Can I use regular dried egg noodles instead of frozen?

Yes, you can substitute dried egg noodles, but the cooking time will be shorter. Follow the package directions and expect a slightly different texture in the final dish. Frozen egg noodles have a more homemade, substantial texture that really makes this dish special.

Is there a way to make this recipe less rich?

Absolutely! You can use low-fat cream soups and replace some of the butter with olive oil. You could also increase the chicken broth and decrease the amount of cream soups for a lighter version that still maintains good flavor.c

My sauce seems too thick. How can I thin it out?

The noodles will continue to absorb liquid as they cook and sit. If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add more chicken broth or a splash of milk, stirring gently until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I add vegetables to make this a complete one-pot meal?

Definitely! Frozen peas, carrots, or even spinach make excellent additions. Add harder vegetables like carrots with the onions, and quick-cooking vegetables like peas or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking.

Creamy Chicken & Soup Noodles Recipe

Name: Creamy Chicken & Soup Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 skinless boneless chicken breasts, evenly pounded; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 onion, finely chopped; 1 quart chicken broth; 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup; 1 (10.5 oz) can cheddar cheese soup; 16 oz Reams Frozen Egg Noodles; 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/8 teaspoon cayenne

This Creamy Chicken & Soup Noodles is comfort food at its finest – tender chunks of golden-seared chicken breast swimming in a rich, velvety broth alongside hearty egg noodles. It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, yet comes together with minimal effort in about 40 minutes. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something substantial but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Pure Comfort Food: This dish delivers that homemade, nostalgic comfort food feeling that satisfies your soul on a chilly evening.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and frozen noodles, making it easy to throw together without a special shopping trip.
One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your evening.
Family Friendly: The creamy, mild flavors appeal to everyone from kids to adults, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Breasts: The star protein that adds heartiness to the dish. Pounding them evenly helps them cook consistently.
Butter: Creates a beautiful golden sear on the chicken and adds richness to the base of the dish.
Onion: Provides a sweet, aromatic foundation that flavors the entire pot.
Chicken Broth: Forms the savory liquid base that the noodles cook in, infusing them with flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess and depth without requiring you to make a roux from scratch.
Cheddar Cheese Soup: Brings a subtle cheese flavor and additional creaminess that makes this dish irresistible.
Frozen Egg Noodles: These thicker, heartier noodles hold up beautifully in the rich broth. They’re a game-changer compared to dried pasta.
Seasonings: Garlic, paprika, and cayenne work together to create a balanced flavor profile with just a hint of warmth.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Vegetable Additions

Transform this dish by adding vegetables like carrots, celery, peas, or mushrooms. Add harder vegetables like carrots when you cook the onions, and toss in quick-cooking veggies like peas in the final minutes.

Herb Infusions

Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can take this comfort food to new heights. Add dried herbs with the seasonings or fresh herbs as a finishing touch.

Protein Swaps

Don’t have chicken breasts? Use chicken thighs for even more flavor, or try leftover turkey after holidays for a delicious twist.

Dairy-Free Version

Replace the canned soups with dairy-free alternatives and use olive oil instead of butter for a lactose-friendly version that doesn’t sacrifice creaminess.

How to Make Chicken & Soup Noodles

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken

Pound your chicken breasts to even thickness and season them with salt and pepper. In a heavy-bottomed pot, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sear until golden brown on both sides, about 3-5 minutes per side. This step creates incredible flavor foundations.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Remove the chicken and add your finely chopped onion to the same pot. Cook until translucent, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pot. This is where the magic happens!

Step 3: Simmer the Chicken

Return the chicken to the pot and pour in the chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Let the chicken cook gently until it’s easy to shred, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the chicken but keep that flavorful broth in the pot.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Add a cup of water to the broth and bring it to a boil. Drop in the frozen egg noodles and cook until they’re almost tender, about 15 minutes. They’ll absorb the chicken flavor as they cook.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Finish

While the noodles are cooking, shred the chicken. Once the noodles are nearly done, stir in the shredded chicken, both soups, and all seasonings. Continue cooking until the noodles are completely tender and the mixture is gloriously creamy.

Step 6: Final Touches

Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes a little extra black pepper makes all the difference!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Pound the Chicken: Don’t skip this step! Evenly pounded chicken cooks uniformly and stays tender.
Brown Properly: Get a good sear on the chicken to develop flavor compounds that will infuse the entire dish.
Don’t Rush the Onions: Let them cook until truly translucent for the best flavor base.
Use Real Frozen Egg Noodles: The difference between dried pasta and frozen egg noodles is night and day in this recipe – they hold their texture wonderfully.
Gentle Simmer: When cooking the chicken in the broth, keep it at a gentle simmer rather than a rolling boil for the most tender results.

How to Serve

Main Event

Serve this creamy chicken and noodles in deep bowls with crusty bread for sopping up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

Side Pairings

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy noodles. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts also complement the dish beautifully.

Garnish Options

A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or a light dusting of paprika adds color and freshness to each serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This dish actually gets better overnight as the flavors meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, the noodles may soften a bit upon thawing. If planning to freeze, consider slightly undercooking the noodles. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use regular dried egg noodles instead of frozen?

Yes, you can substitute dried egg noodles, but the cooking time will be shorter. Follow the package directions and expect a slightly different texture in the final dish. Frozen egg noodles have a more homemade, substantial texture that really makes this dish special.
Is there a way to make this recipe less rich?

Absolutely! You can use low-fat cream soups and replace some of the butter with olive oil. You could also increase the chicken broth and decrease the amount of cream soups for a lighter version that still maintains good flavor.c
My sauce seems too thick. How can I thin it out?

The noodles will continue to absorb liquid as they cook and sit. If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add more chicken broth or a splash of milk, stirring gently until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I add vegetables to make this a complete one-pot meal?

Definitely! Frozen peas, carrots, or even spinach make excellent additions. Add harder vegetables like carrots with the onions, and quick-cooking vegetables like peas or spinach in the last few minutes of cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken & Soup Noodles recipe is what I reach for when I need something satisfying that doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, creamy broth, and hearty noodles creates a dish that feels like it took all day to make, but actually leaves you time to relax. Whether you’re feeding a family or just looking for something comforting after a long day, give this recipe a try – I bet it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!