Imagine coming home to a warm dinner on a cold evening. It’s been a long day, and you just want comfort. This creamy chicken and noodles recipe is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s perfect for those chilly days.
The smell of slow-cooked chicken fills your home, taking you back to your grandmother’s kitchen. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and soft noodles blend into a delicious mix. It makes you feel better with every bite.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Creamy Chicken and Noodles
Creamy Chicken and Noodles is a dish that combines tender chicken, a rich cream sauce, and hearty noodles. It’s a comforting meal that many people love. You can make it in a crockpot for slow-cooked flavor or in a skillet for a quick meal.
This dish is like an easy chicken noodle soup but creamier. It uses 1 ¼ lb. of chicken breast in a broth of 5 parts chicken broth to 1 part heavy cream. Each bite is filled with soft noodles and juicy chicken.
The recipe is easy to follow, needing 30 minutes to cook and just 10 minutes to prepare. It’s a nutritious meal with 481 kcal, 26g of carbs, and 29g of fat per serving. You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
Creamy Chicken and Noodles is more than just a simple meal. It’s a wholesome dish that feels like a warm hug. Unlike the best chicken lo mein recipe, it balances creaminess with nourishing flavors. It serves up to 6 people, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep.
Making this dish is a culinary adventure that’s as rewarding as eating it. It’s the ultimate comfort food in American cuisine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a delicious creamy chicken and noodles dish, it’s key to have all ingredients ready. Here’s a detailed list to help you prepare this tasty homemade chicken noodle casserole:
- Chicken and Seasonings: You’ll need about 1 lb of chicken breasts. Season them with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. This mix of spices makes the dish flavorful. Or, you can use 3 cups of cooked rotisserie chicken for ease.
- Vegetables and Noodles: Add diced onions, chopped carrots, and celery for nutrition and texture. Use 12 oz of medium egg noodles. They’re a bit thinner than regular noodles, so they soak up the creamy sauce better.
- Creamy Mixture: Mix 4 cups of chicken broth, two 10 oz cans of cream of chicken soup, 1 ½ cups of water, and ½ cup of heavy cream. This sauce holds everything together, making each bite rich and delicious.
- Additional Ingredients: You’ll also need ½ cup of butter, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and a 16 oz frozen vegetable medley. These add more flavor and richness. For a tangy twist, add ½ cup of yogurt.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 231 |
| Total Fat | 16g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 62mg |
| Sodium | 1118mg |
| Carbohydrates | 13g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Protein | 9g |
By gathering these ingredients efficiently, you’re on your way to a satisfying meal. Remember, good seasoning and fresh veggies are key to that homemade taste. Enjoy your meal!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
To start making this creamy chicken and noodles recipe, chop the veggies first. Make sure you have all ingredients ready and measured. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Preparation: Cut 1 small onion into small pieces. Chop 1 cup of carrots and 1 cup of celery. Mince 1 tablespoon of garlic. Put the chopped veggies in a crockpot.
Season the chicken (1 lb of breasts) with 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme. Add 1 teaspoon each of paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder for extra flavor.
Slow-Cooking Method: Set the crockpot to low. Let it cook for about 6 hours. This way, the veggies get tender and the chicken absorbs all the flavors.
Add a 10 oz can of cream of chicken soup and 1 cup of chicken broth. Stir well. Let it simmer all day for a great mix of flavors.
Final Steps: After 6 hours, add 8-10 oz of boiled egg noodles to the crockpot. Stir in 1/2 cup of heavy cream for creaminess. Let everything mix well for a delicious dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Servings: 6 people
| Nutrition Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 351 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 44 g |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 78 mg |
| Sodium | 479 mg |
| Vitamin A | 5529 IU |
| Vitamin C | 20 mg |
| Calcium | 62 mg |
| Iron | 2 mg |
This careful preparation makes a rich, creamy dish. Follow these steps for a stress-free cooking experience. You’ll get a meal perfect for any occasion.
The Benefits of Crockpot Cooking
Using a crockpot for meals like healthy chicken zoodle stir fry has many benefits. It enhances flavors and keeps nutrients in the food. Unlike regular cooking, slow cooking lets spices and seasonings soak into chicken and veggies deeply. This makes the dish taste richer.
Crockpots are super convenient, especially for those with tight schedules. You can prep your meal in just 10 minutes. Then, let it cook while you’re out, and come home to a ready-to-eat dish. For instance, this recipe cooks in 3.5 to 4 hours on high or 6 to 8 hours on low.
Moreover, crockpot cooking is healthier. It cooks food slowly, keeping more nutrients in. Ingredients like chicken, carrots, and green peas stay full of vitamins and minerals. This makes the healthy chicken zoodle stir fry not only tasty but also nutritious, perfect for those who care about their health.
FAQ
What seasonings are best for the chicken?
For tasty chicken, mix salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Yes, you can pick your favorite veggies. But, onions, carrots, and celery are great for taste and nutrition.
What kind of noodles work best?
Choose medium egg noodles. They’re thinner and soak up sauce well, making the dish more flavorful.
How do I achieve a creamy texture?
Mix cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and heavy cream. This creates a creamy sauce that holds everything together.
What is the preparation process like for a quick chicken noodle stir fry?
Start by chopping veggies and seasoning the chicken. Then, mix everything with stir-fry sauce and noodles for a tasty meal.
How does crockpot cooking enhance this dish?
Cooking on low for 6 hours melds flavors and tenderizes the chicken. It makes the meal more tender and flavorful.
Is there a healthy version of this dish?
Yes, try a chicken zoodle stir fry with zucchini noodles instead of egg noodles for a healthier option.
Can I use this method for other dishes, such as chicken yakisoba or ramen?
Absolutely! This method is great for other noodle dishes like chicken yakisoba or ramen. It’s easy and delicious.