Comfort Food Recipes With Chicken And Noodles
Highlighted under: Soulful Dishes
I absolutely love cozying up with a warm bowl of chicken and noodles. This dish brings back memories of my childhood, where comfort food meant the world to me. The combination of tender chicken, slurpy noodles, and fragrant herbs creates an inviting aroma that fills my kitchen. Cooking this recipe is not just about nourishing the body; it’s a ritual that reminds me to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals. It’s an experience that I want to share with all of you.
Making chicken and noodles is more than just following a recipe; it’s about creating a comforting experience. I’ve experimented with various broth levels and spice combinations, and I found that adding a splash of lemon juice at the end enlivens the entire dish. The citrus cuts through the richness, giving each bite a bright finish.
Another tip I discovered is to sauté the chicken before boiling it in the broth. This step layers in more flavor and creates a deeper, more satisfying taste. So don’t skip it—your taste buds will thank you!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Warm and soothing flavors reminiscent of home
- Perfect balance of savory chicken and tender noodles
- Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or spices
Understanding Your Ingredients
The quality of your chicken can greatly influence the dish. For a richer flavor, consider using rotisserie chicken or slow-cooked chicken, as the added juices will enhance the broth. If you’re using raw chicken, you can sauté it after adding garlic for an additional depth of flavor. The tenderness of shredded chicken combined with the hearty noodles plays a critical role in the comfort of this dish.
Egg noodles are perfect here because they absorb the broth well while remaining sturdy. If you’d prefer a gluten-free option, opt for rice noodles; just remember to adjust cooking times as they typically cook faster. Incorporating fresh herbs, like parsley, not only adds a pop of color but also brightens the dish, enhancing its overall flavor profile.
Cooking Technique Tips
When sautéing the vegetables, the key is to keep an eye on their color and texture. You want the onions to turn translucent and the carrots to soften slightly, which usually takes about five minutes. If you notice them browning too quickly, lower the heat or add a splash of broth to prevent burning, ensuring a sweet and fragrant base for your dish.
During the noodle cooking stage, it’s essential to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, allowing the noodles to soak up the chicken broth’s flavors. If you prefer a thicker soup, feel free to cook the noodles longer until the desired consistency is reached, but be careful not to make them mushy.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Sauté Vegetables
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
Add Garlic and Chicken
Stir in minced garlic and shredded chicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
Combine Broth and Noodles
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, around 8-10 minutes.
Season and Serve
Season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread.
Enjoy Your Meal!
Pro Tips
- For a creamier version, consider adding a splash of heavy cream just before serving. Also, feel free to substitute the chicken with turkey for a delicious variation.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This chicken and noodle dish is perfect for meal prepping. You can prepare the entire recipe a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be mindful that noodles can absorb the broth and become soft; however, adding a splash of broth when reheating can help revive them to their original texture.
If you plan to freeze, cool the dish completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding water or broth as needed to maintain a creamy consistency.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your meal, consider serving this dish with a side of homemade garlic bread or a fresh green salad. The crispness of the salad provides a delightful contrast to the warm, comforting elements of the chicken and noodles, making it a well-rounded meal.
To customize each serving, sprinkle extra fresh parsley or cheese on top before serving to give it a fresh, gourmet touch. A squeeze of lemon can also brighten the flavors, adding balance to the richness of the broth and chicken.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly here.
→ What can I substitute for egg noodles?
You can use whole-wheat noodles, rice noodles, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) for a healthier option.
→ How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply replace egg noodles with gluten-free noodles and ensure your broth is certified gluten-free.
→ Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add peas, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.
Comfort Food Recipes With Chicken And Noodles
I absolutely love cozying up with a warm bowl of chicken and noodles. This dish brings back memories of my childhood, where comfort food meant the world to me. The combination of tender chicken, slurpy noodles, and fragrant herbs creates an inviting aroma that fills my kitchen. Cooking this recipe is not just about nourishing the body; it’s a ritual that reminds me to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals. It’s an experience that I want to share with all of you.
Created by: Hallie Foster
Recipe Type: Soulful Dishes
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Chicken and Noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery, sautéing until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in minced garlic and shredded chicken. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, around 8-10 minutes.
Season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley. Serve hot with a slice of crusty bread.
Extra Tips
- For a creamier version, consider adding a splash of heavy cream just before serving. Also, feel free to substitute the chicken with turkey for a delicious variation.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 35g