Get ready for the ultimate comfort food experience! These Hearty Chicken and Noodles offer an easy, immensely satisfying family dinner, crafted with simple ingredients and bursting with delicious, soul-warming flavor. It’s the perfect dish to gather around on a chilly evening.
Embrace Comfort with a Creamy Chicken and Noodles Meal
As the cooler weather truly settles in, my mind invariably drifts to the most comforting dishes imaginable. This Hearty Chicken and Noodles recipe is a prime example: a rich, thick, and incredibly flavorful meal that hits all the right notes. Unlike a traditional soup, this dish presents a lusciously creamy blend of tender cooked egg noodles, succulent chicken, and a medley of wholesome vegetables. It’s a complete meal in itself, designed to nourish and delight. What’s more, it’s one of my favorite one-pot wonders, making preparation incredibly simple and cleanup a breeze. You truly can’t go wrong with this comforting classic, promising a delightful culinary experience every time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hearty Chicken and Noodles
No, this recipe is distinctly different from a conventional chicken noodle soup. While both feature chicken and noodles, our “Hearty Chicken and Noodles” is a much thicker, creamier, and richer dish, more akin to a stew or a substantial casserole rather than a brothy soup. If you’re anticipating a large amount of thin liquid or broth, this isn’t that particular style. The intention is a hearty, fulfilling meal with minimal excess liquid. However, for those who prefer a more soup-like consistency, you can certainly adjust by adding a bit more chicken broth during the final stages of cooking to achieve your desired texture. Just remember, it’s designed to be a thick, comforting dish.
The consistency of this dish can vary slightly depending on the type of noodles you choose, as some varieties absorb more liquid than others. If you find your Hearty Chicken and Noodles have become thicker than you prefer, don’t worry! It’s an easy fix. Simply add a small amount of extra chicken broth, a quarter cup at a time, stirring well after each addition. Continue this process until the dish reaches your ideal consistency. This adjustment will help loosen the sauce without compromising the rich flavor.
Dry wide noodles, often referred to as “Amish Noodles” or “Homestyle Noodles,” are a type of egg noodle characterized by their straight, broad shape. They differ from the more commonly known curly egg noodles in their flat, substantial form, which provides a wonderful texture and absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully. You can typically find them in the pasta aisle of your grocery store, usually alongside other egg noodle varieties. If wide dry noodles are unavailable, standard egg noodles will serve as an excellent substitute, maintaining the comforting essence of the dish.
For ultimate convenience and speed, a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice. Simply pull the meat off the bone and shred or dice it into chunks. This significantly reduces preparation time, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Alternatively, you can easily prepare chicken breasts by baking, boiling, or grilling them, then shredding or dicing the cooked meat. Both methods yield delicious results, allowing you to choose based on your schedule and preference.
For this particular Hearty Chicken and Noodles recipe, it is generally not necessary to cook the dry wide noodles separately. They are designed to cook directly in the pot with the broth and vegetables, allowing them to absorb all the wonderful flavors and contribute to the dish’s rich, thick consistency. This “one-pot” method also simplifies the cooking process. However, if your goal is a dish with a more soupy, less thick texture, then cooking the noodles separately and adding them at the very end would be the preferred approach.
Leftover Hearty Chicken and Noodles store wonderfully, making it a fantastic meal prep option. Once cooled completely, transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, this dish also freezes exceptionally well. Place the cooled chicken and noodles in a freezer-safe container, where it will keep for up to 3 months. To enjoy again, simply thaw the frozen meal overnight in the refrigerator, then gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until thoroughly warmed through. Add a splash of broth or milk if it seems too thick after reheating.
Essential Ingredients for Hearty Chicken and Noodles
Crafting this delightful Hearty Chicken and Noodles dish requires a selection of readily available ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building its comforting flavor profile. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Shredded or Diced Chicken: The star of the dish! A rotisserie chicken offers the easiest route, providing perfectly cooked, flavorful meat. Alternatively, you can roast, boil, or grill a couple of chicken breasts and then shred or dice them. The choice between shredded and diced is yours, depending on your preferred texture in the final dish.
- Chicken Broth: This forms the flavorful base of our creamy sauce. Opt for low or no-sodium chicken broth if you are mindful of salt intake, allowing you to season to your exact preference. For an even richer taste, consider using homemade chicken broth. Remember, you can always add more broth later if you desire a thinner consistency.
- Carrots: Diced carrots add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color. Fresh carrots are ideal, but frozen diced carrots work equally well for convenience. For an even quicker prep, look for pre-diced mirepoix (a mix of celery, onion, and carrots) in your grocery store.
- Bay Leaf: While subtle, a bay leaf contributes a wonderful, aromatic background note that adds depth and complexity to the overall flavor without being overpowering. It’s highly recommended for that extra layer of homestyle goodness, but if you don’t have one, the dish will still be delicious.
- Thyme: Fresh thyme offers a bright, delicate herbaceous flavor. If using dried thyme, remember that it’s more potent, so you’ll need a smaller quantity. The recipe card specifies the exact amount for both fresh and dried options.
- Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are essential for enhancing all the other flavors. The recipe provides starting measurements, but I always encourage you to taste and adjust to your personal preference. Seasoning to your heart’s content truly makes a difference!
- Celery: Diced celery adds a crisp texture and a mild, savory note that complements the other vegetables.
