Quick Chicken and Egg Noodles: A Tasty 30-Minute Dinner

When you’re craving a warm, satisfying meal but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen, Quick Chicken and Egg Noodles is the perfect solution. This easy, 30-minute dinner combines tender chicken, soft egg noodles, and simple seasonings into a deliciously comforting dish that’s sure to please the whole family. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or simply want a hearty meal with minimal effort, this recipe has you covered. With just a handful of ingredients like chicken, egg noodles, garlic, and chicken broth, you can whip up a flavorful meal that feels indulgent without the hassle. Ready to cook? Let’s dive into the simple steps to make this tasty dish at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need for a Delicious Chicken and Egg Noodle Dish

Creating a mouthwatering dish of chicken and egg noodles starts with the right ingredients. Luckily, this recipe is incredibly simple, requiring just a few key components that you may already have in your pantry and fridge. Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients you’ll need to prepare this satisfying meal:

Chicken

The star of the dish is, of course, the chicken! You can use a variety of cuts depending on what you have on hand, but boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for quick cooking. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, while chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster. If you’re in a pinch, shredded rotisserie chicken is also a great time-saver and adds an extra layer of flavor to the dish. Don’t forget to season the chicken well to infuse it with flavor before cooking!

Egg Noodles

Egg noodles are the perfect choice for this recipe because of their soft, slightly chewy texture that pairs beautifully with the chicken and broth. They cook quickly and absorb flavors from the sauce, making them the ideal complement to the dish. You can find egg noodles in most grocery stores, and they come in a variety of shapes—from wide ribbons to thin strands. If you can’t find egg noodles, feel free to substitute with any other type of pasta, though egg noodles are the traditional choice for this comforting recipe.

Garlic and Onion

For a rich, savory base, you’ll want to include garlic and onion. These aromatics enhance the overall flavor of the dish, creating a deep, fragrant foundation that brings out the natural richness of the chicken. Whether you use fresh garlic and onion or opt for pre-chopped versions to save time, don’t skip these essential ingredients—they make all the difference in achieving a flavorful, well-rounded dish.

Chicken Broth

Chicken broth is a key ingredient in bringing the entire dish together. It adds moisture and flavor, creating a flavorful sauce for the noodles. The broth can be homemade or store-bought—either way, it infuses the dish with a comforting, savory taste. If you prefer a creamier version of this recipe, you can also substitute part of the chicken broth with heavy cream or half-and-half to create a luscious, velvety texture.

Butter or Olive Oil

For sautéing the chicken and aromatics, butter or olive oil is essential. Butter adds richness and a slightly sweet flavor, while olive oil offers a lighter, more neutral taste. You can choose based on your preference or even combine the two for the best of both worlds. Either way, the fat helps in creating a flavorful cooking base for the chicken and veggies.

Optional Flavor Enhancers

To take this dish to the next level, consider adding a few extra ingredients for added flavor. Soy sauce can bring a touch of umami to the broth, while herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley will infuse the dish with a fresh, aromatic aroma. You could also include a splash of white wine for depth or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness and acidity.

With these simple ingredients, you can create a truly delicious chicken and egg noodle dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or something to serve for family dinner, these pantry staples will help you put together a dish that everyone will love.

How to Make Quick Chicken and Egg Noodles in 30 Minutes

Making Quick Chicken and Egg Noodles is a simple and efficient process, perfect for when you’re craving a delicious, homemade dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. With just a few easy steps, you can have a flavorful, comforting dish ready in 30 minutes or less. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to whip up this tasty meal:

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, it’s important to have everything ready to go. This will help you move quickly through the steps and avoid any delays.

Cut the chicken: If you’re using chicken breasts or thighs, slice them into bite-sized pieces or thin strips to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
Chop the vegetables: Finely chop the onion and garlic. You can also prep any optional vegetables (like carrots, peas, or bell peppers) at this stage, if you’re adding them to the dish.
Cook the noodles: To cook the noodles, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the noodles, saving a cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later. Set the noodles aside. For a reliable and durable option, you can use the Ninja C30235 NeverStick Hard-Anodized Saucepan, which is perfect for boiling large amounts of pasta without worrying about sticking or uneven cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Now it’s time to cook the chicken, which will become the centerpiece of your dish.

Heat the pan: Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat and add about 1–2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil. Allow it to melt and coat the pan evenly.
Cook the chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the pan in a single layer, seasoning with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like (such as garlic powder or paprika). Sauté for 5–7 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Onion

With the chicken cooked and set aside, it’s time to build the flavors of the dish.

Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of butter or oil if necessary. Toss in the chopped onions and garlic, stirring occasionally. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, or until the onions become translucent and fragrant. The garlic should be softened but not burnt.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Now comes the fun part—creating the sauce that ties everything together.

Deglaze the pan: Add a splash of chicken broth to the pan to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits left by the chicken. This adds an incredible depth of flavor to the sauce.
Add the broth: Pour in the remaining chicken broth (about 1–2 cups, depending on how saucy you like your noodles) and bring it to a simmer. You can also add a little bit of soy sauce for extra umami or a splash of white wine for complexity.
Create a creamy sauce (optional): For a creamier version, add ½ cup of heavy cream or half-and-half. Stir well and let it simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes to thicken the sauce slightly.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken, Noodles, and Sauce

Now that the sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together.

