Did you know that Americans eat about 1.3 billion pounds of chicken yearly in the form of chicken noodle soup? This favorite meal is found in households nationwide. It’s loved for being both comforting and tasty. Chicken and noodles recipes offer a twist to the classic. They’re thick, creamy, and seasoned just right.
Chicken and noodles are the ultimate when it comes to comfort food. Imagine tender chicken and noodles in a creamy, seasoned sauce. It’s similar to a homemade chicken noodle soup but richer and more indulgent. You can use different kinds of chicken, noodles, and veggies. Make it using a pressure cooker, slow cooker, or on your stove. You can use a whole chicken, boneless pieces, or even rotisserie leftovers. This gives you endless options to prepare a fantastic chicken and noodles meal.
Key Takeaways
- Chicken and noodles is the ultimate comfort food, offering a creamy, indulgent alternative to classic chicken noodle soup.
- The recipe can be customized with various chicken cuts, noodle types, and a range of vegetables.
- Cooking methods include pressure cooker, slow cooker, and traditional stovetop, providing flexibility and convenience.
- Reusing the cooking liquid from the chicken adds extra flavor to the dish.
- Adjusting seasonings to personal taste is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
Introduction to Chicken and Noodles Recipes
Chicken and Noodles is known as a top comfort food. It combines tender chicken and noodles in a sauce that’s rich and perfectly seasoned. This dish is like a thicker, more flavorful chicken noodle soup.
The Ultimate Comfort Food
Chicken and Noodles recipes are very comforting and satisfying. Imagine juicy chicken and hearty noodles. They’re wrapped in a creamy, tasty sauce. This meal is both filling and luxurious.
Versatility in Ingredients and Cooking Methods
Chicken and noodles recipes shine because they are so versatile. You can use different chicken cuts and noodle types. From whole chicken to store-bought noodles or egg noodles, the options are endless. You can cook it fast in a pressure cooker, easy in a slow cooker, or the classic on a stove.
Here are three world-famous chicken and noodles recipes for you to try, each with its own unique flair and a touch of humor to make your cooking experience even more enjoyable!
3 Chicken and Noodles Recipes: Famous and Easy
1. Classic Chicken Noodle Soup
This traditional chicken noodle soup is perfect for those chilly days when you need a warm, comforting meal that reminds you of home.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large Vidalia onion, diced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 1 large celery stalk, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 ½ cups shredded chicken breast
- 5 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped thyme
- 1 tablespoon fresh chopped parsley
- 1 cup uncooked egg noodles
- Kosher salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook until softened. Add the carrots and celery, cooking until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Pour in the chicken stock, herbs, salt, and pepper, bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, add the noodles, and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the noodles are al dente.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, and serve immediately. Perfect for when you need a little TLC in a bowl.
2. Creamy Chicken and Noodles
A delightful twist on the classic, this creamy chicken and noodles dish is both comforting and indulgent.
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- ½ cup half and half (or milk/cream)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¾ lb. egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups frozen vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Combine chicken broth, half and half, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Set aside.
- Cut the chicken breast into thinner slices, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear in a pan with olive oil until golden, then set aside to rest before cutting into bite-sized pieces.
- Boil salted water and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat, then whisk in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Gradually add the chicken broth mixture, stirring continuously until thickened. Add the cream of mushroom soup and let simmer.
- Stir in the frozen vegetables until heated through, then add the cheeses and chicken. Finally, mix in the cooked noodles and serve hot.
3. Chicken Chow Mein (Hong Kong Style)
For an international flair, try this Chicken Chow Mein recipe that brings the taste of a Chinese restaurant to your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken thigh, cut into thin slices
- ½ tbsp light soy sauce
- ¼ tsp white pepper
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tbsp cornstarch
- 1 lb fresh chow mein noodles
- 2 cups baby bok choy
- 5 oz assorted mushrooms
- ¼ cup sliced onion
- 2 scallions, cut into pieces
- 3 oz carrot, sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, minced
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- ½ tsp white pepper
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tbsp shaoxing wine
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with ½ cup water
Instructions:
- Marinate the chicken with soy sauce, white pepper, salt, and cornstarch. Let it sit for 20 minutes.
- Prepare the vegetables and mix the sauce ingredients separately.
- Blanch the chow mein noodles in boiling water for 10 seconds, drain, and pat dry.
- Pan-fry the noodles in oil until golden and crispy, then set aside.
- Stir-fry the marinated chicken in a hot pan until golden. Add garlic, ginger, and scallions, then remove from the pan.
- Stir-fry the vegetables, then add the sauce and chicken back in. Bring to a boil, add the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, and serve over the crispy noodles.
Enjoy these recipes and bring a bit of world cuisine into your home kitchen!
