The chicken and noodles skillet is a classic comfort food made simple. It’s a one-pan wonder, which makes cooking and cleanup easy. Therefore, it’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without much fuss. The combo of tender chicken, hearty noodles, and flavorful broth is very satisfying. Many cooks prefer the skillet method over the traditional stovetop. This method cooks food faster and makes serving easier. Accordingly, this makes it a more convenient option for modern families. Look at other online recipe sites to get more ideas for your cooking. For example, EatingWell is a great source of healthy and easy recipes, including variations of chicken and noodles. Also, The Kitchen is a fantastic resource for simplifying cooking and improving your culinary skills. Furthermore, the Budget Bytes site can show you how to make tasty meals on a budget.
The great thing about the chicken and noodles skillet is how flexible it is. You can adjust it to your taste and needs. Also, it’s easy to prepare, appealing to cooks of all levels. Additionally, it’s a budget-friendly choice. Therefore, you can enjoy a great meal without spending too much. Let’s explore the necessary ingredients and the steps to make this wonderful dish.
Chicken and Noodles Skillet Ingredients
In this section, we’ll detail all the required ingredients. Having everything ready before you start cooking will make the process much smoother. It’s very important to gather all your ingredients before you begin. This helps avoid last-minute interruptions and ensures a smooth cooking experience.
Main Protein: Chicken
For this recipe, you’ll need about 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use leftover cooked chicken to save time. Therefore, this makes the recipe quicker. Chicken thighs provide more flavor and moisture, while chicken breasts are leaner. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Chicken is the key source of protein. Also, it’s the focal point of flavor in this dish.
The Noodle Base
Egg noodles are the classic choice for chicken and noodles. You will need about 1 pound of dried egg noodles. Use wide or thin noodles, depending on your liking. Alternatively, you can use other types of pasta, like fettuccine or penne. Cooking times might vary based on the type of pasta you choose. Noodles are the bulk of this dish. So, make sure they’re cooked right.
Broth and Seasonings
The broth adds a lot of flavor. You need about 4 cups of chicken broth. Use low-sodium broth if you prefer. Seasonings such as salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme will enhance the taste. Consider adding a bay leaf for added depth. Seasoning is important to make the dish delicious. These components help to enhance all the other flavors in the dish.
Vegetables for Flavor and Nutrients
Adding vegetables is important for both flavor and nutrition. Use about half a cup each of diced carrots and celery. Also, consider using diced onion. These veggies bring freshness and essential nutrients. You can also add other vegetables of your choice. The more variety you include the more nutritious and balanced the dish becomes.
The Finishing Touches
A couple of tablespoons of butter adds richness. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and flavor. Add a touch of cream or half-and-half at the end for extra creaminess. These final touches add that extra bit of flavor. Therefore, they enhance the dish to make it much more enjoyable.
Preparing Your Chicken and Noodles Skillet
In the next section, we’ll go through the step-by-step method for making this dish. By carefully following each step, you will have an amazing outcome.
Searing the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. The chicken does not need to be cooked through completely at this point. Searing adds flavor and locks in moisture. Take out the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables
Melt butter in the same skillet. Add the diced onions, carrots, and celery. Cook until they soften, about 5-7 minutes. Sautéing the veggies helps release their flavors. Also, it creates a good base for the dish. Add minced garlic at this stage.
Building the Flavors
Add the chicken broth to the skillet. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme. Include a bay leaf if you’re using one. Simmer the mixture for a bit. This creates a flavorful base for your dish. Moreover, it ensures that all the flavors have been combined.
Cooking Noodles and Chicken
Add the dried egg noodles to the skillet. Return the chicken. Ensure the noodles are covered in broth. Bring it to a simmer and then cover the skillet. Cook for 10-12 minutes or until the noodles are tender and the chicken is cooked through. Cooking times can vary depending on the type of noodles.
Finishing Up
Remove the skillet from heat and discard the bay leaf. Stir in cream or half-and-half, if desired. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to blend nicely.
Tips for the Best Chicken and Noodles Skillet
In the next segment, we’ll share tips to make your chicken and noodles skillet even better. These simple tricks will guarantee a great result every time.
Use Leftover Chicken
Using leftover cooked chicken saves time and effort. Add the chicken in the last 5 minutes to heat it up. This is a great way to use leftovers and reduce cooking time.
Adjust Your Seasoning
Always adjust the seasonings to your taste. Taste the broth before adding the noodles and add salt or pepper as required. Remember that different brands of broth can vary in salt content. It’s best to add spices gradually.
Try Different Noodles
You can use various types of noodles. Wide egg noodles are classic, but fettuccine or small shells work as well. Keep in mind that cooking times might differ. Be sure to adjust the time to the specific type you are using.
Add More Veggies
Add any vegetables you like to your dish. Mushrooms, peas, or spinach are great additions. This enhances the nutritional value. Add spinach or peas in the last 5 minutes. Add mushrooms with the onions and carrots since they need more cooking time.
Creamy Options
For a creamier version, add heavy cream or half-and-half in the last few minutes of cooking. Cream cheese is also a great option for adding richness. This makes the dish extra indulgent and delicious.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles
Be careful to avoid overcooking the noodles. They should be tender, not mushy. Check them at the 10-minute mark. Perfectly cooked noodles improve the overall texture of the meal.
Serving Ideas
Serve your chicken and noodles skillet. Garnish with fresh parsley. Crusty bread or a simple salad is a great side to this meal. Serving suggestions are important for a complete dining experience.
