One-Dish Chicken Noodles: Effortless Comfort Food Recipe

Craving a warm, comforting bowl of noodles but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen? Look no further than this one-dish chicken noodle recipe! It’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal cleanup, and is packed with flavor. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or anytime you need a quick and satisfying meal. It’s also highly customizable, allowing you to use your favorite vegetables and seasonings to create a dish that’s perfectly tailored to your taste.

This recipe is a family favorite for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly versatile. You can swap out the chicken for shrimp, tofu, or even ground beef. The vegetables are also easily adaptable, making it a great way to use up whatever’s lurking in your crisper drawer. Secondly, the one-dish aspect is a game-changer. No more juggling multiple pots and pans; everything cooks together in one vessel, making cleanup a breeze. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, it tastes amazing. The noodles soak up all the delicious flavors of the broth, chicken, and vegetables, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal.

## Why You’ll Love This One-Dish Chicken Noodle Recipe:

* **Easy and Convenient:** Everything cooks in one pot, minimizing cleanup.
* **Quick to Make:** Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Customizable:** Adapt the recipe to your liking with your favorite vegetables, proteins, and seasonings.
* **Comforting and Flavorful:** A warm and satisfying meal that’s sure to please.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses simple, affordable ingredients.

## Ingredients You’ll Need:

* **1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts:** Cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer.
* **1 tablespoon olive oil:** For sautéing the vegetables and chicken.
* **1 onion, chopped:** Adds a savory base to the dish.
* **2 carrots, chopped:** Provide sweetness and color.
* **2 celery stalks, chopped:** Contribute to the classic chicken noodle soup flavor profile.
* **2 cloves garlic, minced:** Adds a pungent aroma and flavor.
* **8 cups chicken broth:** The foundation of the soup; use low-sodium to control the salt level.
* **1 teaspoon dried thyme:** Adds an earthy, herbaceous note.
* **1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary:** Complements the thyme and adds depth of flavor.
* **1/4 teaspoon black pepper:** Enhances the other flavors.
* **8 ounces egg noodles:** Use your favorite type of egg noodles; wide or thin both work well. You can also substitute with other types of noodles, such as rice noodles or gluten-free noodles.
* **1 cup frozen peas:** Add a touch of sweetness and color; add them towards the end of cooking.
* **1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley:** For garnish and a burst of fresh flavor.
* **Salt to taste:** Adjust the seasoning as needed.

## Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Ingredients:** Chop the onion, carrots, and celery. Mince the garlic. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Having all the ingredients prepped and ready to go will make the cooking process much smoother.

2. **Sauté the Vegetables:** Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, and celery and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. This step helps to build a flavorful base for the soup.

3. **Add Garlic and Chicken:** Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, add the chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on all sides. Don’t worry about cooking the chicken all the way through at this point; it will finish cooking in the broth.

4. **Pour in the Broth and Seasonings:** Pour in the chicken broth and add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

5. **Simmer and Cook the Chicken:** Cover the pot and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

6. **Add the Noodles:** Stir in the egg noodles and cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

7. **Add the Peas:** Stir in the frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking, just until they are heated through. This will preserve their vibrant color and slightly sweet flavor.

8. **Season and Serve:** Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning with salt as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

## Tips and Variations:

* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, spinach, or corn. Add heartier vegetables like potatoes or sweet potatoes along with the carrots and celery, as they require a similar cooking time. Add leafy greens like spinach towards the end of cooking, just until they wilt.
* **Use Different Noodles:** Experiment with different types of noodles, such as rice noodles, gluten-free noodles, or even ditalini pasta.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
* **Add a Touch of Cream:** Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a richer, creamier soup.
* **Use Leftover Chicken:** This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. Simply skip the step of cooking the chicken in the pot and add the shredded chicken along with the noodles.
* **Boost the Flavor:** For an even richer flavor, use homemade chicken broth or add a bouillon cube or two to the store-bought broth.
* **Slow Cooker Version:** This recipe can easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients (except the noodles and peas) in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Add the noodles and peas during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
* **Make it Vegetarian/Vegan:** Replace the chicken with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Ensure your noodles are egg-free for a vegan version.

## Serving Suggestions:

* Serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers for dipping.
* Pair with a simple salad for a complete meal.
* Enjoy as a comforting lunch or dinner on a cold day.

## Storage Instructions:

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover chicken noodle soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles may absorb some of the broth as it sits, so you may need to add a little extra broth when reheating.
* **Freeze:** Chicken noodle soup can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. However, the noodles may become a bit mushy after thawing. To minimize this, cook the noodles al dente before adding them to the soup. Allow the soup to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. When ready to eat, thaw the soup overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate):

* Calories: 350-450 (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 25-35g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

**Q: Can I use different types of noodles?**
A: Yes, you can substitute the egg noodles with other types of noodles such as rice noodles, gluten-free noodles, or ditalini pasta. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package directions.

**Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?**
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor to the soup. Just make sure to trim off any excess fat before cooking.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**
A: Yes, you can make the soup ahead of time, but it’s best to add the noodles just before serving to prevent them from becoming too mushy. You can also cook the noodles separately and add them to the soup when reheating.

**Q: How can I make this soup thicker?**
A: To thicken the soup, you can whisk together a tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of cold water and stir it into the soup during the last few minutes of cooking. Alternatively, you can mash some of the cooked potatoes or other vegetables to thicken the broth.

**Q: Can I add herbs other than thyme and rosemary?**
A: Yes, feel free to experiment with other herbs such as oregano, bay leaf, or parsley. Add dried herbs along with the thyme and rosemary, and fresh herbs towards the end of cooking.

## Conclusion:

This one-dish chicken noodle recipe is a simple, satisfying, and customizable meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, grab a pot, and get ready to enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of chicken noodle goodness!