5 Easy Chicken and Noodles Recipes You'll Love

When it comes to comfort food, chicken and noodles have a special place in the hearts of food lovers everywhere. This classic combination is beloved for its simplicity, heartwarming flavors, and the versatility to create everything from a rich, savory soup to a creamy, indulgent pasta dish. Here, we'll explore five easy chicken and noodles recipes that are perfect for both seasoned cooks and beginners looking to impress. These recipes not only deliver in taste but are also quick to prepare, making them ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekends.

The Classic Chicken Noodle Soup

If there’s one dish that defines comfort, it’s the timeless chicken noodle soup. This recipe sticks to the traditional flavors with a few twists to elevate the taste.

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
• 3 celery stalks, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions, carrots, and celery, cooking until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, thyme, and bay leaf. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add chicken pieces to the pot. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
4. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
5. Once simmering, add egg noodles to the soup. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the noodles are tender.
6. Remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

💡 Note: You can easily make this soup vegetarian by replacing chicken with tofu or beans and using vegetable broth instead.

Chicken Lo Mein

Looking for something with an Asian flair? Chicken lo mein offers a stir-fried delight that’s both quick and delicious.

• 8 ounces lo mein or any long noodles like linguine
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, finely grated
• 1 cup snow peas, trimmed
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over high heat. Add chicken, stir-fry until no longer pink, about 4 minutes. Remove chicken from the wok.
3. In the same wok, add more oil if needed, then garlic and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds.
4. Add snow peas, bell pepper, and green onions. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until just tender.
5. Return chicken to the wok. Add noodles, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and red pepper flakes. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through, about 2 minutes.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with additional sliced green onions if desired.

💡 Note: If you can't find lo mein noodles, spaghetti or linguine will do the trick, just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Noodles

This recipe brings the creamy, cheesy goodness of Alfredo sauce together with succulent chicken for a truly satisfying meal.

• 12 ounces fettuccine
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 chicken breasts, cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook fettuccine according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Reduce heat to low, pour in heavy cream, and simmer for 5 minutes. Gradually whisk in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens.
5. Stir in nutmeg, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Add the cooked fettuccine and chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
7. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

💡 Note: For an extra punch of flavor, you can substitute some of the Parmesan with Pecorino Romano.

Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta

For a bright and zesty dish, this lemon garlic chicken pasta is the perfect choice, offering a burst of freshness with every bite.

• 10 ounces spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup white wine (optional, can substitute with additional chicken broth)
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook spaghetti as per package directions, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, chicken broth, and wine if using. Bring to a simmer, stirring to combine.
5. Return chicken to the skillet along with the cooked spaghetti, tossing to combine.
6. Stir in parsley and Parmesan, seasoning with salt and pepper. Adjust with more broth or pasta water if the pasta looks dry.
7. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and parsley.

💡 Note: If you prefer a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you introduce the garlic.

Chicken and Peanut Butter Noodle Stir-Fry

Combining the savory flavors of chicken with the nutty richness of peanut butter, this stir-fry is an unexpected hit that’s simple to make.

• 10 ounces soba noodles or spaghetti
• 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch piece ginger, grated
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1/2 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
2. In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili flakes to make the sauce. Adjust flavors as necessary.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet. Add chicken and stir-fry until cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the wok.
4. In the same wok, add garlic and ginger, stir-fry for 30 seconds.
5. Add carrot and bell pepper, cooking until just tender, about 2 minutes.
6. Return the chicken to the wok with the cooked noodles. Pour in the peanut sauce, tossing everything to coat well.
7. Heat through, then garnish with roasted peanuts and green onions before serving.

💡 Note: This dish can be adapted for vegetarians by substituting chicken with tofu or tempeh.

In these five easy chicken and noodles recipes, we’ve explored the diverse flavors and cooking techniques that can transform simple ingredients into culinary delights. From the comforting bowl of classic chicken noodle soup to the exotic and flavorsome chicken and peanut butter noodle stir-fry, these dishes provide a rich tapestry of tastes for any meal of the day. Whether you’re in the mood for something creamy, spicy, or just wholesome and straightforward, chicken and noodles are there to satisfy your culinary cravings. These recipes not only offer a variety of flavors but are also convenient enough for any cooking skill level, ensuring that anyone can enjoy the beauty of this classic pairing.

Can I use other types of noodles for these recipes?

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Absolutely, you can swap in different types of noodles like udon, ramen, or even gluten-free options like rice noodles to suit your dietary needs or preferences.

How can I make these dishes gluten-free?

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Look for gluten-free noodles and soy sauce, and ensure that your chicken broth is also gluten-free. Substitute any flour with cornstarch if needed for thickening sauces.

What can I serve with these chicken noodle dishes?

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Salads, steamed or stir-fried vegetables, or even a simple Asian-style slaw would pair beautifully with these recipes. Breads like garlic bread or a crusty baguette also complement the flavors well.

How can I store and reheat these recipes?

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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave, or on the stove, adding a little broth or water if necessary to bring the consistency back to your liking.

Can I make these recipes ahead of time?

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Yes, most of these recipes can be prepared ahead of time, with the noodles cooked separately to prevent sogginess. Store the components separately and assemble just before serving for the best texture.