Old School Chicken and Noodles
Old School Chicken and Noodles is a easy Southern American recipe that serves 4. 740 calories per serving. Recipe by TaShonda Renae on YouTube.
Prep: 13 min | Cook: 46 min | Total: 1 hr 14 min
Cost: $14.49 total, $3.62 per serving
Ingredients
- 6-7 pieces Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs (about 2 pounds, trimmed)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (for seasoning the chicken)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder (for seasoning the chicken)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground if possible)
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 medium Green Bell Pepper (diced)
- 1 medium Onion (diced)
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (divided)
- 8 cups Water (for the broth)
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup (regular 10.5‑oz can)
- 1 can Cream of Celery Soup (regular 10.5‑oz can)
- 1 bag Egg Noodles (12‑oz bag; no‑yolk or light & fluffy brand preferred)
- 1 tsp Tony Chachere's Seasoning (optional, adds heat and flavor)
Instructions
Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken thighs dry, then season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and kosher salt. Over‑season because this will become the broth.
Time: PT5M
Sauté Aromatics and Add Liquid
Heat the large pot over medium‑high heat, melt 2 tbsp butter, then add the diced green pepper and onion. Cook 2‑3 minutes until softened, then pour in 8 cups water.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium-high
Simmer the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pot, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover with the lid and cook for about 25 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Time: PT25M
Temperature: medium
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken pieces with tongs, let cool slightly, then shred or break apart with two forks.
Time: PT5M
Add Cream Soups
Stir in one can of cream of mushroom soup and one can of cream of celery soup. Mix until mostly smooth; a few lumps are fine.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium
Return Chicken to the Pot
Add the shredded chicken back into the pot and give a gentle stir to combine with the creamy broth.
Time: PT2M
Bring to a Boil
Increase the heat to medium‑high and bring the mixture back to a rolling boil.
Time: PT2M
Temperature: medium-high
Cook the Egg Noodles
Add the entire bag of egg noodles, pressing them fully under the liquid with a spoon or spatula. Cover partially (leave a small vent) and boil according to package directions, usually 5‑7 minutes, until al dente.
Time: PT7M
Temperature: high
Final Seasoning and Optional Heat
Turn off the heat. Taste the broth and adjust salt or pepper as needed. If you like a little kick, stir in 1 tsp Tony Chachere's seasoning.
Time: PT3M
Serve
Give the pot a final stir, ladle portions into bowls or a serving dish, and enjoy while hot.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 740
- Protein
- 35 g
- Carbohydrates
- 60 g
- Fat
- 30 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, High protein
Allergens: Dairy, Wheat, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Bone-in Chicken Thighs
- Instead of Kosher Salt: Table Salt
- Instead of Green Bell Pepper: Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Bell Pepper
- Instead of Onion: Sweet Onion, Yellow Onion
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Olive Oil
- Instead of Cream of Mushroom Soup: Cream of Chicken Soup
- Instead of Cream of Celery Soup: Cream of Chicken Soup
- Instead of Egg Noodles: Wide Egg Noodles, Spaghetti
- Instead of Tony Chachere's Seasoning: Cajun Seasoning, Creole Seasoning
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Cutting Board
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Serving Bowl (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Season the chicken generously before adding liquid.
- Keep the lid on while simmering the chicken to preserve broth volume.
- Do not overcook the egg noodles; aim for al dente.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use boneless skinless thighs for juicier meat; they cook faster than bone‑in pieces.
- For a richer broth, replace part of the water with low‑sodium chicken stock.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce with the Tony Chachere's.
Troubleshooting
Noodles become mushy.
Cook noodles for the minimum time on the package (5 minutes) and remove the pot from heat immediately; they will finish cooking in the residual heat.
Soup is too thick or lumpy.
Add a splash of water or chicken broth while stirring on low heat until the desired consistency is reached.
Dish lacks flavor.
Taste and add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of Tony Chachere's seasoning before serving.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the broth and shred the chicken up to 24 hours ahead; store separately in the fridge.
- Reheat the broth, add fresh noodles, and finish the dish when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Old School Chicken and Noodles in Southern American cuisine?
Old School Chicken and Noodles is a classic Southern comfort dish that grew out of home‑cooked, budget‑friendly meals during the mid‑20th century. Families would use inexpensive pantry staples like canned soups and egg noodles to stretch chicken into a hearty, filling dinner for the whole household.
What are the traditional regional variations of Old School Chicken and Noodles within Southern cuisine?
In the Deep South, some cooks replace the cream of mushroom and celery soups with cream of chicken, while others add diced carrots or celery stalks for extra texture. In Texas, a pinch of smoked paprika or hot sauce is common, giving the dish a subtle smoky heat.
How is Old School Chicken and Noodles traditionally served in the Southern United States?
It is typically served hot straight from the pot, often with a side of crusty cornbread or biscuits. Many families garnish the top with fresh parsley or a drizzle of melted butter for added richness.
What occasions or celebrations is Old School Chicken and Noodles traditionally associated with in Southern culture?
The dish is a go‑to for casual family gatherings, potlucks, and Sunday dinners. Its simplicity makes it popular for school‑night meals and for feeding a crowd after church services or community events.
How does Old School Chicken and Noodles fit into the broader Southern American cuisine tradition?
It exemplifies the Southern emphasis on comfort, one‑pot cooking, and using pantry staples to create satisfying meals. The blend of creamy soups, tender chicken, and egg noodles reflects the region’s love for rich, hearty flavors.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Old School Chicken and Noodles versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditionally the dish uses boneless skinless chicken thighs, canned cream of mushroom and cream of celery soups, and egg noodles. Acceptable substitutes include chicken breasts, cream of chicken soup, or other pasta shapes like wide egg noodles or even spaghetti.
What other Southern dishes pair well with Old School Chicken and Noodles?
Pairs nicely with classic Southern sides such as collard greens, buttered corn on the cob, or a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette. A slice of warm cornbread or biscuits completes the comforting meal.
What makes Old School Chicken and Noodles special or unique in Southern cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the creamy, soup‑based broth that doubles as both cooking liquid for the chicken and the noodle stock, creating a one‑pot, low‑effort meal that still delivers deep, savory flavor.
How has Old School Chicken and Noodles evolved over time in Southern cooking?
Originally a thrift‑friendly dish using canned soups, modern versions often incorporate fresh herbs, low‑sodium broth, or gluten‑free noodles for health‑conscious cooks. Some chefs now finish the dish with a splash of heavy cream for extra richness.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Old School Chicken and Noodles at home?
Common errors include under‑seasoning the chicken, overcooking the egg noodles, and letting too much liquid evaporate before adding the noodles. Keep the lid on while simmering the chicken and watch the noodle cooking time closely.
How do I know when the egg noodles are done in Old School Chicken and Noodles?
The noodles are done when they are al dente—tender with a slight bite—and have absorbed most of the broth without becoming mushy. Taste a noodle a minute before the package’s suggested time; if it’s firm yet cooked through, remove from heat.
What does the YouTube channel TaShonda Renae specialize in?
The YouTube channel TaShonda Renae focuses on easy, family‑friendly Southern comfort recipes, quick weeknight meals, and nostalgic dishes that bring back childhood flavors. TaShonda often shares personal stories and practical cooking tips for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel TaShonda Renae's approach to Southern cooking differ from other cooking channels?
TaShonda Renae emphasizes simplicity and minimal equipment, often using one‑pot methods and pantry staples. Her videos blend personal anecdotes with step‑by‑step guidance, making the recipes feel like home‑cooked meals rather than polished restaurant dishes.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
