Have you ever wondered why some comfort foods seem to transport us directly back to our childhood kitchens? There’s something magical about the simple combination of tender chicken and hearty egg noodles that creates an instant feeling of warmth and nostalgia.
This Chicken and Noodles Recipe (Egg Noodles) is the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that still feels special. Whether you’re cooking for a family or meal prepping for the week ahead, this classic dish delivers satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients List
Creating this comforting meal requires simple ingredients that work together to create deep, satisfying flavors. Most of these items are likely already in your pantry or refrigerator!
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces egg noodles (wide or extra-wide recommended)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For a creamier version, consider adding 1/2 cup of heavy cream at the end of cooking. If you prefer a gluten-free option, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a lower-carb alternative.
Timing
- Preparation time: 15 minutes to chop vegetables and measure ingredients
- Cooking time: 45 minutes, which includes simmering the chicken to tenderness and cooking the noodles
- Total time: 60 minutes, approximately 25% faster than traditional homemade chicken and egg noodles recipe methods that require making noodles from scratch
- This recipe strikes an excellent balance between quick preparation and developing rich flavors, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something heartwarming.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to create a delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Each step builds flavor for the final dish!
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Base
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until vegetables begin to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pro tip: Don’t rush this step! Allowing the vegetables to develop a slight caramelization creates a deeper flavor foundation for your Chicken and Noodles Recipe (Egg Noodles).
Step 2: Add Chicken and Broth
Place chicken pieces in the pot and pour in chicken broth. Add dried thyme, bay leaf, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for about 25 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
For extra flavor, consider using a combination of chicken broth and better-than-bouillon paste, which adds richness without additional salt.
Step 3: Shred the Chicken
Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board. Using two forks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This texture allows the chicken to better incorporate with the noodles and absorb the flavorful broth.
If you prefer larger pieces, you can also cube the chicken instead of shredding. Either way works well for this versatile recipe!
Step 4: Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring the broth back to a boil and add the egg noodles. Cook according to package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, until the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite (al dente).
Cooking tip: Stir occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking together. For a thicker broth, allow some of the liquid to reduce during this step.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the shredded chicken to the pot and stir to combine with the noodles and broth. Remove the bay leaf. If using cream, stir it in now and allow the mixture to heat through without boiling. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
For a thicker consistency, you can mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the simmering mixture until it reaches your desired thickness.
Nutritional Information
This hearty Chicken and Noodles Recipe (Egg Noodles) provides a balanced meal with protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. Each serving (approximately 1.5 cups) contains:
Calories: 385 per serving
Protein: 32g (64% of daily recommended intake)
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Sodium: 650mg (can be reduced by using low-sodium broth)
Vitamin A: 70% daily value (primarily from carrots)
Iron: 15% daily value
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings, making it cost-effective at about $2.50 per serving when using standard grocery store ingredients.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
This classic comfort food can be easily modified to suit various dietary needs without sacrificing flavor:
For lower carbs: Replace half or all of the egg noodles with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash. This substitution reduces carbohydrates by up to 70% per serving.
For higher protein: Add an extra pound of chicken and reduce noodles by half for a protein-packed meal that’s perfect for athletes or those following higher-protein diets.
For lower sodium: Use unsalted chicken broth and enhance flavor with fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and additional garlic instead of salt.
For gluten-free diets: Substitute regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta varieties made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Brown rice pasta maintains a similar texture to traditional egg noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your Chicken and Noodles Recipe (Egg Noodles) with these complementary sides and presentation ideas:
Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the main dish. The acidity cuts through the savory flavors beautifully.
Serve alongside steamed green vegetables like broccoli or green beans for added nutrition and color contrast on the plate.
Fresh-baked crusty bread or buttermilk biscuits make perfect companions for sopping up the delicious broth.
For a special touch, serve in wide, shallow bowls and garnish with additional fresh herbs, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese, or a few cracks of fresh black pepper.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced cooks can encounter challenges with this seemingly simple dish. Here are the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Overcooking the noodles: Egg noodles continue cooking in the hot broth even after heat is removed. Cook them just until al dente to prevent mushiness in the final dish.
- Under-seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process, not just at the end. Chicken and noodles need adequate salt to enhance flavors.
- Rushing the vegetable base: The flavor foundation comes from properly sautéed vegetables. Give them time to develop flavor before adding liquid.
- Using only breast meat: While leaner, chicken breasts alone can become dry. Consider using a mix of breast and thigh meat for better texture and flavor.
- Adding too many noodles: Egg noodles absorb broth as they cook and continue to expand. Use fewer noodles than you think you need to maintain a good broth-to-noodle ratio.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This dish makes excellent leftovers with proper storage techniques:
Refrigeration: Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making next-day servings even more delicious.
Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. The texture of the noodles may change slightly upon thawing, but the flavor remains excellent.
Reheating: Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to refresh the consistency, as noodles will continue to absorb liquid during storage.
Make-ahead tip: You can prepare the chicken and broth base a day ahead, then simply cook and add the noodles just before serving for a quick weeknight meal solution.
Conclusion
This classic Chicken and Noodles recipe delivers comfort in every bite, combining tender chicken, flavorful broth, and perfectly cooked egg noodles. With just five simple steps, you can create a meal that satisfies both body and soul.
Have you tried making this heartwarming dish? We’d love to hear your experiences or any personal twists you’ve added to make it your own! Share your results in the comments below, or tag us in your food photos on social media. And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out our other comfort food classics for more delicious inspiration!