- Onion: Diced onion provides a foundational aromatic base, adding sweetness and savory depth as it cooks down.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers the most vibrant flavor, but jarred minced garlic is a convenient substitute that works perfectly well. When using jarred, you might find you need a bit more to achieve the same intensity. As they say, measure garlic with your heart!
- Dry Wide Noodles: These hearty egg noodles are key to the dish’s comforting texture. As mentioned in the FAQ section, these straight, broad egg noodles might also be labeled as “Amish” or “Homestyle” noodles. Refer to the ingredient image below for the specific type often used.
- Milk: Used to create the rich, creamy sauce that envelops the chicken and noodles. Whole milk offers the richest texture, but 2% or even 1% milk can be used.
- All-Purpose Flour: This acts as a thickening agent, creating a roux with part of the milk to give the dish its signature thick, comforting consistency. If you prefer a thinner, more brothy dish, you can reduce or omit the flour.
- Frozen Peas: Added towards the end, frozen peas contribute a pop of color and a touch of sweetness. If peas aren’t your favorite, feel free to leave them out or substitute with a mix of frozen peas and carrots.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional): A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley at the end adds a bright, fresh garnish and a hint of herbaceous flavor.
How to Make Hearty Chicken and Noodles: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this incredibly comforting and satisfying dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these straightforward steps to bring this family favorite to your table:
Begin by preparing your foundational flavors. In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, set over medium-high heat, combine the diced carrots with 1 ½ cups of chicken broth, the bay leaf, salt, pepper, and your chosen thyme (fresh sprig or dried). Cook this mixture, stirring occasionally, until the carrots have softened to a tender crisp, typically about 5-7 minutes. This initial step allows the carrots to absorb the seasonings and release their natural sweetness, building a rich flavor base.
Next, incorporate the remaining chicken broth into the pot, along with the diced celery, onion, and minced garlic. Bring this flavorful liquid to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add the dry wide noodles directly to the pot. Cook the noodles uncovered for approximately 5 minutes, allowing them to begin to soften and absorb the savory broth. After this initial cooking period, stir in 1 cup of milk and the frozen peas, ensuring everything is well combined. Continue to cook, letting the flavors meld together.
While the noodles continue to simmer, prepare your thickening agent. In a separate small pan, combine the remaining milk with the all-purpose flour. Whisk this mixture slowly and continuously over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, until it forms a smooth, lump-free roux. This creamy mixture is crucial for giving the chicken and noodles its characteristic thick and hearty texture. Once ready, gradually add this milk and flour mixture to the main pot, stirring constantly to integrate it evenly with the noodles, vegetables, and broth. Finally, fold in the pre-cooked shredded chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed throughout the rich, creamy sauce.
Allow the entire dish to simmer gently for a few more minutes, letting the flavors deepen and the sauce thicken to your desired consistency. Keep an eye on it, as some egg noodles can absorb more liquid than others. If you find the dish becomes too thick or the noodles haven’t softened enough, simply add a splash more chicken broth until it reaches your preferred richness. Once perfectly thickened and piping hot, remove the pot from the heat. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and savor every spoonful of this wonderfully hearty and comforting meal. Enjoy the warmth and deliciousness!
Craving More Delicious Comfort Food Recipes?
- Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Homestyle Old Fashioned Chicken and Dumplings
- Rich and Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
- Effortless Crock Pot Chicken and Noodles
- Savory Chicken Cobbler
- Creamy Italian Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Hearty Chicken and Dumplings Casserole
- Wholesome Cabbage Roll Soup
Originally Published: January 2022
Hearty Chicken and Noodles Recipe Card
An easy, filling family dinner, these Hearty Chicken and Noodles are made with simple, tasty ingredients and are truly 100% comforting!
Prep Time: 45 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken (e.g., rotisserie chicken)
- 2 ⅓ cups chicken broth (divided use, plus more if needed for thinning)
- 1 ½ cups diced carrots
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 fresh sprig thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup diced onion
- 2 Tablespoons minced garlic
- 1 pound dry wide noodles
- 2 cups milk (divided use)
- 3 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 Tablespoon fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine 1 ½ cups broth, diced carrots, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and thyme. Cook until carrots are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add the remaining chicken broth, celery, onion, and garlic to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.
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Stir in the dry wide noodles and cook uncovered for 5 minutes.
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After 5 minutes, stir in 1 cup of milk and the frozen peas.
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In a separate small pan, whisk the remaining milk with the all-purpose flour over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until smooth and lump-free. This mixture will thicken the dish.
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Add the milk and flour mixture to the pot with the noodles, vegetables, and broth, stirring well to combine.
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Finally, add the cooked shredded chicken. Let the dish simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency. If your egg noodles absorbed a lot of liquid and the dish becomes too thick, or if the noodles need more liquid to soften, add a bit more chicken broth as needed.
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Remove from heat. Serve hot, optionally topped with fresh chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
- For ingredient substitutions or answers to common questions, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions and detailed ingredient list provided above.
Course: Main Course, Comfort Food
Cuisine: American
Nutritional Information (Estimated per serving)
Calories: 521 kcal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 34g | Fat: 10g | Sodium: 874mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a certified dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information provided is an estimate. If precise calorie counts and other nutritional values are important for your dietary needs, we recommend using your preferred online nutritional calculator with the specific ingredients and brands you use, as values can vary.