Chicken and noodles is a classic dish that is both delicious and comforting. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a hearty dinner for a special occasion, chicken and noodles is always a great choice. In this article, we will show you a simple and tasty recipe to prepare this crowd-pleasing dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
– 8 ounces of egg noodles
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 carrots, sliced
– 2 stalks of celery, sliced
– 4 cups of chicken broth
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
First, start by cooking the chicken. You can either bake, grill, or pan-fry it until it is fully cooked. Once the chicken is done, let it cool slightly and then shred it into bite-sized pieces using a fork or your hands.
In a large pot, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook until they become fragrant and softened. Then, add the sliced carrots and celery, and cook for a few more minutes.
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and bring it to a boil. Add the shredded chicken and dried thyme, and reduce the heat to low. Simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together.
Meanwhile, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles, and then add them to the pot with the chicken and vegetables. Stir everything together, and let it simmer for a few more minutes.
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, and serve it hot. Chicken and noodles is a complete meal on its own, but you can also pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a more filling dinner. Enjoy!
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start cooking the chicken and noodles dish, it’s important to have all the ingredients ready and prepared. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Gather the Ingredients
First, gather all the necessary ingredients for the dish. You will need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces of egg noodles
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, thinly sliced
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Prep the Chicken
Next, prep the chicken by rinsing it under cold water and patting it dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper.
Prepare the Vegetables
Chop the onion, mince the garlic cloves, and thinly slice the carrots and celery stalks.
Cook the Noodles
Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Once you have everything prepared and ready to go, you can move on to the next step: cooking the chicken and noodles.
Gather the necessary ingredients
Before you begin cooking chicken and noodles, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here is a list of what you will need:
- Chicken breasts or thighs
- Chicken broth
- Egg noodles
- Onion
- Garlic
- Carrot
- Celery
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Milk
- Salt
- Pepper
- Dried thyme
- Parsley
Make sure to check your pantry and refrigerator before you start cooking to ensure you have everything you need. Once you have gathered all the ingredients, you are ready to move on to the next step.
Cooking the Chicken
Before cooking the chicken, make sure it is thoroughly cleaned and patted dry with paper towels.
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of cooking oil.
2. Once the oil is hot, place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until browned and cooked through. Make sure to turn the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
3. If using bone-in chicken, you can also bake it in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken on a baking sheet. Cook for approximately 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet or oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding it for the noodles.
5. If you prefer a crispy skin on your chicken, you can broil it for a few minutes in the oven after cooking to achieve a golden brown color.
6. Once the chicken is cooked and rested, proceed to the next step of preparing the noodles.
Season the chicken
Before cooking the chicken, it’s important to season it to enhance the flavor. Start by patting the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasonings stick to the meat better.
Next, sprinkle the chicken with a mixture of salt, pepper, and any additional herbs or spices that you like. Common seasonings for chicken include garlic powder, paprika, thyme, and rosemary. You can also use a pre-made seasoning blend for convenience.
Make sure to season both sides of the chicken breasts or thighs evenly. You can use your hands to rub the seasonings into the meat, or you can place the chicken in a resealable plastic bag and shake it gently to coat it evenly.
Let the seasoned chicken sit at room temperature for about 15-30 minutes. This allows the seasonings to penetrate the meat and enhance the flavor even more.
Cook the chicken
Before cooking the chicken, make sure to take it out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature. This will ensure even cooking.
First, remove any excess fat from the chicken. You can use a sharp knife or kitchen shears for this step. Next, season the chicken with salt and pepper or your favorite seasoning blend. This will add flavor to the meat.
To cook the chicken, you have several options. You can grill it, bake it, or sauté it. Choose the method that best suits your preference and available equipment.
If you choose to grill the chicken, preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken on the grill and close the lid. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
If you prefer to bake the chicken, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken in a baking dish and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For sautéing the chicken, heat a skillet over medium heat and add some oil or butter. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat source and let it rest for a few minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and make the chicken more tender.
After the chicken has rested, you can slice or shred it, depending on your preference and the recipe you are following. Now the cooked chicken is ready to be used in your chicken and noodles dish!
Preparing the Noodles
Before you start cooking the noodles, it’s important to have them prepared and ready to go. Follow these steps to ensure your noodles are perfect:
- Boil Water: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Make sure there is enough water to fully submerge the noodles.
- Add Salt: Once the water is boiling, add a generous amount of salt. This will help season the noodles as they cook.
- Add Noodles: Carefully add the noodles to the pot of boiling water. Use tongs or a wooden spoon to separate them and prevent sticking.
- Cook According to Package Instructions: Different types of noodles have different cooking times. Refer to the package instructions for the specific type of noodles you are using and cook them accordingly.
- Drain the Noodles: Once the noodles are cooked al dente (firm to the bite), remove them from the heat and drain them in a colander. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together.
- Coat with Oil: After draining, toss the noodles in a little bit of oil to prevent them from sticking together. Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil.
With the noodles prepared, you are now ready to move on to cooking the chicken and creating a delicious chicken and noodle dish.
Boil the water
To cook chicken and noodles, the first step is to boil the water. Fill a large pot with water and place it on the stovetop over high heat. Allow the water to come to a rolling boil. This usually takes about 10 minutes.
To speed up the boiling process, you can cover the pot with a lid. This helps to trap the heat and bring the water to a boil faster.
Make sure to use enough water to fully submerge the chicken and noodles. As a general rule, use about 4 cups of water for every 8 ounces of noodles. This ratio may vary depending on your recipe, so be sure to check the specific instructions.
Tips for boiling water:
- Use a large enough pot to prevent the water from overflowing.
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the noodles.
- Keep an eye on the pot while the water is boiling to avoid spills.
- Use a timer to ensure that the water boils for the recommended time.
Once the water is boiling, you are ready to move on to the next step of cooking the chicken and noodles.
Q&A
What are the ingredients needed to cook chicken and noodles?
The ingredients needed to cook chicken and noodles are chicken breast, noodles, olive oil, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetables (such as carrots, bell peppers, and broccoli), salt, and pepper.
How do you cook chicken and noodles?
To cook chicken and noodles, start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. In a separate pan, cook the chicken breast until it is no longer pink. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add olive oil, garlic, and ginger, and cook until fragrant. Add in the cooked noodles, soy sauce, and sesame oil, and toss to combine. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, along with any vegetables you want to include. Cook until the vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and serve hot.
Can I use any type of noodles for chicken and noodles?
Yes, you can use any type of noodles for chicken and noodles. Some popular choices include egg noodles, udon noodles, rice noodles, or even spaghetti noodles. Choose the type of noodles that you prefer or that you have on hand.
How long does it take to cook chicken and noodles?
The total cooking time for chicken and noodles will depend on the type of noodles you are using and the thickness of the chicken breast. Generally, it takes about 20-30 minutes to cook chicken and noodles.
Can I substitute the chicken with another type of protein?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with another type of protein if you prefer. Some options include beef, shrimp, tofu, or even a combination of vegetables. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose.
Can I use a different type of meat instead of chicken?
Yes, you can definitely use a different type of meat instead of chicken to cook noodles. Some great alternatives include beef, pork, shrimp, or tofu. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require different cooking durations.