There’s something incredibly soothing about a warm bowl of chicken and noodles, don’t you agree? It’s like a big hug in food form! I remember my grandma making this for me when I was feeling under the weather. The aroma of simmering chicken broth and sautéed veggies would fill the house, wrapping me in comfort even before the first bite. This dish is not just a nostalgic favorite; it’s also super quick to whip up on a busy weeknight. With tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a savory broth, it’s satisfying and oh-so-delicious. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be adding it to your regular meal rotation!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup sliced carrots
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 diced onion
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare *Chicken and Noodles*
Making chicken and noodles is a breeze, and I promise it’ll be worth every minute. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a comforting bowl of goodness ready in no time!
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
First things first, let’s get that pot heated! In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering (but not smoking—careful!), toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté those for about 2 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant. Now, add in the sliced carrots and chopped celery. Cook everything for another 5-7 minutes until the veggies are tender. The colors and smells will make you feel right at home!
Step 2: Add Broth and Noodles
Now, it’s time to bring in the broth! Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and crank up the heat until it starts to boil. Once you reach that lovely boil, add in the 2 cups of egg noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions—usually about 6-8 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t get too mushy! Stir occasionally and enjoy the bubbling sounds.
Step 3: Combine Chicken and Season
Okay, we’re almost there! Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the 2 cups of shredded chicken. Let it heat through for about 2-3 minutes. Now for the final touch—season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can adjust it to your liking, so don’t be shy! Give it a good stir, and there you have it—your delicious chicken and noodles are ready to be devoured!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare—perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Comforting and flavorful, it feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Healthy and low fat, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Perfect for leftovers, it tastes even better the next day!
Tips for Success
Want to elevate your chicken and noodles game? I’ve got some tried-and-true tips that’ll make this dish even more delightful!
- Use leftover chicken: Seriously, this is a game changer! If you have rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken, it’ll save you time and add even more flavor.
- Mix up the veggies: Don’t feel tied down to the recipe! If you have some frozen peas or green beans lying around, toss them in. You can even add corn for a touch of sweetness—just be creative!
- Boost the flavor: A dash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can take this dish to the next level. Trust me, it’s worth it!
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Keep an eye on them while they boil. You want them al dente since they’ll continue to cook a bit when you add the chicken.
- Make it ahead: This is a fantastic dish to prep in advance. Just store everything separately and combine when you’re ready to eat! It makes for an easy reheat without losing quality.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to making the most scrumptious chicken and noodles ever. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When you’re enjoying a warm bowl of chicken and noodles, it’s nice to know what you’re putting in your body! Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional information for a serving of this comforting dish:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, especially the broth and chicken. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that fits nicely into a balanced diet, so dig in and enjoy every spoonful!
FAQ Section
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic for chicken and noodles, you can easily swap them out for other varieties. If you’re feeling adventurous, try using wide rice noodles for a different texture, or even whole wheat noodles for a healthier twist. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary, so always check the package instructions to get that perfect noodle consistency!
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
If you’re looking to enjoy chicken and noodles without gluten, no worries! There are plenty of gluten-free noodle options available. Look for rice noodles or gluten-free pasta at your local grocery store. Just make sure to follow the cooking instructions carefully, as they may differ from regular egg noodles. You’ll still get that comforting deliciousness without any gluten!
Can I add more vegetables?
Of course! This dish is super versatile, and adding more veggies is a great way to boost nutrition and flavor! You can toss in some frozen peas, diced bell peppers, or even spinach for a pop of color and freshness. Just remember to adjust your cooking time a bit to ensure everything is tender and delicious. The more, the merrier, I always say!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of chicken and noodles are one of life’s little treasures! To store, simply let your dish cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days—perfect for those busy nights when you want something quick to heat up.
When you’re ready to enjoy those leftovers, reheating is a breeze! You can pop them in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure everything warms evenly. If you prefer the stovetop, just throw it in a pot over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen it up a bit. Keep stirring until it’s heated through—maybe 5-7 minutes. Just like that, you’ve got a comforting meal ready to go again! Enjoy every warm, cozy bite!
Print
Chicken and Noodles: 5 Soothing Comfort Secrets Revealed
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting dish featuring tender chicken and egg noodles in a savory broth.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 1 cup carrots, sliced
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion, garlic, carrots, and celery. Sauté until tender.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions.
- Stir in shredded chicken and heat through.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken for quicker preparation.
- Substitute vegetables based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: chicken and noodles, comfort food, easy recipe