Creamy Chicken and Noodles
Creamy Chicken and Noodles! is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 750 calories per serving. Recipe by Carman Wilken on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $31.96 total, $7.99 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless, trimmed)
- 1 teaspoon Mrs. Dash Onion & Herb Seasoning (optional, can use Italian seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika (smoked or sweet)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Vegetable Oil (for searing chicken)
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (divided: 1 tbsp for chicken, 3 tbsp for vegetables)
- 2 stalks Celery (diced)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 2 medium Carrot (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour (for thickening)
- 6 cups Water
- 1 cube Chicken Bouillon Cube (optional, if not using broth)
- 2 cups Heavy Cream (full‑fat for richness)
- 12 ounces Dried Egg Noodles (break into pieces if long)
- 1 Lemon (juice only)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Instructions
Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry, then season both sides with Mrs. Dash onion & herb seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Time: PT5M
Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter in the large pot over medium‑high heat. Add the chicken and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: medium-high
Shred the Cooked Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot, let it rest briefly, then shred it with two forks or chop into bite‑size pieces.
Time: PT3M
Sauté Vegetables
Add the remaining 3 tbsp butter to the pot. Add diced celery, onion, and carrot. Season with salt and pepper and sauté for about 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Time: PT6M
Temperature: medium
Create the Roux
Sprinkle 1/2 cup flour over the vegetables and stir continuously for 2 minutes until the mixture turns a light golden color.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium
Add Liquid Base
Gradually whisk in 6 cups water (or chicken broth if using) and the bouillon cube if you chose water. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring to dissolve any lumps.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: high
Incorporate Cream and Chicken
Stir in 2 cups heavy cream, then add the shredded chicken. Return to a simmer.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: medium
Cook the Noodles
Add the dried egg noodles, stir, and bring back to a boil. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until noodles are tender.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: medium
Finish and Serve
Squeeze the juice of one lemon into the soup, stir in chopped parsley, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and enjoy.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 750
- Protein
- 42 g
- Carbohydrates
- 50 g
- Fat
- 35 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Turkey breast, Rotisserie chicken (shredded)
- Instead of Mrs. Dash Onion & Herb Seasoning: Italian seasoning, Dried thyme and onion powder
- Instead of Paprika: Cayenne pepper (use less)
- Instead of Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, Olive oil
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Celery: Fennel stalks
- Instead of Onion: Shallot
- Instead of Carrot: Parsnip
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Gluten‑free flour blend
- Instead of Water: Chicken broth
- Instead of Chicken Bouillon Cube: Low‑sodium chicken stock
- Instead of Heavy Cream: Half‑and‑half (thicker)
- Instead of Dried Egg Noodles: Gluten‑free pasta
- Instead of Lemon: Lemon juice (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Dried parsley (1 tsp)
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Measuring Spoons
- Measuring Cups
- Wooden Spoon
- Ladle (optional)
- Lemon Juicer (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Season the chicken evenly before searing.
- Sear the chicken until golden to develop flavor.
- Cook the flour roux properly to avoid a raw flour taste.
- Simmer the noodles just until tender to prevent mushiness.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a rotisserie chicken for even faster prep; just shred the meat.
- A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg adds a subtle warmth to the cream base.
- For extra depth, deglaze the pot with a splash of white wine after sautéing the vegetables.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick.
Stir in additional water or broth, ¼ cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Soup is too thin.
Simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce, or whisk in a little extra flour mixed with cold water.
Noodles are overcooked and mushy.
Add the noodles later in the cooking process or use a shorter cooking time according to package instructions.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended because the cream may separate; if needed, freeze without cream and add fresh cream when reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Shred the chicken and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prepare the vegetable base and keep it refrigerated; add liquid and noodles when ready to serve.
- Cook noodles separately and add them just before serving to keep them from getting soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of creamy chicken and noodles soup in American comfort food cuisine?
Creamy chicken and noodles soup is a classic American comfort dish that evolved from traditional chicken noodle soups brought by European immigrants, later enriched with heavy cream for a richer texture during the mid‑20th century.
What are the traditional regional variations of creamy chicken and noodles soup in the United States?
In the Midwest, dairy‑heavy versions are common, while Southern renditions may add corn or okra. Some New England families use milk instead of cream, and the Pacific Northwest often incorporates wild mushrooms.
How is creamy chicken and noodles soup traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot in deep bowls, often accompanied by crusty bread or biscuits, and garnished with fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
During what occasions or celebrations is creamy chicken and noodles soup traditionally enjoyed in American culture?
The soup is a go‑to comfort food for cold winter days, family gatherings, post‑illness recovery meals, and is also a popular offering at potlucks and community fundraisers.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for creamy chicken and noodles soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include boneless chicken breast, butter, all‑purpose flour, heavy cream, egg noodles, and fresh vegetables. Substitutes can be turkey breast for chicken, half‑and‑half for cream, gluten‑free pasta, or a dairy‑free cream alternative.
What other American dishes pair well with creamy chicken and noodles soup?
Pairs nicely with a simple green salad, roasted garlic bread, or a side of buttery corn on the cob. For a full meal, serve with a crisp apple slaw or a light vinaigrette‑dressed mixed greens.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making creamy chicken and noodles soup?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles, letting the cream boil vigorously (which can cause curdling), and not cooking the flour roux long enough, resulting in a raw flour taste.
Why does this creamy chicken and noodles soup recipe use a flour roux instead of cornstarch as a thickener?
A flour roux provides a silky, velvety texture that integrates well with the butter and cream, while cornstarch can give a glossy but slightly gummy finish that isn’t traditional for this comfort soup.
Can I make creamy chicken and noodles soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare the soup up to the point of adding cream and noodles, then refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently, add fresh cream and noodles just before serving to maintain texture.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the creamy chicken and noodles soup is done cooking?
The broth should be smooth and glossy with a slight thickness from the cream and flour, the noodles should be tender but firm (al dente), and the shredded chicken should be fully heated through and moist.
What does the YouTube channel Carman Wilken specialize in?
The YouTube channel Carman Wilken focuses on approachable, seasonal home‑cooking tutorials, often featuring comforting fall and winter recipes that use straightforward techniques and pantry staples.
How does the YouTube channel Carman Wilken's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Carman Wilken emphasizes quick, one‑pot meals with minimal equipment, prioritizing flavor development through simple seasoning and layering techniques, whereas many channels may rely on more elaborate multi‑step processes.
Last updated: September 2, 2026