Return the chicken to the pan: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat the chicken with the flavorful sauce.
Add the noodles: Next, add the cooked egg noodles to the pan. Gently toss everything together to ensure the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up and make everything creamy and well-combined.
Simmer and season: Let everything simmer for another 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning as needed with more salt, pepper, or herbs (such as thyme or parsley).

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the chicken and egg noodles are perfectly combined, it’s time to serve!

Garnish: Top the dish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a burst of color and added freshness.
Serve hot: This dish is best enjoyed immediately, straight from the pan, while it’s warm and comforting. Pair it with a simple salad or crusty bread to complete the meal.

Tips and Variations for Your Chicken and Egg Noodles

While the basic Quick Chicken and Egg Noodles recipe is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to customize and elevate the dish to suit your personal taste or dietary preferences. Here are some tips and variations to make this meal even more exciting:

Adding Vegetables for Extra Nutrition and Flavor

One of the easiest ways to enhance the nutritional value and flavor of your chicken and egg noodles is by adding vegetables. Here are some great options:

Peas: Frozen peas are a quick and easy addition that pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce. Simply stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking to heat them through.
Carrots: Thinly sliced or shredded carrots can add a sweet, crunchy element to the dish. You can sauté them with the onions and garlic to soften them, or stir them in raw for a fresh bite.
Bell Peppers: Sweet bell peppers in any color (red, green, yellow, or orange) add a pop of color and a mild sweetness to the dish. Dice them up and sauté them along with the onions for a flavorful base.
Spinach or Kale: For a burst of greens, you can toss in a few handfuls of spinach or chopped kale towards the end of cooking. These leafy greens wilt quickly and infuse the dish with vitamins and minerals.
Mushrooms: If you love earthy flavors, sauté mushrooms alongside the onions and garlic. Mushrooms absorb the sauce beautifully and add an extra depth of umami flavor.

Making It Creamy: Turn It Into a Creamy Chicken and Egg Noodles Recipe

If you prefer a richer, more indulgent dish, you can easily transform this recipe into a creamy chicken and egg noodle dish. Here’s how:

Heavy Cream or Half-and-Half: For a velvety, rich sauce, stir in ½ to 1 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half once the chicken broth is added. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Cream Cheese or Sour Cream: For an extra creamy texture with a tangy twist, you can stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or sour cream. These additions not only make the sauce creamy but also enhance the overall flavor profile with a slight tang.
Parmesan Cheese: A handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese stirred into the sauce can add a savory, cheesy flavor that complements the creamy elements. It will also thicken the sauce and give it a delightful richness.

Spices and Seasonings for Extra Flavor

If you want to take the flavor up a notch, consider adding more herbs and spices to your chicken and egg noodles:

Garlic Powder: If you love garlic, adding garlic powder along with the fresh garlic can give the dish a deeper, more intense flavor.
Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs such as thyme, rosemary, and parsley add aromatic notes to the dish. You can sprinkle thyme or rosemary in the sauce for a woodsy touch, and finish with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh flavor.
Paprika: Adding a dash of paprika, especially smoked paprika, gives the dish a subtle smoky undertone. It also adds a beautiful color to the sauce.
Chili Flakes: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the sauce to give your chicken and noodles a spicy kick.

Meal Prep Tips: Make It Ahead or Store Leftovers

This dish is perfect for meal prep or storing leftovers for later. Here’s how to make the most of your time in the kitchen:

Make It Ahead: Prepare the chicken and noodles in advance, then store the cooked components separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat the chicken and noodles together with the sauce, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce if it thickens too much in the fridge.
Store Leftovers: Leftover chicken and egg noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water and heat in a skillet over low heat to prevent the noodles from drying out.
Freezing: You can also freeze the chicken and egg noodles for future meals. Place the cooled dish in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Make It a One-Pot Meal

To make cleanup even easier, consider turning this dish into a one-pot meal. Instead of cooking the chicken, noodles, and sauce in separate pans, cook everything in one large skillet or Dutch oven. Here’s how:

Start by browning the chicken in the pan, then set it aside.
In the same pan, sauté the onions and garlic, add the broth, and bring it to a simmer.
Add the noodles to the pan with the broth, and cook them directly in the sauce until tender. Stir in the chicken towards the end to finish the dish all in one pan.

Adding a Burst of Flavor with Garnishes

Once your dish is ready, consider adding some final touches that will elevate the flavor and presentation.

Lemon Zest: A little lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the dish and add a burst of freshness.
Crumbled Bacon: For added texture and smokiness, sprinkle some crispy bacon bits on top of your chicken and egg noodles.
Chopped Fresh Herbs: A generous sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil can add a pop of color and freshness that balances out the richness of the sauce.
Toasted Nuts: A handful of toasted almonds or pine nuts can add a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor to contrast with the soft noodles.