Chicken and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food with tender pieces of chicken are simmered in a rich, savory broth, combined with perfectly cooked noodles, and seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices.
What is Chicken and Noodles?
Chicken and noodles can be made in a variety of ways, but the core concept remains the same: it combines tender pieces of chicken with a hearty helping of noodles, often accompanied by vegetables and a flavorful broth or sauce. The dish is a great weeknight dinner option as it is both filling and easy to prepare. Whether you prefer a creamy, comforting chicken noodle soup, or a savory stir-fried noodle dish, the possibilities are endless.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Noodles Recipe
- Versatile: Customize it based on what you have at home.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 40 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: A sure hit for kids and adults alike.
- Comforting: Warm and hearty, perfect for any time of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken and Noodles
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need:
- Chicken Breast or Thighs: Chicken breast is a lean choice, while thighs add a rich flavor.
- Egg Noodles: The most common choice for this dish due to their light, soft texture.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, onions, and garlic add crunch, flavor, and depth.
- Broth: Chicken broth or stock serves as the base for your sauce or soup. You can use low-sodium options for a healthier version.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, thyme, bay leaves, and parsley are key to creating that comforting flavor profile.
- Cream (optional): For a creamy variation, add heavy cream to your dish. For a healthier twist, use half-and-half or a dairy-free option.
- Olive Oil or Butter: For sautéing the vegetables and chicken.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken and Noodles
Use Bone-In Chicken for Extra Flavor: While boneless chicken breast is the go-to choice for most, using bone-in chicken (such as thighs or even a whole chicken) gives the broth extra depth and richness.
Sear the Chicken First: Searing the chicken before adding it to the pot ensures it retains its juices, resulting in a more flavorful dish.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Whether you’re making a soup or stir-fry, make sure to cook the noodles al dente (firm to the bite). Overcooked noodles can become mushy and lose their texture.
Season Gradually: Taste the dish as you go. Adding seasonings bit by bit ensures the right balance without overpowering the dish.
Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley, thyme, or dill can be added towards the end to enhance the flavors.
Variations of Chicken and Noodles
Creamy Chicken and Noodles: Add cream or a creamy sauce to make a rich, decadent version of the dish. You can use heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream.
Spicy Chicken and Noodles: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for an extra kick. This variation pairs well with a stir-fry version.
Chicken Noodle Soup: If you’re craving something more like a soup, increase the amount of broth and serve it as a hearty chicken noodle soup. This is especially great for colder months.
Chicken Stir-Fry: If you’re not in the mood for soup, turn your chicken and noodles into a stir-fry by sautéing the chicken and vegetables with soy sauce and sesame oil. Add in the noodles and toss until everything is coated.
Low-Carb Option: For a healthier, low-carb version, swap out the noodles for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
How to Serve Chicken and Noodles
- As a Soup: Serve it hot with a slice of crusty bread or a fresh side salad. The broth makes it ideal for dipping.
- As a Main Dish: Pair it with a light vegetable side or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- As Leftovers: Leftover chicken and noodles make a perfect meal for lunch the next day. Simply heat it up in the microwave or on the stove.
How to Store Chicken and Noodles
In the Fridge: Store your chicken and noodles in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If the noodles have absorbed too much broth and become soggy, you may want to add a little extra broth when reheating.
Freezing: While you can freeze chicken and noodles, the noodles may not retain their texture as well as they would when freshly made. To freeze, let the dish cool completely, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken will work perfectly in this dish. Just shred the chicken and add it to the pot at the end to warm through.
What kind of noodles should I use?
Egg noodles are the classic choice for chicken and noodles, but you can also use rice noodles, pasta, or even zucchini noodles if you’re looking for a low-carb version.
Can I make chicken and noodles in advance?
Yes, you can make the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you plan to make it a day or two before serving, add a little extra broth when reheating, as the noodles may absorb some of the liquid.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Certainly! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like peas, corn, or even spinach for an added boost of nutrition and flavor.
Chicken And Noodles
Chicken and Noodles is the ultimate comfort food with tender pieces of chicken are simmered in a rich, savory broth, combined with perfectly cooked noodles, and seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices.
Ingredients
For Marination:
- 200g boneless chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ¼ tsp pepper powder
- 1/8 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1 tsp soy sauce (preferably naturally brewed or organic)
- ½ to 1 tsp five-spice or garam masala powder
Other Ingredients:
- 150g noodles (about 2 packs)
- 1 tbsp oil (for cooking, optional)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (or any preferred oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp spring onions (whites, chopped)
- ¼ cup bell pepper, julienned
- ¼ cup carrots, julienned
- ¼ cup cabbage (optional)
- ¼ cup spring onion greens
- 1 ½ tbsp chili sauce (or your choice)
- 1 tbsp water (to mix with sauce)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt (if needed)
Instructions
- Toss chicken with pepper, salt, soy sauce, and garam masala. Let it sit while you prepare the noodles.
- Bring 2–2 ½ liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Add noodles and cook according to the package instructions. If the package suggests, add 1 tsp oil and a pinch of salt to the boiling water. Once cooked, drain the noodles and coat them with 1 tbsp of oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- While the noodles cook, chop up your veggies—bell pepper, carrots, and cabbage. Set them aside.
- In a wok or large pan, heat 1 tbsp oil. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, then toss in the marinated chicken. Cook it on medium heat until fully cooked through. If the pan is too dry, add 1–2 tbsp hot water (never cold water, as it toughens the chicken).
- Once the chicken is cooked, set it aside. In the same pan, add another tbsp of oil, and increase the heat to high. Sauté the spring onion whites for 1 minute, then add the bell pepper, carrots, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 1–2 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
- Add spring onion greens, chili sauce, soy sauce, and the cooked noodles. Toss everything together. Add the chicken back to the pan and give it a quick stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes. If the noodles look too dry, drizzle in a bit more oil.
- Serve your hot chicken noodles immediately, garnished with extra spring onions or chili flakes if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
2Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 570Total Fat 30gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 22gCholesterol 89mgSodium 1305mgCarbohydrates 39gFiber 8gSugar 5gProtein 38g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final outcome
Chicken and noodles is more than just a simple dish—it’s a versatile, comforting meal that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you’re cooking up a big pot of chicken noodle soup to warm your soul or tossing chicken and noodles together in a quick stir-fry, the combinations are endless. This recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen, offering both satisfaction and flexibility for every occasion. Enjoy it with family, friends, or just by yourself when you need a little comfort.
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