Chicken and Noodles: The Easiest Recipe for a Family Favorite Dinner

Sometimes, you only need a bowl of something warm and comforting to brighten your day. If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s simple, filling, and full of flavor, look no further than Chicken and Noodles.

This easy recipe combines tender chicken, chewy noodles, and a rich, savory broth to create a meal that will satisfy your cravings without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend, this dish checks all the boxes for comfort food done right.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish to life. Nothing too fancy, just simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if you prefer)
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Salt and pepper (to taste)
Optional: Garlic powder, onion powder, or dried herbs (like thyme or rosemary)

For the Noodles:

4 cups egg noodles (or any pasta of your choice)
Salt (for seasoning the water)

For the Soup Base:

4 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought)
2 carrots, peeled and diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh if you’ve got it)
2 bay leaves
1 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional for thickening)

Preparation Steps

Now, let’s break this down step by step so you can quickly prepare a delicious meal.

Cook the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken with salt, pepper, and other spices. Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil or butter in a large pan over medium heat.

Once the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook it on each side for 6-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through.

When it’s done, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces or shredding it with a fork.

Prepare the Noodles
While the chicken is cooking, boil a large pot of water and add a pinch of salt. Once the water is boiling, add your noodles and cook them according to the package directions.

Usually, it takes 7-10 minutes, but make sure to taste-test a noodle to check for doneness. Drain the noodles and set them aside.

Make the Soup Base
In the same pot you cooked your noodles in, add a bit more oil or butter and sauté the onions, carrots, celery, and garlic over medium heat for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables soften. This is the base of your broth, and it will bring all that rich flavor.

Once the veggies are ready, pour in your chicken broth and toss in the thyme and bay leaves. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 10-15 minutes to soften those veggies, and the flavors meld.

Combine the Ingredients
Now, it’s time to combine everything! Add the cooked chicken and noodles to the pot with the broth. Stir to combine, and let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes so everything gets nice and cozy.

If you like a thicker soup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with some cold water and stir it into the soup. If you want a creamier version, add the heavy cream and stir until it’s all blended in. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is perfect on its own, but it also pairs well with a side or a little garnish. Here are some ideas:

Fresh Herbs: Top each bowl with fresh parsley or thyme for a burst of freshness.
Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: A slice of warm, toasted bread is always a good idea for dipping.
Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the chicken and noodles.

Tips and Variations

Add Extra Veggies: For added texture and nutrition, sneak in more vegetables like peas, spinach, or mushrooms.
Spicy Kick: If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Herb Variations: If thyme isn’t your thing, swap it for rosemary or sage for a different flavor profile.
Leftovers: This recipe makes great leftovers! Store them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for later.

Conclusion

And just like that, you’ve got a cozy, satisfying bowl of chicken and noodles that is perfect for any day of the week. The beauty of this dish is its simplicity – it’s quick, filling, and delicious without requiring any fancy ingredients or skills.

Whether you’re feeding the family, making dinner for one, or prepping lunch for the next few days, this meal never disappoints.

So, grab your pot and get cooking – your taste buds will thank you!

FAQs

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the soup base, cook the chicken, and boil the noodles in advance. When you’re ready to eat, combine everything and heat it up. If you’re storing it, keep the noodles separate from the broth to prevent them from getting soggy.

Q: What if I don’t have egg noodles?

No worries! Any pasta will work, from spaghetti to fusilli to penne. Just use what you have on hand.

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred it and add it to the soup base simultaneously with the noodles. It’ll be just as delicious.

Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can swap the chicken for tofu or extra veggies and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. It will still be tasty and satisfying.

Q: How can I make the broth thicker?

If you want a thicker soup, you can either use cornstarch (as mentioned in the recipe) or let the soup simmer longer to reduce the liquid. You could add a small amount of mashed potatoes for a creamy texture.

Now you’re all set to make the perfect Chicken and Noodles! Enjoy, and feel free to get creative with your own spin on this comforting classic.