Easy Chicken and Noodles

This cozy one-pot chicken and noodles recipe has become my ultimate weeknight savior when I need something comforting that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. The creamy texture combined with tender chicken and perfectly cooked egg noodles creates a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

I first made this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I had a rotisserie chicken in the fridge and needed something quick but satisfying. My family immediately declared it a new favorite, and it has since become our go-to meal on busy weeknights when we need comfort without the fuss.

Ingredients

• Butter: Creates a rich foundation and helps sauté the aromatics to develop flavor
• Onion and garlic: Provide essential savory base notes for the dish
• Chicken broth: Forms the cooking liquid while adding depth of flavor, use homemade for best results
• Heavy cream: Delivers silky richness and creates the perfect sauce consistency
• Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Acts as a flavor and texture shortcut, giving amazing body
• Extra wide egg noodles: Hold up well to the cooking method and have the perfect texture
• Cooked chicken: Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds convenient precooked protein
• Salt and pepper: Simple but essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors
• Fresh parsley: Adds bright color and fresh flavor to finish the dish beautifully

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté Aromatics:

Heat the Dutch oven over medium heat and add butter until melted. Add chopped onion and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until softened and translucent. This foundational step builds flavor, so don’t rush it. The onions should become slightly golden but not brown.

Add Garlic:

Add the minced garlic to the softened onions and cook for just 30 seconds. Stir constantly to prevent burning. You will smell the wonderful aroma releasing when the garlic is perfect.

Create the Sauce Base:

Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and condensed cream of mushroom soup. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. The sauce will look thin at this stage but will thicken as the noodles cook.

Cook the Noodles:

Once boiling, add the uncooked egg noodles directly to the pot. Cook for 10 minutes uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Adjust the heat to maintain a rapid simmer, not a furious boil. The noodles will absorb liquid and release starch, creating a thickened sauce.

Finish the Dish:

Stir in the cooked chicken and allow it to warm through in the hot mixture, about 2 minutes. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley right before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

Save

I always keep a rotisserie chicken in my refrigerator for quick meals, and this recipe has become my favorite way to transform it into something that tastes completely homemade. My daughter, who typically avoids creamy dishes, always asks for seconds of this comfort food classic.

Troubleshooting Tips

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility, but that means occasionally needing small adjustments. If your noodles need more time to cook but the liquid is reducing too quickly, simply add a splash more broth or cream and reduce the heat slightly. Conversely, if you have too much liquid after the noodles are tender, just continue simmering for a few extra minutes until you reach your desired consistency.

Remember that different brands of egg noodles may vary in thickness and cooking time. Extra wide egg noodles generally work best, but you can adjust timing for whatever type you have on hand. The key is to keep an eye on both the noodle texture and the sauce consistency.

Make It Your Own

This recipe welcomes customization based on what you have available. Try adding frozen peas during the last 3 minutes of cooking for color and nutrition. Sautéed mushrooms make a wonderful addition if you want to enhance the mushroom flavor from the soup. For an herbed version, add dried thyme or a bay leaf with the broth and remove the bay leaf before serving.

If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. For extra richness, replace some of the chicken broth with more cream. The versatility of this dish means you can adapt it to your family’s preferences or simply use what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

This comforting dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness. For a complete meal, serve with steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables on the side. Crusty bread or warm biscuits make excellent companions for soaking up the delicious sauce.

If serving for guests, consider a sprinkle of grated parmesan cheese on top and a more generous handful of fresh herbs. This elevates the humble dish to something that feels special enough for company without requiring any additional effort.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of pasta in this dish?

Yes, you can substitute the egg noodles with other pasta varieties like rotini, bow ties, or penne. Just be aware that cooking times may vary depending on the pasta type, so you'll need to adjust accordingly. Egg noodles work particularly well because they cook quickly and absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.

→ How can I make this dish without using cream of mushroom soup?

You can create a homemade substitute by making a roux with 2 tablespoons butter and 2 tablespoons flour, then adding 1 cup of milk or broth and cooking until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs. For mushroom flavor, sauté 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms with the onions at the beginning.

→ Can I use raw chicken instead of pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, you can use raw chicken. Cut it into bite-sized pieces and cook it in the pot after sautéing the onions but before adding the liquid ingredients. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, then proceed with the recipe as written.

→ What sides pair well with chicken and noodles?

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple green vegetables like steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a fresh green salad. Crusty bread is also excellent for sopping up the creamy sauce. For a more substantial meal, consider serving with cranberry sauce or roasted carrots.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. The noodles will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so when reheating, you may need to add a splash of broth or cream to restore the creamy consistency. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

→ How can I make this dish lower in calories?

To reduce calories, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, use low-fat cream of mushroom soup, and ensure you're using lean chicken breast. You can also increase the protein-to-carb ratio by using more chicken and fewer noodles.