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There’s truly nothing like a comforting bowl of homemade chicken and noodles to brighten any day, and this Easy One Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe hits all the right notes. Combining tender shredded chicken, silky egg noodles, and a rich, creamy broth bursting with flavors from fresh veggies and herbs, it’s a one-pot wonder that warms both your heart and your belly. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this recipe is as simple to make as it is satisfying to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy One Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential role in creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that come together effortlessly. From the freshness of the vegetables to the comforting creaminess of the broth, every component matters.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a luscious richness and a golden base for the sautéed veggies.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth to the broth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides aromatic warmth and a subtle kick.
- 2 carrots, sliced: Offer a natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- 2 celery stalks, chopped: Add a refreshing, slightly peppery crunch.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The hearty foundation that infuses the entire dish with savory flavor.
- 1 cup milk: Helps create the creamy consistency that makes this dish so comforting.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: The star protein delivering tender, juicy bites throughout.
- 8 ounces egg noodles: These noodles soak up all the delicious broth and provide satisfying texture.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds an earthy herbal note that complements the chicken exquisitely.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Lends a mild heat to round out the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Reinforces the garlic flavor with a subtle background depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the savory complexity without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas: Add pops of sweetness and freshness at the finish.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional): Amp up the creaminess for an irresistibly silky finish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Provides a vibrant, herbaceous lift and a pop of green color.
How to Make Easy One Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables
Start by melting the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Once melted and fragrant, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté these ingredients for 3 to 4 minutes until the veggies soften and release their natural sweetness. This forms the flavor bed that will make your dish truly shine, so take your time to let those aromas develop.
Step 2: Add Broth, Milk, Chicken, and Seasonings
Next, pour in the chicken broth and milk to create the creamy base of your dish. Stir in the cooked shredded chicken and then add the egg noodles along with dried thyme, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Give everything a good stir to evenly distribute the seasonings and ensure every bite is packed with flavor.
Step 3: Simmer Until Noodles Are Tender
Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom. During this time, the noodles will soak up the flavorful broth and the ingredients meld together beautifully, resulting in tender, satisfying noodles infused with rich chicken goodness.
Step 4: Stir in Peas and Cream for Final Touch
Once the noodles are tender, stir in the frozen peas and, if you’re using it, the heavy cream. Let the dish cook for another 2 minutes or so until the peas heat through and the cream blends in for luxurious silkiness. This step adds a fresh sweetness and an indulgent creaminess that takes the recipe up a notch.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pot from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. This not only adds a lovely burst of color but also a fresh herbal note that brightens the entire dish. Now you’re ready to dig in!
How to Serve Easy One Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of fresh parsley is a classic, but feel free to be creative. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, a dash of grated Parmesan, or even a squeeze of lemon juice can add exciting twists. These little touches bring extra layers of flavor and make the presentation pop.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables offers a balanced meal. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for sopping up any leftover creamy broth. If you want something lighter, a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or a tangy cucumber salad complements the richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
To amplify the cozy vibe, serve this dish in rustic bowls with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce for heat. For a fun twist, top with crushed crispy onions or toasted breadcrumbs to add some contrasting crunch. You can even portion it into individual ramekins, making it feel like a homemade comfort food special for each guest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy One Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe is a great candidate for leftovers. Store any uneaten portion in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled properly preserves the flavors and texture for a quick meal the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save this dish for even longer, freezing is an option, though the noodles may soften slightly upon thawing. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge to retain the best texture.
Reheating
For reheating, the stove is your best bet to gently warm the meal without drying it out. Heat over low to medium flame, stirring occasionally, and add a splash of broth or milk if it looks too thick. Microwaving works as well, but stir every minute or so to ensure even heating and to prevent overcooking the noodles.
FAQs
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?
Yes, you can use raw chicken, but it will require adjusting the cooking time. Add the raw chicken pieces along with the broth and milk, and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked through before adding the noodles to prevent overcooking.
What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
Egg noodles are ideal due to their texture and ability to soak up the broth, but you can also use other pasta like wide pappardelle or even small shells. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the noodle type.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine and replace the milk and heavy cream with your favorite plant-based milk such as almond, oat, or coconut milk. Choose unsweetened and unflavored varieties to keep the savory profile intact.
Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with your favorite veggies like mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Add heartier vegetables earlier in the cooking process and more delicate greens towards the end to maintain their texture.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, consider stirring in red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or finely diced jalapeños during the cooking process. Adjust to your spice preference so every bite has just the right amount of kick.
Final Thoughts
This Easy One Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe is a true comfort classic that never fails to bring a smile. Its simplicity, combined with rich, homemade flavors and tender textures, makes it a go-to dish for any occasion. So, grab your ingredients, gather loved ones, and dive into this warm, hearty bowl of goodness—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Print
Easy One Pot Chicken and Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy one pot chicken and noodles recipe combines tender shredded chicken, hearty egg noodles, and flavorful vegetables in a creamy, comforting broth. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner that comes together quickly with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, sliced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
Liquids and Dairy
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
Protein
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Dry Ingredients and Seasonings
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Sauté vegetables: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced carrots, and chopped celery. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables have softened and become fragrant.
- Add liquids and ingredients: Pour in the chicken broth and milk. Add the cooked shredded chicken, egg noodles, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir everything well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer noodles: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the egg noodles are tender and have absorbed the flavors of the broth.
- Add peas and cream: Stir in the frozen peas and heavy cream if using. Cook for another 2 minutes over low heat until the peas are heated through and the soup is creamy.
- Serve: Remove the pot from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm to enjoy the comforting classic chicken and noodles dish.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute milk and heavy cream with coconut milk or a plant-based milk alternative.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken to save time.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or green beans for more variety.
- If you prefer a thicker soup, you can add a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch mixed with water before simmering noodles.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger gatherings, just ensure you have a large enough pot.
