Chicken And Noodles Recipe

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Introduction

Chicken and noodles is a comforting and universally appealing dish, cherished for its simplicity and heartwarming flavors. Its roots trace back to simple home cooking, becoming a staple in many cultures. Often cooked as a family meal, it is also suitable for gatherings or any occasion calling for a satisfying and easy-to-prepare dish.

Ingredients

• Chicken: Approximately 2 pounds, bone-in or boneless, skin-on or skinless. Thighs and breasts are good choices.
• Noodles: 1 pound of egg noodles, preferably wide. Other noodle types like pasta or dumpling-style noodles can be substituted.
• Broth: 8 cups of chicken broth, preferably homemade. Low-sodium broth is recommended.
• Aromatics: 1 large onion, chopped; 2 carrots, peeled and chopped; 2 celery stalks, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced.
• Herbs & Seasoning: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, teaspoon dried rosemary, 1 bay leaf, salt and pepper to taste.
• Butter/Oil: 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil for sauting.
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish, frozen peas or mixed vegetables.

Preparation Steps

Begin by preparing the vegetables. Thoroughly wash and chop the onion, carrots, and celery into evenly sized pieces. Mince the garlic. If using bone-in chicken, consider browning it first for added flavor. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and rosemary. This enhances the depth of flavor in the final dish. Ensuring consistent vegetable sizes promotes even cooking.

Cooking Instructions

1. Saut Aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt butter or heat oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Saut for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
2. Add Chicken & Broth: Place the seasoned chicken in the pot with the sauted vegetables. Pour in the chicken broth. Add the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
3. Simmer the Chicken: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30-45 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165F (74C).
4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside to cool slightly. Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks. Discard the bones and skin (if applicable).
5. Cook the Noodles: Bring the broth in the pot back to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package directions, usually 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender.
6. Combine Chicken & Noodles: Return the shredded chicken to the pot with the noodles and broth. Stir gently to combine.
7. Adjust & Serve: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. If desired, stir in frozen peas or mixed vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken and noodles is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad. Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Consider serving it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness. Traditionally, it is served hot in a bowl.

Tips and Common Mistakes

To prevent soggy noodles, add them during the last 10-15 minutes of cooking. Overcooking the noodles results in a mushy texture. Using high-quality chicken broth greatly enhances the flavor of the dish. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Avoid overcrowding the pot to ensure even cooking. Skimming off any excess fat from the broth during simmering will result in a cleaner flavor.

Explore More Cooking Guides

Learning to prepare chicken and noodles recipe offers a flavorful, culturally rich, and practical culinary experience. Its adaptable nature allows for diverse variations and makes it suitable for various occasions. Try this recipe at home and explore more cooking guides at foodrecipestory.com to elevate your culinary skills.