Comfort in a Bowl: Homemade Chicken and Noodles Recipe for Cozy Days!

Photo byAngie Bright

There's something timeless about a bowl of chicken and noodles. It's the kind of dish that brings warmth on a cold day, revives childhood memories, and fills a home with comforting aromas. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just in need of some hearty, homemade goodness, chicken and noodles is always a go-to. It's a simple dish, but when done right, it delivers an abundance of rich flavors and tender textures that make it irresistible.

The magic of chicken and noodles lies in its versatility. With a whole chicken simmered to perfection, egg noodles that soak up the delicious broth, and a dash of seasonings that enhance every bite, this recipe is pure comfort food. Whether you're serving it as a family dinner or making a big batch to savor throughout the week, chicken and noodles never fails to satisfy.

The heart of the dish is, of course, the chicken. Slow-cooked to tender perfection, the chicken infuses the broth with rich flavor. Strained and combined with a savory blend of spices, including garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme, the broth becomes a flavorful base for the noodles. And then there's the final touch: a dash of cinnamon. It may seem unusual, but this hint of warmth brings a subtle depth to the dish, elevating it beyond the everyday.

Recipe: Chicken and Noodles

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken
• Several teaspoons of salt
• ½ teaspoon of pepper (adjust to taste)
• ¼ to ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon of onion powder
• ½ teaspoon of thyme
• A dash of cinnamon
• 1 can of Cream of Chicken soup
• 2 chicken bouillon cubes (or chicken stock)
• 1 package of egg noodles (any size)
• 1 celery stalk, chopped
• Water

Instructions:

1. Begin by rinsing the whole chicken and placing it in a large pot. Add a generous teaspoon of salt, the chopped celery, and season with pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a dash of cinnamon. These measurements can be adjusted to your taste, as the goal is to infuse the chicken with plenty of flavor as it cooks.
2. Cover the chicken with water and cook on medium-high heat until the thickest parts of the chicken are fully cooked, and it begins to fall apart when you move the legs. Alternatively, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker on low heat overnight for even more tender results.
3. Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the pot and set it aside to cool enough to handle. Save the cooking liquid for later use, but first, strain it to remove any impurities.
4. When the chicken has cooled, remove the skin and shred the meat. Set the shredded chicken aside.
5. Return the strained cooking liquid to the pot and add enough water to cook the noodles. Stir in the can of cream of chicken soup and the bouillon cubes or stock until fully combined.
6. Add the shredded chicken back to the pot, using as much as you'd like for a hearty serving. Bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Once the liquid is boiling, add the egg noodles and cook until they are tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste the broth and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, onion powder, or thyme as needed.
8. Serve warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of homemade chicken and noodles.

This dish is all about the broth, which soaks into the egg noodles and perfectly complements the tender, shredded chicken. Each bite delivers a balance of savory, slightly herby goodness with just a hint of warmth from the cinnamon.

There's a reason chicken and noodles is a beloved comfort food in so many households. It’s simple, filling, and it just makes you feel good. Whether you're making it for a cozy night in or preparing a meal for family or friends, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Here are some reliable sources where you can find recipes and variations for Chicken and Noodles:

1. Insanely Good Recipes provides a straightforward and easy one-pot recipe, using egg noodles, cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, and simple seasonings to create a rich, comforting meal in just 30 minutes​Insanely Good Recipes.
2. Fantabulosity offers a homemade Chicken and Noodles recipe featuring shredded chicken, egg noodles, and a creamy sauce made with chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. The recipe highlights how to balance flavors with simple spices like thyme, garlic, and onion powder​Fantabulosity.
3. Girl Gone Gourmet emphasizes a creamy chicken and noodles dish made with rotisserie chicken, chicken stock, and heavy cream. This recipe is a bit more luxurious with the addition of parsley and a smooth butter and flour roux​Girl Gone Gourmet.
4. Mom on Timeout showcases a more vegetable-focused version, with celery, carrots, and peas added into the dish. This variation includes a roux to thicken the broth and milk for added creaminess, making it hearty and flavorful​Mom On Timeout.

These sources offer great starting points depending on your preference for flavor and complexity, with adjustments possible for creaminess, seasoning, and add-ins like vegetables. You can check out these recipes for full details and step-by-step instructions!