There are very few dishes that can rival the satisfying combination of chicken and noodles. You can decide to eat this comfort food on any occasion or time of the day, be it a rainy afternoon, a cold winter night, or any other time.
A soothing bowl of chicken and noodles can win the hearts of any person. This versatile dish has various variations, ranging from rich cream of chicken recipes to chicken noodles soup. Today, you will learn about different recipes, ingredients, and other aspects of this dish.
Chicken and Noodles: A Brief History
The exact origin of chicken and noodles is unknown, but it is said that the dish and noodles have evolved in different cultures worldwide. This recipe has been an instrumental part of staple food in various cultures, with different interpretations and variations. For example, Asian countries love flavorful versions of this dish while making rich and creamy adaptations to Western cultures.
Chicken and Noodles: The Classic Recipe
Classic chicken and noodles recipe is one of the most popular dishes for being simple and flavorful. Two essential aspects of this recipe are the depth of the broth’s flavor and the quality of the chicken. The effective combination of egg noodles, roasted chicken, and savory broth makes this dish foodie’s favorite.
Essential Ingredients
- Chicken thighs (breasts)
- Noodles
- Chicken broth
- Sliced carrots
- Chopped celery stalks
- Diced onion
- Minced cloves garlic
- Bay leaf
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh parsley
Cooking Instructions
- Start cooking the chicken. You have the option to roast the chicken in an oven you simply boil it in the salted water. If you decide to boil, the use the boiled water as a base for chicken broth.
- After cooking the chicken, shred it into small pieces and keep it aside.
- Take a large pot and saute celery, onions, and carrots until soften. Throw some garlic and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Bring the chicken broth to a boil by using all the reserved water from boiling the chicken.
- Include the egg noodles and 1-2 bay leaves and cook it to low heat. Cook till the tenders become tender.
- Use the shredded chicken now. Add pepper and salt for seasoning according to your taste.
- Add fresh parsley for garnishing, and then serve the dish hot.
This dish is quite a delicious recipe for everyone to consider. Both kids and adults like it. This is one of those dishes which can be made quick and adjusted to your personal preferences.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup
If you are craving for something rich along with the comfort of chicken and noodles, then creamy chicken noodle soup is the dish the perfect option for you. It involves taking the basic dish and adding some creamy twist to elevate the dish to new heights.
Essential Ingredients
- Cooked and shredded chicken breasts
- Egg noodles
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream
- Sliced carrots
- Chopped celery stalks
- Diced onions
- Minced cloves garlic
- Bay leaf
- 1 tablespoon flour
- Two tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh garnish
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles in salted water for some time. Drain the cooked noodles and set it them aside.
- Take some butter in a large pot and melt it over medium heat. Include celery, carrots, and onions and saute them till they become soften. Put some garlic and keep cooking for 2 minutes more.
- Put some flour over the vegetables. Do stir to coat. It will make the soup later.
- Pour in the chicken broth slowly. Keep stirring to avoid lumps.
- Cook the whole mixture to boing heat for some heat and then reduce to it to a simmer. Keep cooking till the vegetables become soft and tender.
- Stir in the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, and heavy cream.
- Use the salt and pepper for seasoning. Simmer it for a couple of minutes to make the soup thick as per your preferred consistency.
- Use fresh parsley for garnishing and serve it hot.
When you want something more substantial than traditional chicken and noodles, then creamy chicken noodle soup is the perfect option for you to consider. The heavy creams comes with a richness while the vegetables and chicken makes it satisfying.
Cream of Chicken Noodles Casserole
Using the cream of chicken is an excellent way to complement the flavor of chicken and noodles. Apart from the creaminess, you also get a deep and savory flavor to satiate your taste bud. Chicken noodles casserole is quite a popular baked dish for being quite easy to prepare. This recipe is perfect for potlucks and family dinners.
Essential Ingredients
- Cooked and shredded chicken
- Cooked egg noodles
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Chicken broth
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Frozen peas (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Breadcrumbs (optional)
- Melted butter (optional)
Cooking Instructions
- Use 350°F (175°C) to preheat the oven.
- Take a large bowl and mix cooked noodles, cooked chicken, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, chicken broth, and peas. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly.
- Use salt and pepper for seasoning according to taste.
- Shift the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- For crunchy toppings, you have the option of mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter and then sprinkle them over top of casserole.
- Bake the whole thing for around 30 minutes or you can simply bake it till the casserole gets golden brown and bubbly on top.
- Let the dish cool for a couple of minutes or so before serving.
It would be great for you to enjoy the cheesy and creamy delight of the cream of chicken noodles casserole. This recipe is ideal for almost any occasion for its utter deliciousness and comfort.
What are Some Useful Tips to Consider When Choosing Perfect Chicken and Noodles?
While preparing the best noodle recipes, you must consider some useful tips to perfect your dish. Here are the best tips for you given below:
Homemade Broth is Recommended
It would be best for you to use the homemade broth in the chicken and noodles. This is how you would be able to get a different and unique flavor elevating your dish. Do not forget to simmer the chicken bones with celery, carrots, onions and bay leaves for a few hours before straining.
Never Overcook the Noodles for Chicken and Noodles
Be careful not to overcook the noodles. Just cook them until al dente. This is how you prevent them from being mushy.
Experiment with Veggies
Experimenting with different kinds of vegetables is a good way to make chicken and noodles healthy and nutritious. While onions, celery, and carrots are the common vegetables to be used, but you can also add other vegetables of your choice such as bell peppers, spinach, mushrooms, and capsicum. It will also add a different texture and flavor.
Be Generous with Seasoning
Proper seasoning is required to make this dish delicious, else it might taste bland. Use salt and pepper for seasoning and keep tasting the dish. You also have the option of adding a dash of paprika or a splash of soy sauce to increase the flavor of the chicken and noodles.
Make It Ahead – Chicken and Noodles
Most of the dishes of chicken and noodles taste better the next day as the flavors have more time mix and meld together. This is why it would be beneficial for you if you could make this dish the night before and store it for use the next morning.
Brothy or Creamy?
You need to decide whether you want the dish brothy or creamy. If you want it to be lighter, then use more chicken broth instead of cream. Lean towards adding more amount of cream if you want the dish to be creamy.
Conclusion
The chicken and noodles dish is not just a regular dish; it is a culinary delight. Apart from the classic and traditional chicken noodle recipe, there are so many other variations to try. Ranging from hearty cream of chicken casserole to creamy chicken noodle soup, there are endless possibilities. You always have the option to experiment with various techniques, ingredients, and flavors to truly create something unique.
Whether you want to have some light chicken and noodles dish, or you wish to get something rich and spicy, you can make such a dish accordingly. This is such a comfort food that soothes your heart and soul. So what are you waiting for? Get on it and prepare this dish today.
FAQs
What are Chicken Noodles?
Ans: This is a dish made from cooked noodles and chicken, generally served in a sauce or broth.
How to Prepare Simple Chicken and Noodles Recipe?
Ans: You need to cook chicken and then combine this with the egg noodles and simmer the whole thing in chicken broth with vegetables.
What is Chicken Noodle Recipe?
Ans: Adding into the classic chicken noodles make this recipe which is liked by so many people for its creamy texture and soothing taste.
What is Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup?
Ans: This creamy chicken noodle soup has a velvety and rich texture induced with added milk or cream for additional flavor and thickness.
How to Make Cream of Chicken Recipes?
Ans: It involved adding cream of chicken to the classic chicken and noodles dish, increasing the depth of flavor and creaminess.
