There’s a special place in everyone’s heart for a bowl of Chicken and Noodles. It’s the epitome of comfort food – warm, hearty, and deeply satisfying. This recipe takes a whole chicken and transforms it into the most flavorful, tender meat, simmered in a rich broth that becomes the perfect base for silky egg noodles. It’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for a chilly evening, a comforting weeknight dinner, or whenever you need a taste of pure, old-fashioned goodness. Get ready to create a meal that will evoke warmth and nostalgia with every delicious bite.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge believer in classic recipes that deliver maximum comfort and flavor, and this Chicken and Noodles dish hits all the right notes. What I particularly love about it is how it builds deep, authentic flavor right from the start by cooking a whole chicken. That rich, homemade broth, combined with tender shredded chicken and those lovely egg noodles, creates a texture and taste that store-bought versions just can’t match. It’s a dish that feels incredibly special and satisfying, perfect for feeding a family or simply savoring a quiet, comforting meal. Plus, it fills your home with the most incredible aroma!
List of Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting Chicken and Noodles:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
- Several teaspoons of salt (for seasoning chicken and broth)
- Pepper, to taste
- Garlic Powder, to taste (about ¼ to ½ teaspoon initially)
- Onion Powder, to taste (about ½ teaspoon initially)
- Thyme, to taste (about ½ teaspoon initially)
- Dash of cinnamon (just a tiny pinch!)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Chicken soup
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes or equivalent chicken stock/base (if not enough cooking liquid)
- 1 package Egg Noodles, whichever size you like (wide or extra-wide recommended)
- Water
- 1 celery stalk, chopped
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken: A whole chicken provides the best flavor for the broth, but you could use a mix of bone-in chicken pieces (like thighs and drumsticks) if preferred. Boneless, skinless chicken can be used for convenience, but the flavor depth of the broth will be less intense; in that case, rely more on chicken stock.
- Seasonings: The initial seasoning amounts are approximate. The beauty of this recipe is adjusting to your liking. The dash of cinnamon is a subtle secret ingredient that adds warmth without tasting “sweet.”
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds creaminess and a familiar comfort food flavor. If you prefer a lighter, more brothy dish, you can reduce or omit it, but you’ll likely need more chicken broth/stock.
- Egg Noodles: Wide or extra-wide egg noodles are classic for their hearty texture and ability to soak up the broth.
- Vegetables: The celery adds a nice aromatic base. You could also add chopped carrots or onions to the pot with the chicken for even more depth, then strain them out or leave them in.
- Broth/Stock: If your strained cooking liquid isn’t enough to cook the noodles, supplement with store-bought chicken broth or bouillon dissolved in water.
List of Steps for the Recipe
Follow these steps to create your hearty and flavorful Chicken and Noodles:
- Prep and Season Chicken: Rinse the whole chicken thoroughly under cold water. Place it in a large pot (a Dutch oven or stock pot works well). Add a generous teaspoon of salt, about ½ teaspoon of pepper (adjust to your liking), the chopped celery stalk, about ¼ to ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, ½ teaspoon of onion powder, ½ teaspoon of thyme, and just a dash of cinnamon. These are approximate measurements; adjust them based on your taste preferences, ensuring the chicken is nicely flavored from the inside out.
- Cook Chicken: Cover the chicken completely with water. Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the thickest parts of the chicken are done and the meat is falling apart when you try to move the legs, typically 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you could cook it in a crockpot overnight on low heat (6-8 hours).
- Cool Chicken & Reserve Liquid: Once the chicken is done, carefully remove it from the pot using tongs or a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate to cool enough to handle. Do not dump out your cooking liquid; set the pot with the liquid to the side for now.
- Shred Chicken: Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove all of the yummy meat from the bones. Discard the skin and bones. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Strain Cooking Liquid: Place a fine-mesh strainer or colander lined with a paper towel or cheesecloth over a large bowl or back into the clean pot. Carefully pour the chicken cooking liquid through the strainer. This step removes any small bones, skin fragments, or other “funky stuff” and ensures a clear, flavorful broth. This step is truly worth the effort as the liquid is packed with flavor!
- Prepare Broth for Noodles: Add the strained cooking liquid back to the pot. Add enough additional water to bring the liquid level up to what’s needed to cook your package of egg noodles (check noodle package instructions for water amount, or ensure there’s enough liquid to comfortably submerge them). Stir in the can of Cream of Chicken soup and the 2 chicken bouillon cubes (if using, or equivalent stock). Whisk until well mixed and smooth. Bring this liquid to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
- Add Chicken & Cook Noodles: Once the liquid is boiling, add your desired amount of shredded chicken back into the pot. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package directions until they are tender.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the chicken and noodles mixture. This is your chance to adjust the flavor! I usually add more salt (start with ½ teaspoon) and about another ½ teaspoon each of pepper, onion powder, and thyme at this stage, but season to your preference.
- Serve: Ladle the hot Chicken and Noodles into bowls and serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Homemade Broth is Best: Cooking a whole chicken is the secret to a deeply flavorful broth that store-bought versions simply can’t replicate. Don’t skip this step if you have the time!
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Egg noodles cook relatively quickly. Watch them closely and cook only until tender to avoid a mushy texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste often! The initial seasoning for the chicken is a base, but the final seasoning after adding the noodles and soup is where you perfect the flavor.
- Skim Fat (Optional): If your broth seems too greasy after straining, you can refrigerate it for a bit, then skim off any solidified fat from the top before reheating and adding soup/noodles.
- Serve Immediately: While delicious as leftovers, chicken and noodles are best served fresh when the noodles are perfectly tender and the broth is piping hot.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Chicken and Noodles dish is a hearty and complete meal on its own. It’s the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner. You can serve it with a side of warm, crusty bread or biscuits for soaking up the delicious broth. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or corn would also complement it well. For beverages, a glass of cold milk or iced tea would be perfect.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Leftover Chicken and Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles will absorb more liquid as they sit, so the dish will thicken considerably. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. While possible, freezing is not ideal as the noodles can become mushy upon thawing.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the comforting, soulful flavors and ease of this Chicken and Noodles, you’ll definitely want to try these other fantastic savory and hearty recipes:
- For another fantastic bowl of Southern comfort, be sure to try my recipe for This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl Of Southern Comfort.
- If you’re looking for a convenient, crowd-pleasing, one-pan meal that’s always a hit, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a fantastic choice.
- For another fall-off-the-bone comfort food that’s ideal for lazy Sundays, explore These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food For Lazy Sundays.
- If you love easy and cheesy dishes perfect for any meal, check out Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders With Marinara Garlic Butter.
- And you can never go wrong with a classic, so my Classic Spaghetti Recipe With Homemade Sauce is perfect for a cozy night in.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken and Noodles recipe is a timeless classic that brings warmth, comfort, and incredible flavor to your table. It’s a reminder that sometimes the simplest, most traditional dishes are the most satisfying. With tender chicken, silky noodles, and a rich, savory broth, it’s truly a meal that feels like home.
What are your favorite childhood comfort foods? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and inspiring recipes.
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