content.
• Serving sizes can impact nutritional values. Be mindful of portion control.
• This recipe provides a good source of protein and carbohydrates, with moderate fat content. It also contains vitamins and minerals from the vegetables and chicken broth.
• For more precise nutritional information, you can use online nutritional calculators and input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use.

Preparation Time

Time is often a precious commodity, especially when it comes to preparing meals. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated time involved in making this Chicken and Noodles recipe:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (This includes dicing vegetables, measuring ingredients, and preparing the chicken for poaching)
• Cook Time: 45 minutes (This includes poaching the chicken, sautéing vegetables, making the roux, simmering the broth, and cooking the noodles)
• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes

This recipe is relatively straightforward and doesn’t require extensive culinary skills. Most of the time is spent simmering and allowing the flavors to develop. It’s a perfect recipe for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. You can also speed up the prep time by purchasing pre-diced vegetables or using rotisserie chicken (though poaching chicken in broth adds significantly more flavor).

How to Serve

Chicken and Noodles is a comforting and satisfying dish on its own, but it can be elevated even further with the right accompaniments. Here are some delicious ways to serve your homemade Chicken and Noodles:

• Classic Sides:
  • Crusty Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up the delicious broth and adding a satisfying carbohydrate element to the meal. Serve warm with butter.
  • Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the Chicken and Noodles.
  • Coleslaw: Creamy or vinegar-based coleslaw adds a cool and crunchy element that complements the warm, comforting dish.
• Vegetable Pairings:
  • Steamed Green Beans: A simple and healthy side dish that adds a touch of green and freshness.
  • Roasted Broccoli or Brussels Sprouts: Roasting vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds a hearty, flavorful side.
  • Corn on the Cob or Creamed Corn: Corn adds a touch of sweetness and summery flavor, especially if serving Chicken and Noodles during warmer months.
• Comfort Food Companions:
  • Mashed Potatoes: For an extra dose of comfort, serve Chicken and Noodles over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes.
  • Biscuits or Cornbread: Warm, buttery biscuits or slightly sweet cornbread are classic comfort food pairings that go beautifully with Chicken and Noodles.
• Garnishes to Enhance:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness.
  • Chopped Chives or Green Onions: Provide a mild oniony flavor and visual appeal.
  • Crackers: Oyster crackers or saltine crackers are classic crunchy accompaniments.
  • Hot Sauce (Optional): For those who like a little heat, a dash of hot sauce can add a spicy kick.

Additional Tips for Perfect Chicken and Noodles

Elevate your Chicken and Noodles from good to exceptional with these helpful tips and tricks:

1. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Overcooked noodles become mushy and detract from the texture of the dish. Cook the noodles until they are al dente, testing for doneness a few minutes before the package directions suggest. They will continue to soften slightly in the hot broth.
2. Flavor Boost with Aromatics: Enhance the flavor of your broth by adding extra aromatics while poaching the chicken. Consider adding a halved onion, a few cloves of garlic, a sprig of fresh thyme, or a bay leaf to the poaching liquid. This will infuse the chicken and broth with even more depth of flavor.
3. Thicken to Your Preference: The roux in this recipe creates a moderately thick sauce. If you prefer a thinner Chicken and Noodles, use slightly less flour in the roux. For a thicker consistency, you can use a bit more flour, ensuring you cook the roux properly to avoid a floury taste. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) at the end of cooking to thicken further if desired.
4. Make it Ahead of Time: Chicken and Noodles is a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors actually meld and deepen over time. When reheating, add a little extra broth or water if needed to thin it out to your desired consistency.
5. Customize with Vegetables: Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking. You can add other vegetables like peas, corn, diced potatoes, or mushrooms to your Chicken and Noodles. Add heartier vegetables like potatoes and mushrooms earlier in the cooking process to ensure they are tender. Peas and corn can be added towards the end.

FAQ Section

Got questions about making Chicken and Noodles? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions to help you navigate the recipe with confidence:

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of poaching chicken breasts?

A: Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut! Shred the rotisserie chicken and add it to the pot after you have simmered the broth and added the noodles. Keep in mind that using rotisserie chicken will result in a slightly less intensely chicken-flavored broth compared to poaching chicken in broth. If using rotisserie chicken, you might consider using a higher quality, flavorful chicken broth to compensate.

Q2: Can I freeze Chicken and Noodles?

A: While you can freeze Chicken and Noodles, the texture of the noodles may change slightly upon thawing. Noodles can become a bit softer after freezing and thawing. To minimize this, cook the noodles slightly less than al dente before freezing. For best results, freeze the Chicken and Noodles without the noodles and cook the noodles fresh when you are ready to reheat and serve. Store in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Q3: What kind of noodles are best for Chicken and Noodles?

A: Egg noodles are the classic and most popular choice for Chicken and Noodles due to their texture and flavor. Wide or medium egg noodles work best. However, you can also use other types of noodles like Amish noodles, kluski noodles, or even gluten-free pasta shapes if you prefer or have dietary restrictions. Consider the cooking time of different noodles and adjust accordingly.

Q4: Can I make Chicken and Noodles in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?

A: Yes, Chicken and Noodles can be adapted for both slow cookers and Instant Pots. For a slow cooker, you can combine the chicken, broth, vegetables, and seasonings and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken and add the noodles during the last 30-45 minutes of cooking. For an Instant Pot, you can pressure cook the chicken, broth, vegetables, and seasonings for 8-10 minutes with a natural pressure release. Shred the chicken, sauté vegetables using the sauté function, then add noodles and cook on sauté until noodles are tender. Refer to specific slow cooker or Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles recipes for detailed instructions, as cooking times and methods may vary.

Q5: How can I make Chicken and Noodles creamier without adding cream?

A: If you want a creamier Chicken and Noodles without using heavy cream or half-and-half, you can try a few techniques. Adding a bit more roux (slightly increasing the flour and butter) will thicken the broth further. You can also blend a portion of the cooked vegetables with some of the broth using an immersion blender or regular blender before adding the noodles and chicken. This creates a naturally creamy texture from the vegetables themselves. Another option is to stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or mascarpone cheese at the end of cooking for a subtle creamy richness.

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