Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe
If you’re craving comfort food that wraps you up in a warm hug, this Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe is just what you need. I’ve found it’s perfect for those cozy evenings when you want something hearty but not fussy. The creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles makes it a family favorite that’s always a hit at our dinner table.
What makes this Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe truly special is how easy it is to make yet so rich in flavor. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand. Plus, it’s great for leftovers and works well for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Why This Recipe Works
- Comfort in Every Bite: The rich, creamy sauce perfectly coats tender chicken and noodles, making every mouthful deeply satisfying.
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Using basic pantry staples combined thoughtfully brings out layers of savory goodness.
- Flexible and Filling: Whether for a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this recipe adapts easily and leaves you full and happy.
- Hands-On but Foolproof: You’ll find step-by-step guidance to avoid common pitfalls and make this dish your own.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe lies in how these ingredients blend together for that perfect creamy texture, balanced seasoning, and hearty goodness. I always recommend fresh veggies and good-quality chicken broth for the best results.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs add more flavor and stay juicier, but breasts work well too—just don’t overcook them.
- Kinders The Blend seasoning: This blend of salt, pepper, and garlic adds an aromatic punch; use any similar seasoning if you don’t have it.
- Olive oil: For a light, rich base to sauté the chicken and vegetables.
- Salted butter: Adds depth and creaminess when cooking the veggies and making the roux.
- Carrots and celery: Classic, sweet veggies that build the flavor base and texture.
- Yellow onion: Gives a nice savory backbone and balances the creaminess.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for that punch of fragrant flavor that elevates the sauce.
- All-purpose flour: Creates the roux that thickens the sauce perfectly without lumps.
- Chicken broth: The stew’s liquid base—rich homemade or good-quality store-bought works wonders here.
- Heavy cream: Adds the luscious, velvety texture that makes this meal feel indulgent.
- Dried thyme and parsley: Essential herbs for subtle earthiness and freshness.
- Kinders Roast Chicken Seasoning: Optional, but adds a special roasted chicken flavor boost if you have it on hand.
- Dried egg noodles: Use egg noodles because their sturdy yet tender texture holds up well in the creamy sauce.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for final seasoning adjustments ensuring just the right balance.
Tweak to Your Taste
I love tweaking this Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe to suit whatever mood I’m in or what’s in my pantry. Don’t hesitate to get creative — it’s all about making a comforting meal that you truly enjoy.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap out the chicken thighs for turkey breast when I have it leftover from holidays—still delicious and moist!
- Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or tofu with vegetable broth instead for a creamy meatless twist.
- Spice it up: Adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes adds just the right punch without overpowering the creaminess.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and noodles to keep that thick sauce and comforting texture without wheat.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
I start by generously seasoning the chicken with the Kinders The Blend. Heating olive oil and butter in a skillet helps get a beautiful golden crust on the chicken—about 4-5 minutes per side. Don’t rush this step; that browning boosts the flavor big time. After cooking, I remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute, which keeps it tender when shredded or chopped later.
Step 2: Cook the Veggies
Using the same pan (don’t wipe it out!), add sliced celery, carrots, and diced onion. Season with just a little salt and pepper and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes until they soften and get flavorful. Toss in the minced garlic last, cooking for just a minute so it doesn’t burn but releases its aroma perfectly.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
Now the fun part: sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir it for 3-4 minutes. This cooks out the flour’s raw taste and starts that luscious roux that will thicken the sauce beautifully. Be sure to stir continuously so it doesn’t stick or clump.
Step 4: Add Broth, Cream, and Seasonings
Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly to make a silky sauce without lumps. Season with dried thyme, parsley, and if you have it, Kinders Roast Chicken Seasoning for that extra depth. Then fold in the shredded chicken and dried egg noodles to simmer together.
Step 5: Simmer Until Thick and Tender
Bring everything up to a boil, then turn the heat down to low and let it simmer gently for at least 20 minutes. This gives the noodles time to cook in the sauce, which also thickens — the sign of a perfect creamy consistency. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t stick, and stir occasionally. Lastly, adjust salt and pepper to your liking and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe
- Don’t Skip the Rest: Let your chicken rest after searing to lock in moisture, making shredding easier and juicier bites.
