Hearty Chicken and Noodles Recipe with Egg Noodles
Growing up, one of my favorite comfort foods was my grandmother’s chicken and noodles recipe with egg noodles. It didn’t matter if it was cold outside or raining in the middle of summer—this meal always made the day better. The savory aroma of chicken simmering with vegetables, paired with the soft chew of egg noodles, made it a family favorite. Over the years, I’ve refined her recipe while keeping its soul intact.
In this post, you’ll discover an easy, flavor-packed chicken and noodles recipe egg noodles lovers will want to make again and again. With pantry staples and straightforward steps, it’s the ideal dish for both chilly winter nights and breezy summer evenings.
Why This Chicken and Noodles Recipe with Egg Noodles Stands Out
This chicken and noodles recipe egg noodles dish is:
- A warm, satisfying one-pot meal.
- Packed with protein and comforting textures.
- Easy to customize with seasonal ingredients.
- Great for meal prepping or family gatherings.
Ingredients
To make this comforting chicken and noodles recipe egg noodles style, you’ll need:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, sliced
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- ½ cup heavy cream (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
How to Make Chicken and Noodles with Egg Noodles
Step 1: Build the Base
Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven. Sauté onions until golden, then stir in garlic, carrots, and celery. Cook until veggies begin to soften.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Add chicken and lightly brown on both sides. This gives the chicken and noodles recipe egg noodles base a deeper flavor.
Step 3: Simmer to Infuse Flavors
Add chicken broth, thyme, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 25–30 minutes until chicken is fork-tender.
Step 4: Shred and Return
Remove and shred chicken. Discard bay leaf and return shredded chicken to the pot.
Step 5: Cook the Egg Noodles
Stir in egg noodles and cook for 6–8 minutes until tender.
Step 6: Final Touch
Add heavy cream if desired. Season to taste and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Tips for Success
- Egg Noodles Texture: Avoid overcooking for the best consistency in this chicken and noodles recipe egg noodles dish.
- Make-Ahead: Store broth and noodles separately to avoid sogginess.
- Flavor Boost: Add a parmesan rind during simmering for extra richness.
Seasonal Variations
Summer:
- Add corn, peas, or spinach.
- Brighten with lemon zest and dill.
Winter:
- Mix in mushrooms or kale.
- Use cream for a thicker, stew-like texture.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 29g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
A Comfort Classic: The History of Chicken and Noodles
The chicken and noodles recipe egg noodles combination has roots that run deep into American and European culinary traditions. While chicken soup has been a staple across the globe, the version with hearty egg noodles became particularly beloved in the Midwest and Southern United States.
This dish likely emerged as an economical way to stretch a chicken to feed a large family. By simmering inexpensive vegetables with homemade noodles and adding shredded chicken, home cooks could create a rich, satisfying meal with minimal waste.
As time passed, the dish evolved—canned soup bases and dried noodles made it even easier to prepare. Yet, the homemade version remains the gold standard for those who seek both comfort and flavor.
Read more : https://chefnip.com/salmon-rub-trader-joes-instant-pot-recipe/
What Makes Egg Noodles Special?
Egg noodles are a standout feature of this dish. Compared to pasta, egg noodles are richer and softer thanks to their egg content. Their texture absorbs flavors beautifully, making them ideal for soups and stews.
In this chicken and noodles recipe egg noodles, wide egg noodles act like sponges, soaking up the savory chicken broth. They also provide a delightful chewy bite that contrasts with the tender chicken and soft vegetables.
Cultural Importance in the USA
In many American households, especially in the Midwest, this chicken and noodles recipe egg noodles dish isn’t just food—it’s a tradition. It’s served at potlucks, family reunions, church dinners, and holiday feasts. It’s one of those dishes that brings generations together, with recipes passed from grandmother to grandchild.
Many people associate it with recovery and warmth—after all, it’s a cousin of chicken soup, famously called “Jewish penicillin.”
Making Homemade Egg Noodles
If you want to go the extra mile, try making your own egg noodles. Here’s a quick guide:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp water (as needed)
Steps:
- On a clean surface, mound the flour and create a well in the center.
- Crack the eggs into the well and sprinkle with salt.
- Gradually incorporate the flour into the eggs using a fork.
- Knead until smooth, about 10 minutes.
- Cover with plastic wrap and rest for 30 minutes.
- Roll out thinly and cut into wide strips.
- Boil or drop directly into the simmering soup.
These noodles elevate any chicken and noodles recipe egg noodles dish and add an unbeatable homemade touch.
Pairing Suggestions
Complement this hearty dish with:
- Sides: Buttermilk biscuits, cornbread, or crusty sourdough.
- Salads: A crisp romaine Caesar or simple cucumber and dill salad.
- Drinks: White wine like Chardonnay or a light-bodied beer.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Noodles: They should be soft but not mushy.
- Not Seasoning the Broth: Always taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Skipping the Sear: Browning chicken builds foundational flavor.
- Adding All Ingredients at Once: Layering flavors is key in this chicken and noodles recipe egg noodles dish.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the broth and chicken without noodles. Add fresh noodles when reheating for best texture.
- Reheating: Warm slowly over medium heat. Add extra broth or water to loosen the mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make chicken and noodles with egg noodles from scratch?
(Searchers are often looking for a homemade, comforting version with step-by-step guidance.)
What’s the best cut of chicken for chicken and egg noodles?
(People want to know whether to use chicken breast, thighs, or rotisserie for flavor and tenderness.)
Can I make chicken and noodles in a crockpot using egg noodles?
(Many users prefer slow cooker options for convenience.)
What’s the difference between chicken noodle soup and chicken and noodles?
(There’s confusion between the brothy soup and the thick, stew-like dish.)
How do I keep egg noodles from getting mushy in chicken and noodles?
(This is a top concern for texture and cooking timing.)
Can I use frozen egg noodles in my chicken and noodles recipe?
(A lot of home cooks want to know if they can use Reames or other frozen brands.)
Slow Cooker & Instant Pot Versions
Love set-it-and-forget-it meals? This chicken and noodles recipe egg noodles works beautifully in both the slow cooker and Instant Pot.
Slow Cooker Instructions:
- Place raw chicken, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, broth, and seasonings in the cooker.
- Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
- Shred the chicken, then add egg noodles and cook for 15–20 more minutes on HIGH until noodles are soft.
Instant Pot Instructions:
- Use the sauté function to soften onions, carrots, and celery.
- Add chicken, broth, and seasonings.
- Seal and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Quick release.
- Remove chicken to shred, then stir in egg noodles. Use sauté mode to cook noodles for 6–8 minutes.
Kid-Friendly Tips
Want to make this chicken and noodles recipe egg noodles a family favorite?
- Cut noodles smaller for easier toddler eating.
- Shred chicken finely to reduce chewing effort.
- Add corn or peas for sweet pops of color and taste.
- Serve with fun shapes like star-shaped crackers or dinosaur carrots for picky eaters.
Low-Carb & Dairy-Free Adaptations
Watching your diet? Here’s how to tweak the chicken and noodles recipe egg noodles without sacrificing taste:
- Low-Carb Option: Use spiralized zucchini or shirataki noodles.
- Dairy-Free Version: Skip the cream or substitute with full-fat coconut milk.
- Gluten-Free: Swap egg noodles with rice noodles or certified gluten-free pasta.
Beautiful Serving Ideas
Turn your comforting dish into a showstopper:
- Rustic Look: Serve in enamel bowls with toasted sourdough on the side.
- Modern Chic: Use wide, shallow pasta plates with a parsley-lemon zest garnish.
- Party Style: Ladle into small mugs for a buffet-friendly presentation.
Creative Ways to Use Leftovers
Don’t let any of your chicken and noodles recipe egg noodles go to waste:
- Pot Pie Filling: Add frozen peas, top with puff pastry, and bake.
- Baked Casserole: Layer into a dish with extra cheese and breadcrumbs, bake until bubbly.
- Soup Remix: Add broth, spinach, and beans for a totally new soup.
Seasonal Meal Plan Ideas
Summer:
- Pair with a light cucumber and dill salad.
- Serve with lemonade or iced tea.
Winter:
- Add a side of roasted Brussels sprouts.
- Finish with a warm apple crisp or bread pudding.
Reader Testimonials (Examples)
“I’ve tried so many variations, but this chicken and noodles recipe with egg noodles is the closest to what my grandma used to make. So hearty and flavorful!” – Janet L., Wisconsin
“My kids ask for this at least once a week. It’s a new go-to for busy school nights!” – Marcus T., Ohio
“The homemade egg noodles were easier than I expected, and wow—what a difference in flavor!” – Lana S., Georgia
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