Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe
There s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of creamy chicken and noodles, isn t there? This Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe has been one of my go-to dishes whenever I m craving a cozy, hearty meal that s loaded with flavor but still easy to throw together. Whether it s a chilly evening or a busy weeknight where you want something filling without too much fuss, this recipe hits all the right notes.
What makes this Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe stand out is the perfect balance between tender chicken, buttery noodles, and a rich, dreamy sauce that feels like a big warm hug. I love how the homemade sauce envelops every noodle and piece of chicken, turning simple ingredients into something truly special. You ll enjoy how it warms you up and brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples and fresh veggies for a no-fuss meal.
- Creamy Comfort: The sauce is rich without being heavy, perfect for a filling dinner.
- Versatile and Family-Friendly: Everyone from kids to adults tends to love it, plus it s easy to customize.
- One-Pot Style Cooking: Saves you from a sink full of dishes-everything simmers together to build flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
I find that the magic of this Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe really depends on fresh aromatics and good-quality broth. When you gather these ingredients, pick fresh veggies and a flavorful broth because they re the backbone of the sauce and overall taste.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs offer juicier meat, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner protein.
- Kinders The Blend (or any salt, pepper, and garlic blend): Adds a subtle kick without overpowering the creamy sauce.
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken to lock in flavor and moisture.
- Salted butter: It lends richness to the sauce and helps cook down the veggies perfectly.
- Carrots: Adds a natural sweetness and texture to the dish.
- Celery stalks: Balances flavors with its fresh, slightly peppery crunch.
- Yellow onion: Gives the base a warm, savory depth.
- Garlic cloves: A must for that aromatic boost that brings everything together.
- All-purpose flour: For thickening the sauce without clumps-patience as you cook it down makes all the difference here.
- Chicken broth: Using quality broth enhances the taste instantly-homemade or store-bought both work.
- Heavy cream: Delivers that silky, creamy texture that makes this dish so comforting.
- Dried thyme: A little herbaceous note that complements the chicken beautifully.
- Dried parsley: Adds freshness and a pleasant green color throughout.
- Kinders Roast Chicken Seasoning (optional): If you have it, it s a lovely addition for extra flavor depth.
- Dried egg noodles: The classic pasta choice here-look for good quality for that perfect tender bite.
- Salt and pepper: For final seasoning to suit your taste.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you have or prefer. Don t hesitate to get creative-this recipe responds beautifully to your personal touch.
- Using different protein: I ve swapped chicken for turkey or even shredded rotisserie chicken when in a hurry-and it still turns out creamy and delicious every time.
- Vegetable variations: Sometimes I toss in a handful of peas or mushrooms to add variety and color, which always makes the dish feel special.
- Dairy alternatives: If you want to cut back on cream, try half-and-half or a lighter cream, but expect a slightly less rich sauce.
- Gluten-free tweak: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free egg noodles to enjoy this recipe without gluten worries-just watch for slight texture differences.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken well with the Kinders The Blend or your preferred seasoning mix. I like to be generous here because it infuses the chicken with great flavor that carries through the whole dish. Heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. Don t rush this step-proper searing locks in juices and adds beautifully browned flavor. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest for about 5 minutes; this helps keep it moist when you chop or shred it.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
Use the same skillet to cook your veggies next-this way, all those lovely browned bits stuck to the pan become part of the sauce base. Add the butter, sliced carrots, celery, and diced onions, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper to bring out their sweetness. Let them cook for about 10 minutes until they soften, stirring occasionally. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute; garlic burns easily, so watch it closely here to keep it fragrant without bitterness.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the cooked veggies and stir well to combine. Cooking the flour for 3-4 minutes is key-it removes the raw taste and thickens the sauce smoothly later on. Next, slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while stirring constantly; this helps avoid lumps and gives you a silky texture. Don t forget to add your dried thyme, parsley, and the optional Kinders Roast Chicken Seasoning now, stirring everything together. Finally, add back your chopped or shredded chicken and the dried egg noodles, along with the remaining chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil to wake up the noodles.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Once boiling, let the pot bubble away for about 8 minutes, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for at least 20 more minutes. This slower simmering lets the sauce thicken up beautifully and the noodles soak in all those layered, creamy flavors. Remember to stir occasionally to keep everything from sticking to the bottom. After that, taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Serve piping hot, and get ready for some serious comfort food joy.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe
- Don t Skip the Rest: Letting the chicken rest after cooking keeps it tender and juicy when you chop or shred it.