Chicken Options
There are many ways to add chicken to your noodle dish. You can start with a whole chicken to make a tasty broth from scratch. Then, use the meat from it in your recipe. You might also choose boneless breasts or thighs for easy eating. Leftover or rotisserie chicken is a handy shortcut, letting you go straight to mixing it with noodles. Whatever you choose, make sure the chicken is fully cooked and mixes well with the noodles.
Whole Chicken for Homemade Broth
Bubbling a whole chicken gives you a wonderful broth. It’s perfect for the base of your meal. You get to enjoy the meat in your dish, making it hearty and flavorful.
Boneless Chicken Breasts and Thighs
Boneless cuts like breasts and thighs are quick and easy. They cook fast and add tender pieces to your noodles. This is a great pick when you’re short on time.
Leftover or Rotisserie Chicken
Using leftover or rotisserie chicken means you don’t have to cook the chicken first. It saves you time and effort. Just add the chicken, either shredded or chopped, to your noodles.
Liquid Choices
The liquid you pick for chicken and noodles recipes really matters. You can make a tasty broth by simmering a whole chicken in water at home. This broth can be rich and authentic. Chicken broth or stock, whether store-bought or homemade, is a good alternative. Some like to add white wine or fruit juice, such as apple juice, for more flavor. The key is to have enough liquid to cook the noodles well and make the dish creamy.
Using Water for Homemade Broth
Boiling a whole chicken in water makes a great base for your chicken and noodles dish. The chicken’s natural flavors and nutrients seep into the water, making a warm, tasty broth.
Chicken Broth or Stock
If you want a quicker option, try chicken broth or stock from the store or homemade. It gives your dish a full taste without boiling a chicken. This is a time-saving method that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Adding Wine or Juice for Flavor
For a richer taste, some chicken and noodles recipes suggest adding a bit of white wine or fruit juice like apple juice to the broth. These extras can make the meal tastier and more interesting.
chicken and noodles recipes
When making chicken and noodle dishes, you have many noodles to choose from. You can use homemade egg noodles or buy them at the store. Making your noodles at home can make the meal feel special, but it takes more time. Store-bought noodles, like Amish-style, work well and save time.
Homemade Egg Noodles
Making egg noodles at home is great if you like to cook. It’s fun to roll out and cut the dough. This gives the noodles a unique taste and texture that you can’t get from a store.
Store-Bought Egg Noodles
If you want something quick, store-bought egg noodles are perfect. Brands like Amish-style or quality ones taste almost as good as homemade. This saves you time but still gives a great flavor.
Alternative Noodle Options
Sometimes you might want to try other noodle types. Pappardelle, tagliatelle, or fettuccine are good choices too. These noodles are thick and can hold the sauce well. They make a nice change from regular noodles.
Vegetable Variations
Chicken and noodles dishes are full of tasty vegetables. The usual carrots, celery, and onions make a great starting mix. Yet, you can go beyond this with veggies like peas and broccoli. This adds more flavors and makes the meal diverse.
Adding Peas, Broccoli, or Other Veggies
For veggies like broccoli, it’s best to cook them a bit before. This ensures a perfect texture when mixed with the chicken and noodles. It also adds more color and nutrition to your dish.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers
The stuff you add to chicken and noodles makes a big difference in how it tastes. Start with the basics: salt, pepper, and maybe some thyme or garlic. These make a good, simple flavor. If you want more taste, try adding cayenne pepper for a bit of spice. Or, put in some smoky paprika for a new twist. Make sure to taste as you cook so everything turns out just right.
Simple Salt, Pepper, and Herbs
Basic ingredients like salt, pepper, and herbs are great for chicken and noodles. They let the real flavors of the food come through. This mix gives your dish a nice, all-around taste.
Adding Spice or Smoky Flavors
If you like it spicy, add some cayenne pepper or chipotle. For a smoky taste, try smoked paprika or liquid smoke. You can change the seasonings to fit what you like. This way, you make your chicken and noodles just how you prefer.
Cooking Methods
To make chicken and noodles, you can choose from many cooking styles. The pressure cooker is great if you want a quick way. It makes the chicken tender fast and the broth tasty.
Pressure Cooker for Quick Cooking
The pressure cooker really speeds up making chicken and noodles. It makes the chicken soft and the broth full of flavor in no time. You only need 15 minutes for boneless chicken or 20 minutes for frozen, skin-on chicken pieces.
Slow Cooker for Hands-Off Convenience
The slow cooker is perfect if you like to leave things alone while cooking. It slowly blends the flavors over hours, resulting in a hearty dish. It’s best for cooking a full chicken, making the meat and the broth rich and tasty.
This method also makes the chicken super easy to pull apart.