- Slow Simmer for Thick Sauce: The longer simmer lets the noodles soak up flavors and thickens the sauce into a creamy dream.
- Season Gradually: Add salt and pepper in stages so you avoid over-seasoning and can tune it just right by the end.
- Avoid Overcooking Noodles: Keep an eye on them—overcooked noodles will get mushy, so sticking close during the simmer helps get the perfect bite.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright pop of color and a bit of freshness to cut through the richness. Sometimes I add a little cracked black pepper or even a squeeze of lemon juice if I want a zesty contrast. A handful of grated parmesan can also elevate it to another level if you’re feeling cheesy!
Side Dishes
This creamy dish pairs beautifully with simple green sides like steamed broccoli or a crisp side salad. Roasted Brussels sprouts or a garlicky sautéed spinach also make excellent companions. If you’re after more carbs, some crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, I like serving this in small, rustic bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs and a tiny drizzle of truffle oil for a touch of fancy. You can also spoon it into individual ramekins and broil with a crispy breadcrumb topping for a golden crust that adds unexpected texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge and they keep well for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce thickens as it cools, so you might want to add a splash of broth or water when reheating to get that perfect saucy consistency back.
Freezing
In my experience, freezing isn’t ideal for this recipe because the noodles are delicate and tend to become mushy after thawing. If you want to freeze it, consider excluding the noodles and adding freshly cooked noodles when reheating.
Reheating
I reheat the leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a bit of broth if needed to loosen the sauce. This helps keep the chicken tender and noodles from sticking together. The microwave works too, just be sure to stir every minute or so.
FAQs
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Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that saves time—just add it after making the sauce to warm through and simmer with the noodles. Keep in mind the seasoning might be lighter, so taste and adjust if needed.
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What’s the best type of noodles to use?
Dried egg noodles are my go-to for this recipe because they hold up well in the creamy sauce without falling apart. Fresh noodles can work, but watch your cooking times closely to avoid mushiness.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk or a creamy non-dairy alternative, and replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
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How do I avoid lumps in my creamy sauce?
Make sure to cook the flour with the butter and veggies for a few minutes before adding liquids, stirring constantly. Add broth and cream slowly while whisking to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe has become a beloved classic in my kitchen because it’s the perfect mix of cozy, simple, and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a hungry family or just treating yourself, it never fails to feel like a warm, delicious hug in a bowl. I’m excited for you to give it a try and discover how comforting and easy homemade creamy chicken and noodles can be—trust me, you’ll want to make it over and over.
PrintCreamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Chicken and Noodles recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked in a rich and flavorful creamy sauce with egg noodles and a savory blend of vegetables and herbs. Perfect for a comforting family dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients to create a classic, hearty meal.
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)
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 2 tbsp Salted Butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 Carrots, sliced
- 2 Celery Stalks, sliced
- 1 Yellow Onion, diced
- 3-4 Garlic Cloves, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Pasta
- 12 oz Bag of Dried Egg Noodles
Instructions
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the Kinders The Blend seasoning evenly over the chicken breasts or thighs to ensure flavorful meat.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before roughly chopping or shredding it.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the celery, onions, and carrots. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes until the vegetables are softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Create the roux: Stir in the flour and cook it for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to brown slightly and remove the raw flour taste.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Slowly stir in 4 cups of chicken broth and the heavy cream. Season the mixture with dried thyme, dried parsley, and the optional Kinders Roast Chicken seasoning. Stir well to combine.
- Add chicken and noodles: Incorporate the chopped or shredded chicken and the dried egg noodles into the sauce. Pour in the remaining chicken broth specified to ensure the noodles are covered.
- Cook and thicken: Bring the mixture to a boil. Boil for 8 minutes, then reduce heat to low. Simmer for at least 20 minutes to allow the noodles to cook through and the sauce to thicken to a creamy consistency.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the creamy chicken and noodles hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Avoid freezing this dish as the noodles will become mushy upon thawing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg