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This chicken and noodles recipe is so easy and quick. You can make it at the last minute, and it tastes like you’ve been cooking all day! It calls for very simple ingredients, and no cream of chicken soup is used.
Sometimes the simplest meals are the most comforting, and that’s exactly the case with this creamy chicken and noodles recipe. It’s hearty, easy to make, and perfect for those days when you just want something warm and satisfying. It might not seem like much of a recipe, but the result is truly delicious.
Why This Recipe Works
Chicken and noodles have been around forever, and there are so many ways to make them. This recipe is a semi-homemade version that uses canned chicken stock and store-bought noodles—but don’t let that fool you. It’s a one-pot meal that comes together quickly, and it’s so simple even the kids can help make it. When I was growing up, my mom made her own egg noodles from scratch. I can still picture the rolled-out dough drying on her kitchen counters. She boiled a whole chicken for broth and made the mashed potatoes by hand, so it was truly an all-day process. It was also a very special day when chicken and noodles was on the menu, and even though this version is quicker, it still brings back all those comforting memories.
How to Make
- Pour the 2 boxes of broth into a large stock pot or large dutch oven on medium high heat.
- Pick the breast meat off the chicken and add to broth.
- Bring to a boil.
- Add the whole bag of noodles.
- Add celery salt and seasoning salt.
- Simmer for 20 minutes on low heat. Stir occasionally.
- The all purpose flour on the noodles turns the broth into a creamy sauce.
- Cover the pot and turn off the burner. Let the pot sit on the stove for one hour. Don’t lift the pot lid.
- Serve in large bowls over mashed potatoes.
- If it gets too thick after the noodles are cooked, just add more chicken broth.
Pro Tips
- You can add the dark meat from the chicken, or boneless chicken thighs, if you want to…that’s totally a personal choice.
- If using rotisserie chicken, add the juice floating in the bottom of the chicken bag to the broth. Even if it’s just a tiny bit, it will add unbelievable flavor.
- The noodles sometimes take on a life of their own as they cook, especially if you use wide egg noodles.
- As noted in the printable recipe card below, for best results, if the cooked noodles expand, just add more chicken broth.
- An optional step is to sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme on the top before serving.
- This easy chicken recipe makes enough to feed an army, so if you cook it on the weekend, you have a second week day meal all ready to go. Honestly…it’s just as good, if not better, the next day!
- We like our chicken and noodles simple, but chopped vegetables can be added, and in fact, are included in most recipes. Some ideas are: celery, carrots, onion, garlic, red or green peppers.
- Optional additions: bay leaf, poultry seasoning, heavy cream, red pepper flakes, onion powder, a tiny bit of cayenne pepper. Keep in mind that most of these additions will change the taste of the noodles.
How to serve
- My mom always served her chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes, and that’s how I’ve continued to serve it. It may be a carb-heavy combination, but it’s truly comforting and filling. If you prefer something lighter, this dish is just as delicious on its own.
- In the early years of my cooking journey, I made mashed potatoes from scratch. Over time, I started simplifying meal prep by using the tubs of refrigerated mashed potatoes from the grocery store. Brands like Bob Evans work wonderfully. My homemade version wasn’t always consistent, so the store-bought kind made sense. And honestly, we really like them!
- Another easy option is instant mashed potatoes. Don’t dismiss them too quickly…they’re better than you might think. Once they’re topped with chicken and noodles, they taste surprisingly close to homemade.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Simply follow the package directions for cook time and storage.
Store leftover portions in the refrigerator, right in the pot you cooked it in, or it can be transferred to an airtight container.
Yes! This recipe is easily adaptable to your family’s tastes, and all the ingredient amounts can be adjusted.
This recipe thickens naturally from the flour and starch contained in the noodles. You shouldn’t have to add a roux.
If you don’t like the idea of serving the chicken and noodles over mashed potatoes, another option is to use fresh biscuits. A side salad or fresh fruit bowl are also good accompaniments.
Creamy Chicken and Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 rotisserie chicken
- 2 boxes chicken broth (32 oz. each)
- 1 lb. bag of egg noodles
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Lawry's Seasoning Salt
- fresh ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Pour the 2 boxes of broth into a large pot on medium high heat.
- Pick the breast meat off the chicken and add to broth.
- Bring to a boil.
- Add the whole bag of noodles.
- Add celery salt and seasoning salt.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cover the pot and turn off the burner. Let the pot sit on the stove for one hour. Don't lift the pot lid.
- Serve over mashed potatoes.
- If it gets too thick after the noodles are cooked, just add more chicken broth.
Notes
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
If you make this recipe, and love it, please come back to leave a comment and a 5 star rating. I would really appreciate it, and it would help me so much. Thank you!
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Making today!
Ann, I made this recipe for dinner tonight, but the noodles were mushy. I used a bag of dried egg noodles. Should I have used a bag of frozen egg noodles? Perhaps I misunderstood that ingredient.
Hi Cindy…I use dry Kluski egg noodles. The noodles get very soft, but they are not mushy. I’m not sure what went wrong!
I love that you use Lawry’s seasoning I love to use it.
I boiled a large chicken breast took it out cut it up put noodles and chicken back in. With onions salt and pepper it was so good over mashed potatoes we will keep it our little secret that I didn’t make the noodles lol they ate every bit of it 😋
I can’t wait to try it! Thank you
This recipe sounds delicious and cozy, especially on a cold or chilly rainy night.
BTW, I’ve always enjoyed your blog. And I love your puppy dog – a schnauzer?
Wow, this brought me to tears! My mom made this with the homemade noodles and mashed potatoes, and also with biscuits. It was always the meal I requested for my birthday! No matter how I tried to recreate, it was never quite right. This sounds amazing! Thanks for bringing me such wonderful memories!