Stovetop for Traditional Method
Using the stovetop is a classic way to cook chicken and noodles. You start by sautéing vegetables, then gradually add to make a creamy sauce. This method lets you adjust the taste and texture exactly how you like it.
Whether you use a pressure cooker, slow cooker, or stovetop, you’ll end up with a meal that warms your heart.
Creamy Variations
Some chicken and noodle recipes add dairy like cream or milk for extra creaminess. You can add a bit of heavy cream or whole milk for a smooth texture. Or, make a roux by mixing melted butter and flour. This roux is slowly mixed into the broth to make a thick sauce.
These methods make the dish stick together more. They let you choose how creamy you want it, from light to thick.
Adding Cream or Milk
Heavy cream or milk makes chicken and noodles richer and smoother. They give the dish a taste of luxury. Mixing them into the broth carefully makes a sauce that’s just right.
Making a Roux for Thickening
Another way to make chicken and noodles creamy is by making a roux. Melt butter, whisk in flour, and you’ll get a thick mixture. Slowly add this to the broth. It thickens the sauce and makes everything blend together perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken and noodle dishes are great with different sides. A simple salad or crusty bread goes well with them. You can also use the leftovers creatively. For example, you can make chicken salad or pot pies. The noodles and sauce can turn into another tasty meal, like a casserole.
Accompaniments like Bread or Salad
Add a fresh salad or warm bread to your meal. They balance the rich taste of chicken and noodles. Salad’s crispness and bread’s ability to soak up sauce make them perfect matches.
Repurposing Leftovers
Chicken and noodles make yummy leftovers. You can use the chicken in different dishes, like salads or pies. Noodles and sauce can be a casserole or a fancy primavera. This way, you avoid waste and enjoy new meals.
Tips and Tricks
To make cooking chicken and noodles easier, prep things first. For example, you can cook the chicken early. Also, you can make the noodles a day or two before. And don’t forget to cut up the veggies beforehand.
Prepping Ahead for Convenience
Preparing some parts of the meal early can cut down cooking time. This way, when it’s time to cook and serve, it’s quicker. You get to enjoy your meal without much stress.
Adjusting Liquid and Seasoning Levels
Keep an eye on how much liquid and seasoning you’re using. Changing the broth or seasoning can make the dish just right. Remember, noodles soak up a lot of liquid when cooking.
Conclusion
Chicken and noodles are the ultimate comfort meal, making a tasty dish. You can mix it up by using different chicken and noodle types. This lets you make the meal just how you like it.
You can make it fast in a pressure cooker, let it cook slowly in a slow cooker, or go with the classic stovetop way. No matter what, you’ll end up with a meal that warms the heart. Use our advice to fine-tune yours. Soon, it’ll be your family’s favorite.
From chicken noodle soup to creamy chicken noodle casserole or chicken noodle stir fry, chicken and noodles are really versatile. Take the chance to mix things up and make it yours. This way, it will be a dish your family loves.
FAQ
What is chicken and noodles?
Chicken and noodles is a warm, tasty dish. It has soft chicken and noodles in a creamy sauce. This sauce is full of flavor, making it different from plain chicken noodle soup.
What are the different chicken options for chicken and noodles recipes?
You have many choices for the chicken. Use a whole chicken for a rich broth. Or, go for boneless breasts and thighs. You can even use leftover or rotisserie chicken.
What types of liquids can be used in chicken and noodles recipes?
For liquids, pick from making your own broth with water. Or use store-bought broth or stock. You can also add white wine or fruit juice for extra taste.
What noodle options are available for chicken and noodles?
There are plenty of noodle options. Use homemade or store-bought egg noodles. Or try pasta shapes like pappardelle or fettuccine.
What vegetables can be added to chicken and noodles?
Add veggies like carrots, celery, and onions. Peas and broccoli work well too. Or use any other veggies you enjoy.
How can the seasoning and flavor be adjusted in chicken and noodles?
Seasoning can be simple or complex. Start with salt, pepper, and herbs. Then, try spices like cayenne or smoked paprika for a twist.
What cooking methods can be used for chicken and noodles?
There are different ways to cook this dish. Use a pressure cooker for speed. Or, a slow cooker for less work. The stovetop method is also great.
How can creaminess be added to chicken and noodles?
To make the dish creamy, you can add heavy cream or milk. Making a roux with butter and flour is another way. It helps to thicken the sauce.
What are some serving suggestions and ways to use leftover chicken and noodles?
Chicken and noodles go well with salad or bread. Leftovers are perfect for chicken salad or pot pies. They’re also good for other recipes needing shredded chicken.
What are some tips and tricks for making chicken and noodles?
Prepare ahead and keep an eye on the liquid and seasonings. Adjustments along the way will help you get the right taste and texture.