Quick Chicken and Noodles Recipe without soup: An Easy Meal

Are you tired of the same old weeknight dinners? Do you find yourself reaching for canned soup when you want a quick and comforting meal? Well, I have a solution for you! Let's ditch the processed stuff and make a delicious chicken and noodles recipe without soup from scratch. This isn't your grandma’s recipe, unless your grandma was super into simple, flavorful cooking. This recipe is a game-changer, perfect for those busy days when you need something hearty and satisfying on the table fast. We're talking about tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and a rich, homemade gravy that will make you forget all about those canned soups. Forget the gloopy mess and get ready for a real meal that's both easy to make and incredibly tasty. In this article, I will walk you through the entire process, from gathering your ingredients to serving up a bowl of pure comfort. I will also give you some tips and tricks to make your chicken and noodles recipe without soup even better! Let's get cooking!

Ingredients for Delicious Chicken and Noodles Without Soup

Alright, let's talk about what you actually need to make this magic happen. We're not messing with any of that canned soup nonsense, so we're starting from scratch, which means fresh and flavorful ingredients. First, you'll need about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs – whatever you prefer, but I’m a thigh guy, more flavor. You'll also need 4 cups of good quality chicken broth (low sodium is always a good call so you can control the salt). Then, grab a 12-ounce bag of egg noodles; wide ones work best for soaking up all that yummy sauce. To thicken our gravy, we'll use 3 tablespoons of cornstarch. Don't forget 1/2 cup of cold water to mix with the cornstarch. Seasoning is key, so we'll need 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and if you're feeling fancy, a dash of garlic powder for some extra zing. And that's it! Simple, right? Now let's get cooking!

StepbyStep Instructions: Making Chicken and Noodles Without Soup

Get Those Noodles Going

First things first, let's tackle the noodles. Grab a large pot, fill it with water, and bring it to a rolling boil. Once the water's bubbling like a witch's cauldron, toss in your egg noodles. Cook them according to the package directions, but keep an eye on them – you want them perfectly al dente, not mushy. Once they're done, drain them in a colander and set them aside. We will get back to them later, but for now, they are chilling on the sideline.

While the noodles are cooking, you can shred the chicken. If you cooked them earlier, you can simply shred them. If not, you can boil the chicken in a separate pot, once it is cooked, shred it with two forks. I always find that shredding chicken is very therapeutic.

Making the Chicken Gravy

Now for the star of the show – the gravy! In a large pot or skillet, pour in your chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it's simmering, add the shredded chicken. Let it all hang out for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together like old friends. It is important that the flavor is well combined.

Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This mixture will thicken our gravy. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the simmering chicken broth, stirring constantly. Continue to stir until the gravy starts to thicken. You will notice it turn into a nice, thick sauce.

Putting it All Together

Finally, the moment we've all been waiting for! Add the cooked egg noodles to the pot with the chicken gravy. Gently stir everything together, making sure the noodles are completely coated in that delicious sauce. Let it simmer for another couple of minutes, just to let everything get cozy. Now, taste it. Does it need more salt, pepper, or maybe a little more garlic powder? Adjust to your liking. If you prefer a thicker gravy, let it simmer a little longer, if not, you are done!

And there you have it, a fantastic bowl of chicken and noodles without soup! Serve it up hot and enjoy the fruits of your labor. It's a simple meal, but it's packed with flavor and comfort, and that's what really matters. It's also very customizable for picky eaters.

Tips for the Best Chicken and Noodles Recipe Without Soup

so you've got the basics down, but let's talk about taking this chicken and noodles recipe without soup to the next level. It's all about the little things, right? First off, don't skimp on the chicken broth. Good quality broth makes a huge difference in the overall flavor. I sometimes use homemade broth or bone broth for extra richness. Also, don't be afraid to play with the seasonings. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs, like thyme or parsley, can also elevate the dish. And remember, taste as you go! Adjust the seasonings to your preference. If you are not sure, add a little bit at a time and taste it, until it is perfect for you.

Another tip: don't overcook the noodles. Nobody likes mushy noodles. Cook them al dente, which means they should still have a slight bite to them. They will continue to cook a little bit in the sauce. Also, if you want to get a little fancy, try adding a splash of cream or milk at the end for extra richness. This will make the sauce extra creamy and luxurious. This is totally optional, but if you want to make this dish a little more decadent, I highly recommend it. And if you want to add some veggies to the mix, some peas or carrots would work perfectly. It is very customizable.

Wrapping Up Your Homemade Chicken and Noodles

So there you have it, a simple yet incredibly satisfying chicken and noodles recipe without soup that’s perfect for any night of the week. This dish is proof that you don't need a can opener to create a comforting and delicious meal. From the tender chicken to the perfectly cooked noodles and rich gravy, every element works together to create a symphony of flavor. Now, you've got a go-to recipe that's quick, easy, and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you stick to the basics or get creative with spices and veggies, this recipe is a fantastic starting point for your culinary adventures. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy the homemade goodness. You might just find that this becomes a new family favorite!