Creamy Chicken and Noodles
Introduction
Creamy Chicken and Noodles is a beloved comfort food that brings warmth to the soul and satisfaction to the belly. It combines tender shredded chicken, egg noodles, and a rich, creamy sauce, all cooked to perfection. Ideal for cold evenings or when you’re craving something hearty, this dish is a staple in many homes across the globe.
Ingredients
For 6-8 servings:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon butter or olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Boil egg noodles in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Mix the base: Stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Mix well until creamy.
- Add chicken: Fold in the shredded chicken and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked noodles to the creamy chicken mixture. Stir until well combined and heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Methods
- Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients (except noodles) and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Add cooked noodles 30 minutes before serving.
- One-Pot Method: Cook everything in a single pot to reduce dishes and prep time.
- Freezer-Friendly: Can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just reheat and stir in a splash of cream to revive the texture.
History
Creamy Chicken and Noodles has roots in traditional American farmhouse cooking. It evolved as a hearty, low-cost meal using pantry staples like canned soup and dried noodles. The dish shares similarities with chicken and dumplings, stroganoff, and even some Central European noodle dishes.
Benefits
- Protein-rich: Thanks to the chicken, it’s a great source of lean protein.
- Energy Boost: Carbohydrates from the noodles provide sustained energy.
- Kid-friendly: Mild flavors make it a favorite among children.
- Customizable: You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Formation
This dish typically starts with a creamy sauce base, followed by the incorporation of cooked meat and noodles. It’s often formed in layers in a crockpot or casserole for flavor melding.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Conclusion
Creamy Chicken and Noodles is more than just a meal—it’s nostalgia in a bowl. Whether you’re feeding a family or preparing meals for the week, this dish is a dependable classic that delivers on both flavor and comfort.
Lovers of the Dish
- Families: Loved for its ease and comfort.
- Meal preppers: Keeps well and reheats beautifully.
- Seniors & kids: Its soft texture and rich taste are universally appealing.
- Busy professionals: Can be made in a slow cooker or ahead of time for convenience.