easy chicken noodles recipe
The Best easy chicken noodles recipe
Oh, you’re talking about Easy Chicken Noodles? That’s my absolute go-to when I need something quick, comforting, and that makes my whole family feel like they’ve been fed. There’s something about the way the tender chicken melts into the noodles, the garlic and soy sauce giving it that savory depth, and the simple way it just works—no fuss, no stress. I love this recipe because it’s not just a meal, it’s a hug in a bowl. My kids—especially my picky little one—will eat it straight out of the pan, and my husband always says it’s the only thing that makes his dinner plate disappear before bedtime. It’s that easy to make, but it feels like a special occasion dish, even if it’s just for a family dinner or a lazy Sunday night.
Plus, it’s got real health perks that I love to point out. The chicken is lean and packed with protein, the noodles (if you use whole wheat or brown rice) give it extra fiber, and the garlic and ginger add natural anti-inflammatory benefits without any weird supplements. It’s not some fancy, restaurant-style meal, but it’s got all the good stuff. And honestly? It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t take long to prep—just boil the noodles, cook the chicken, mix everything together, and boom, dinner’s done. My kids love it because it’s not too spicy, not too messy, and it’s always there when they’re hungry. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a win every single time.
Easy Chicken Noodles
A comforting and simple dish featuring tender chicken, creamy noodles, and a savory tomato-based sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal!
🥘Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 8 oz pasta (spaghetti or fettuccine)
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded celery
👨🍳Directions
-
1 Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water, and set aside.
-
2 In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
-
3 In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add carrots and celery, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until softened. Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 3 minutes.
-
4 Reduce heat to low, stir in mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
5 Return chicken to the skillet, add cooked noodles, and toss to combine. Stir in oregano and black pepper. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
🔧Equipment
- Large skillet or pot
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Slotted spoon
- Chef’s knife
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Easy Chicken Noodles Works
This easy chicken noodles recipe is always a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when you need a hearty meal for the whole family. It’s simple enough to whip up in one pot, making it perfect for when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying and flavorful. Plus, it’s flexible enough to adjust ingredients to suit everyone’s tastes, whether you’re serving kids, picky eaters, or just want to keep things simple during family gatherings.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Noodles
1. What is the easiest way to make homemade easy chicken noodles?
The easiest way is to use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken (or shredded rotisserie chicken), store-bought egg noodles, and a simple mix of pantry staples like chicken broth, butter, garlic, and a bit of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Cook the noodles al dente, sauté garlic in butter, add shredded chicken, broth, and seasonings, then toss everything together. Optional: add a splash of cream or a sprinkle of cheese for extra richness.
—
2. Can I use instant noodles for this recipe instead of fresh egg noodles?
Yes, you can! For a quicker version, use instant egg noodles (like Ramen or instant egg noodles) or dry egg noodles (like Barilla). Cook them according to package instructions, then follow the same method—sauté garlic, mix in shredded chicken, broth, and seasonings. Just watch the cooking time closely to avoid overcooking.
—
3. What’s the best way to avoid soggy noodles in this dish?
To keep noodles crispy and prevent sogginess: – Par-cook the noodles (boil for 1–2 minutes less than package instructions, drain, and set aside). – Sauté garlic and chicken first in a bit of oil or butter to create a flavorful base before adding noodles. – Use a large pan so the noodles have space to absorb moisture without steaming. – Add broth gradually—stir in small amounts at a time to avoid over-wetting the noodles. – Toss immediately after adding broth to distribute the sauce evenly.
—
4. Can I make this recipe with ground chicken instead of shredded rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! For ground chicken, cook it first in a pan with oil, salt, pepper, and a little garlic powder or onion powder until browned (5–6 minutes). Then follow the recipe as usual—add cooked noodles, broth, and seasonings. Ground chicken can be a bit drier, so you may need to add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
—
5. What are some easy substitutions for ingredients if I don’t have certain pantry staples?
– Chicken broth → Use water + a bouillon cube or store-bought low-sodium broth. – Butter → Swap for olive oil or a mix of butter and a little cream cheese for extra richness. – Garlic → Use garlic powder (½ tsp) or minced garlic (if fresh is available). – Soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce → Use a splash of miso paste (for umami) or hot sauce for tang. – Egg noodles → Use spaghetti, penne, or even ramen noodles (just adjust cooking time). – Cream or cheese → Skip or use Greek yogurt (for a lighter option) or shredded cheese (like cheddar or Parmesan) for topping.