- Cook the Flour Thoroughly: Cooking out the raw taste of the flour before adding liquids is what gives the sauce its silky smoothness.
- Simmer, Don t Rush: The longer gentle simmer helps thicken the sauce naturally and lets flavors meld so it tastes way better than shortcuts.
- Adjust Seasoning Last: Season the sauce at the end since broth and cream alter saltiness as it cooks down – you want it just right.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving because it adds a lovely pop of color and fresh, herbaceous brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly. Sometimes I ll add a hint of grated Parmesan for a subtle nutty finish that extra cheesy lovers will appreciate.
Side Dishes
If I m serving this Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe for dinner, I often pair it with a simple green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted green beans for crunch and color contrast. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf is also wonderful to soak up any extra creamy sauce-you can t go wrong!
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I sometimes serve this in mini casserole dishes sprinkled with toasted breadcrumbs on top for a bit of crunch and bake it briefly until golden. It turns an everyday classic into something that looks and feels a bit more festive and indulgent, perfect for a small dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to three days. When I reheat, I like to warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps bring back that luscious creamy texture without drying out the noodles.
Freezing
Honestly, I’ve found freezing Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe isn’t ideal. The egg noodles tend to become mushy and lose their texture after thawing. So, I recommend enjoying this dish fresh for the best experience.
Reheating
When reheating, stir gently over low heat on the stove and add a bit of chicken broth or cream if it seems too thick. This refreshes the sauce nicely and keeps the noodles tender but not soggy. Patience here ensures every bite tastes just as comforting as the first serving.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in this Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra moisture and flavor because they re a bit fattier and juicier than breasts. They work wonderfully in this recipe and stay tender during cooking.
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How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or a gluten-free baking blend, and use gluten-free egg noodles. Just keep in mind the texture may vary slightly, but the flavors will still be great.
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Is it possible to make this Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or a creamy non-dairy milk like cashew or oat milk. The sauce will be less rich but still delicious and creamy.
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Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prep the chicken and chop the veggies ahead of time, but I recommend cooking and assembling just before serving to keep noodles from getting mushy. This helps the dish stay fresh and creamy.
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What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
Dried egg noodles are traditional and cook perfectly in the sauce. They absorb flavors well and hold up without becoming too soft during simmering. Fresh noodles can be used but may overcook easily.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe has a special place in my kitchen because it s the kind of comfort food that s easy enough for busy nights but impressive enough when you have guests. It reminds me of cozy family dinners, the kind where everyone gathers around and unwinds. I hope you ll enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do-it s truly a dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside out.
PrintCreamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Noodles recipe is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender seasoned chicken, sautéed vegetables, and egg noodles all simmered in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines simple ingredients to create a deliciously satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1-2 tbsp Kinders The Blend (or any salt, pepper and garlic blend)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Cooking Base
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Salted Butter
- 2 Carrots, sliced
- 2 Celery Stalks, sliced
- 1 Yellow Onion, diced
- 3-4 Garlic Cloves, minced
Sauce and Pasta
- 1/4 cup All Purpose Flour
- 4 cups Chicken Broth
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/4 tsp Dried Thyme
- 1 tbsp Dried Parsley
- 1 tbsp Kinders Roast Chicken Seasoning (optional)
- 12 oz Bag of Dried Egg Noodles
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Generously coat the chicken breasts or thighs with Kinders The Blend seasoning or your preferred salt, pepper, and garlic blend.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for approximately 4-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken and let it rest for about 5 minutes, then roughly chop or shred it as you prefer.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced celery, diced onions, and sliced carrots. Season lightly with salt and pepper and cook for about 10 minutes until vegetables are softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the roux: Stir in the flour and cook, stirring continuously, for 3-4 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and develop a light roux.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream while stirring to avoid lumps. Add dried thyme, dried parsley, and the Kinders Roast Chicken seasoning if using. Stir in the chopped chicken and the dried egg noodles along with the remaining chicken broth.
- Simmer the dish: Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it boil gently for 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the noodles to cook through and the sauce to thicken.
- Final seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve the creamy chicken and noodles hot for a cozy and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Freezing is not recommended as the egg noodles become mushy when frozen and thawed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or on the stove; add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.