Ultimate Comfort Food: Simple Chicken and Noodles Recipe

Chicken and noodles is a dish that evokes feelings of warmth, nostalgia, and pure comfort. It’s a classic recipe passed down through generations, often associated with family gatherings, cozy evenings, and that undeniable feeling of being cared for. While some variations might involve elaborate sauces or fancy ingredients, the beauty of chicken and noodles lies in its simplicity. This recipe focuses on delivering maximum flavor with minimal fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply crave a bowl of wholesome goodness.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe is designed to be straightforward, minimizing prep time and cook time.
* **Adaptable:** Easily customize the recipe to suit your preferences – add more vegetables, adjust the seasonings, or use different types of noodles.
* **Comfort Food Classic:** The creamy, flavorful broth and tender chicken and noodles create a truly comforting and satisfying meal.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare the chicken and broth ahead of time for an even quicker weeknight dinner.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken:** 1.5-2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (or a combination). Chicken thighs will provide more flavor and richness. If using bone-in chicken, you’ll need to adjust cooking time and debone the chicken after cooking in the broth.
* **Broth:** 8 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred, so you can control the salt level). You can also use homemade chicken broth for even more flavor.
* **Noodles:** 1 pound egg noodles (wide or medium, your preference). Alternatively, you can use other types of noodles, such as Kluski noodles or even gluten-free noodles.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped. Onion provides a base of flavor for the broth.
* **Celery:** 2 stalks celery, chopped. Celery adds a subtle savory note to the broth.
* **Carrots:** 2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped. Carrots contribute sweetness and color to the dish.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent aroma and flavor.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Butter adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour. This is used to thicken the broth, creating a creamy consistency. A gluten-free 1:1 flour blend can be substituted.
* **Heavy Cream (optional):** 1/2 cup heavy cream. Adding heavy cream at the end of cooking enhances the creaminess of the dish. This can be omitted for a lighter version.
* **Dried Thyme:** 1 teaspoon dried thyme. Thyme adds an earthy, savory flavor.
* **Dried Rosemary:** 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary. Rosemary complements the thyme and adds a subtle piney aroma.
* **Bay Leaf:** 1 bay leaf. Bay leaf infuses the broth with a subtle depth of flavor. Remember to remove it before serving.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
* **Fresh Parsley (optional):** Chopped fresh parsley for garnish.

## Equipment

* Large pot or Dutch oven
* Cutting board
* Knife
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Wooden spoon or spatula

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* Melt the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion, celery, and carrots and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened and slightly translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

**2. Add the Chicken and Broth:**

* Place the chicken breasts or thighs on top of the sautéed vegetables.
* Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged.
* Add the dried thyme, dried rosemary, and bay leaf.
* Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and easily shreds with a fork. If using bone-in chicken simmer for longer until the chicken is fully cooked and easily pulls away from the bone.

**3. Shred the Chicken:**

* Remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a cutting board to cool slightly.
* Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Discard the bay leaf from the broth.

**4. Thicken the Broth:**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour with 1/4 cup of cold water to create a slurry. Make sure there are no lumps.
* Slowly pour the flour slurry into the simmering broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
* Continue to simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the broth has thickened to your desired consistency. The broth should lightly coat the back of a spoon.

**5. Cook the Noodles:**

* Add the egg noodles to the pot with the simmering broth.
* Cook according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender but still slightly firm (al dente).
* Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.

**6. Add the Chicken and Finish:**

* Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the noodles and broth.
* Stir to combine and heat through.
* If using, stir in the heavy cream for extra richness.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste.

**7. Serve:**

* Remove the pot from the heat.
* Ladle the chicken and noodles into bowls.
* Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired.
* Serve immediately and enjoy!

## Tips for Success

* **Use High-Quality Broth:** The flavor of the broth is crucial to the overall taste of the dish. Opt for low-sodium broth to control the salt level and consider using homemade broth for the best flavor.
* **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** Overcooked noodles will become mushy and detract from the texture of the dish. Cook the noodles until they are al dente, slightly firm to the bite.
* **Adjust the Thickness:** If you prefer a thicker broth, add more flour slurry (1 tablespoon flour + 2 tablespoons cold water at a time). If you prefer a thinner broth, add more chicken broth.
* **Add Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as peas, green beans, corn, or mushrooms. Add them along with the noodles to ensure they cook through.
* **Spice it Up:** For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth or a dash of hot sauce to each serving.
* **Make it Creamier:** For an extra creamy dish, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese along with the heavy cream (optional).
* **Use Leftover Chicken:** This recipe is a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the pot along with the noodles.

## Variations and Customizations

* **Creamy Chicken and Noodles:** Increase the amount of heavy cream for a richer, creamier dish. You can also add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese at the end of cooking for added richness and flavor.
* **Slow Cooker Chicken and Noodles:** Combine all ingredients (except the noodles) in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Shred the chicken, then add the noodles and cook for another 30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
* **Instant Pot Chicken and Noodles:** Combine all ingredients (except the noodles) in the Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes. Shred the chicken, then add the noodles and cook on sauté mode for 5-7 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
* **Chicken and Dumplings:** Instead of noodles, make homemade dumplings or use store-bought biscuit dough cut into small pieces. Drop the dumplings into the simmering broth and cook until they are puffed and cooked through.
* **Vegetarian Chicken and Noodles:** Substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth and add plant-based chicken substitutes or extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.
* **Gluten-Free Chicken and Noodles:** Use gluten-free noodles and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.

## Serving Suggestions

Chicken and noodles is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of:

* **Crusty Bread:** Perfect for soaking up the delicious broth.
* **Green Salad:** Adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** A healthy and flavorful side dish.
* **Cornbread:** A classic Southern pairing.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the chicken and broth up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add the noodles when you are ready to serve the dish.
* **Storage:** Leftover chicken and noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
* **Freezing:** While the flavor holds up well, the texture of the noodles can change when frozen. If you plan to freeze the dish, consider cooking the noodles separately and adding them after thawing and reheating. Store in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

## Nutrition Information (approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 15-25g
* Carbohydrates: 40-50g

(Note: Nutritional information can vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

## Conclusion

This simple chicken and noodles recipe is a true comfort food classic that is easy to make and endlessly adaptable. With its creamy, flavorful broth, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles, it’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in or a comforting family gathering. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness! This recipe will surely become a family favorite for years to come.