Delicious Variations
In the following segment, we’ll explore some delicious variations to add some spice to your meal. These variations will help you customize the dish to your tastes.
Cream of Mushroom Variation
Add a can of cream of mushroom soup for an extra creamy and flavorful dish. This will enrich the dish, adding depth and a velvety texture. It’s perfect for mushroom lovers. The soup will also complement the chicken nicely.
Lemon Herb Option
Add lemon zest and juice, with fresh dill and thyme, for a brighter flavor. This variation is light and refreshing. It is perfect for spring and summer meals. Also, the lemon adds a nice zest to the overall flavors.
Spicy Chicken and Noodles
Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick. Adjust the spice according to your preference. This makes the dish exciting and flavorful for those who love spicy food. Adjusting spices will allow you to personalize this variation of the meal.
Mediterranean Inspired Version
Add sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and Kalamata olives. Top with feta cheese for a unique flavor. This will create an exciting flavor profile. Also, it will give this dish a sophisticated twist.
Cheesy Version
Add shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese at the end. Stir until melted. This creates a very cheesy and comforting dish. It’s a great option for a family meal. The cheesy texture makes it a hit with both kids and adults.
Italian Style Twist
Use Italian seasoning and a can of diced tomatoes. Try using small pasta shapes. This gives the classic dish an Italian-inspired feel. The use of these additions will add an extra dimension of flavor.
Southwestern Flavors
Add diced green chilies and cumin. Garnish with cilantro and sour cream. This brings a Southwestern flavor to the classic dish. It’s bold, unique, and delicious.
Why Make Chicken and Noodles Skillet?
Moving to the next part, let’s explore why this dish is a great choice for home cooks.
One-Pan Convenience
The biggest benefit is that it is a one-pan recipe. It saves both cooking and cleanup time. This is very useful for busy weekdays. Also, it makes things easier.
Budget-Friendly Meal
This is a budget-friendly meal. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples. It’s a great way to eat well without spending too much. You can also use inexpensive ingredients.
Easy to Customize
The recipe is easy to customize. You can adjust it to your liking. Feel free to add or substitute any ingredients. This is perfect for using up what you have. Also, it caters to individual dietary needs.
Comforting and Satisfying
This is a very comforting meal. The combo of chicken, noodles, and broth creates a very satisfying experience. It’s perfect for a cozy meal. It’s a meal that most of your family will enjoy.
Great for Meal Prep
This dish is excellent for meal prep. It reheats well. Enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. This saves time on busy days.
Nutritious Option
With the addition of vegetables, this meal is healthy and balanced. Chicken is a good source of protein. The veggies provide essential vitamins and minerals. This dish is both filling and nutritious.
Family Favorite
This is usually a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a great way to enjoy a meal together with the whole family. The mild flavors make it suitable for people of all ages. This will be a great go-to meal.
Serving and Storing
Transitioning to the subsequent portion, we will discuss how to serve and store your dish. This is crucial for maintaining its quality.
How to Serve
Serve the chicken and noodles skillet hot from the skillet. Garnish with fresh parsley. Pair it with crusty bread or a salad. This will enhance the overall dining experience.
Storing Leftovers
Cool the dish before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for 3-4 days. When reheating, you might need to add a bit of broth or water. This keeps it moist.
Freezing Tips
You can freeze the dish, but the noodles’ texture might change. Cool the dish, and transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator and add liquid while reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. Heat it thoroughly. Stir often. Add cream or butter for extra flavor. Ensure the dish is properly heated to prevent foodborne illness.
Reheating Suggestions
If the noodles have soaked up too much broth, add some when reheating. The stovetop method helps to maintain texture. The microwave is faster for reheating when time is short.
Serving Size
A single serving is about 1 to 1.5 cups. Adjust portions as needed. It’s a hearty meal. Therefore, a moderate portion should suffice.
Make-Ahead Tips
Chop veggies or cook the chicken ahead of time. This streamlines cooking. This is a good strategy to save time when you are busy during the day.
FAQs About Chicken and Noodles Skillet
In the ensuing segment, we’ll cover frequently asked questions to guide you better.
How long are leftovers good in the fridge?
Leftover chicken and noodles are safe in the fridge for 3-4 days if stored correctly in an airtight container. Always allow to cool completely before storing.
What do I need for the grocery list?
Here’s a basic grocery list:
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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Egg noodles
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Chicken broth
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Onion
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Carrots
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Celery
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Butter
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Olive oil
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Dried thyme
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Fresh parsley (optional)
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Cream or half-and-half (optional)
What are the 5 rules for meal planning?
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Plan: Look at your week and make a meal plan.
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Make Lists: Check what you have then create a detailed shopping list.
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Balanced Meals: Include protein, carbs, fats, and vegetables.
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Prep in Advance: Chop veggies or cook your chicken before cooking the meal.
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Be Flexible: Be ready to change the plan. Have backup recipes.
How to clean a Dutch oven?
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Cool completely before washing.
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Use warm soapy water with a non-abrasive sponge.
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Scrape food residue with a wooden or silicone spatula.
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For stubborn stains, simmer water and baking soda for 15 minutes.
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Dry it thoroughly.
Conclusion
In the final section, we’ve covered all you need for a great chicken and noodles skillet. This is a simple and versatile recipe that you can add to your weekly meal plan. We hope you feel confident and ready to make this meal. The chicken and noodles skillet is delicious, convenient, and comforting.
Go ahead and try this recipe. Make sure to have all the ingredients ready. Also, remember to follow all the steps that we provided. Enjoy this dish with your family. You will surely be delighted by the taste and simplicity.