We’ve always adored the comforting embrace of a classic Chicken and Noodles Recipe with Mashed Potatoes, a hearty dish that’s become a staple in our kitchens. Originating from simple American home cooking it’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings offering that satisfying blend of tender chicken savory noodles and creamy potatoes.
What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility and ease—we can whip it up with everyday ingredients yet it delivers bold flavors that keep everyone coming back for seconds. Join us as we dive into this timeless favorite that’s sure to become one of your go-to meals.
Ingredients
We select fresh, wholesome ingredients that bring our Chicken and Noodles Recipe with Mashed Potatoes to life, ensuring a hearty meal that’s both simple and flavorful for any family gathering.
Chicken and Noodles Ingredients
To prepare the Chicken and Noodles, we start with the proteins and vegetables, followed by liquids and seasonings for optimal layering of flavors:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed for quick cooking and even absorption of flavors
- 2 medium carrots, sliced to add natural sweetness and texture
- 2 celery stalks, chopped for a fresh, crunchy element
- 1 medium onion, finely diced as the aromatic base
- 8 ounces egg noodles, dried and ready to boil for a comforting base
- 4 cups chicken broth, low-sodium for control over seasoning
- 2 garlic cloves, minced to enhance depth
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme for an earthy herbal note
- Salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting based on broth
Mashed Potatoes Ingredients
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and quartered for easy mashing and fluffiness
- 1/2 cup whole milk, warmed to blend seamlessly
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened for richness
- 2 garlic cloves, minced and optional for a subtle garlicky twist
- 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste for balancing flavors
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground for a mild kick
Required Tools and Equipment
To prepare our Chicken and Noodles Recipe with Mashed Potatoes seamlessly we rely on a few essential tools that ensure efficiency and great results. These items help us handle the chopping cubing boiling and mashing steps with precision.
Essential Kitchen Tools
Here is a curated list of the key tools we’ll need categorized by their primary use in the recipe:
- Cutting and Prep Tools:
- A sharp chef’s knife for dicing onions cubing chicken and slicing carrots and celery – essential for quick even cuts.
- A sturdy cutting board to provide a safe stable surface for all prep work.
- A vegetable peeler specifically for the russet potatoes to remove skins efficiently.
- Cooking and Mixing Tools:
- A large stockpot or Dutch oven for simmering the chicken broth noodles and vegetables – we find this crucial for even heat distribution.
- A medium-sized saucepan for boiling the potatoes until tender.
- A potato masher or hand mixer for creating smooth creamy mashed potatoes – opt for a masher if you prefer a rustic texture.
- A wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring the chicken and noodles mixture to prevent sticking.
- Measuring and Serving Tools:
- Standard measuring cups and spoons for accurate portions of ingredients like broth seasonings and milk.
- A colander for draining boiled potatoes and noodles effectively.
For quick reference we’ve compiled the tools with their estimated costs and typical availability in a table below. This helps us plan ahead and budget for any missing items.
| Tool | Estimated Cost (USD) | Availability Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chef’s knife | 15–50 | Widely available in kitchens or affordable online stores |
| Cutting board | 10–30 | Common household item; choose wood or plastic for durability |
| Vegetable peeler | 5–15 | Inexpensive and found in most kitchen drawers |
| Large stockpot | 20–60 | Essential for larger batches; check for non-stick options |
| Medium saucepan | 15–40 | Versatile for various recipes |
| Potato masher | 10–25 | Basic models are budget-friendly |
| Wooden spoon | 5–15 | Readily available and reusable |
| Measuring cups/spoons | 10–20 | Must-have for precise cooking |
| Colander | 10–25 | Easy to store and clean |
Instructions
We guide you through our straightforward steps to create this comforting Chicken and Noodles with Mashed Potatoes dish using the fresh ingredients and tools we’ve outlined. Let’s turn those everyday items into a hearty meal that delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures.
Prep Work
First, we gather and prepare all ingredients to ensure smooth cooking. Start by washing and chopping 2 medium carrots into thin slices, dicing 1 large onion, and slicing 2 celery stalks. Next, cube 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces and mince 2 garlic cloves if using for both components.
For the mashed potatoes, peel and cube 2 pounds of russet potatoes into even 1-inch pieces to promote uniform cooking. Measure out 1 cup of warmed whole milk 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. We recommend organizing these prepped items on your cutting board to streamline the process and minimize downtime.
Cook the Chicken and Noodles
In a large stockpot over medium heat, we heat 1 tablespoon of oil and add the cubed chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for 5 minutes until golden brown stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Add the sliced carrots diced onion sliced celery minced garlic and 1 teaspoon dried thyme then pour in 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth.
Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes until vegetables soften. Stir in 8 ounces dried egg noodles and continue simmering for another 10 minutes until noodles are tender and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The aroma of thyme and garlic will fill your kitchen creating an inviting savory scent that promises a comforting bite.
Make the Mashed Potatoes
In a separate large pot, we boil the cubed russet potatoes in salted water for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender. Drain the potatoes thoroughly then return them to the pot over low heat for 1 minute to evaporate excess moisture.
Add the 1 cup warmed whole milk 1 tablespoon unsalted butter and optional minced garlic then mash using a potato masher until smooth and creamy. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper to taste. The result is fluffy velvety potatoes with a butter-rich flavor that perfectly complements the hearty chicken and noodles.
Assemble and Serve
To bring it all together, we spoon the hot mashed potatoes onto plates as a base then ladle the cooked chicken and noodles mixture over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve immediately while everything is warm and steamy. The combination offers tender juicy chicken nestled in al dente noodles with crunchy vegetables all balanced by the creamy potatoes creating a symphony of textures and flavors that will have your family asking for seconds.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To help us streamline our Chicken and Noodles with Mashed Potatoes recipe for busy weeknights, we can prepare components in advance while preserving the dish’s hearty flavors and comforting textures. This approach allows the ingredients to meld together, enhancing taste without sacrificing quality.
Prepping Ingredients Ahead
We recommend starting by washing, chopping, and storing vegetables and proteins a day in advance. This step reduces hands-on time when we’re ready to cook:
- Carrots, celery, and onion: Slice or dice these veggies and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps their crisp freshness intact, ensuring they add vibrant color and crunch to our Chicken and Noodles.
- Chicken breasts: Cube the boneless, skinless chicken and place it in a sealed bag or container with a sprinkle of salt, dried thyme, and minced garlic. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours to let the seasonings infuse the meat with bold, savory notes.
- Potatoes for mashed potatoes: Peel and cube russet potatoes, then submerge them in cold water in a covered bowl. Store in the fridge for up to 1 day to prevent browning and maintain their fluffy texture when mashed.
Cooking Components in Advance
For even greater convenience, we can fully cook parts of the recipe ahead and reheat them later. Focus on the Chicken and Noodles and mashed potatoes separately to optimize flavors.
- Chicken and Noodles: Cook the full mixture as outlined in our earlier instructions, then cool it completely. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The noodles will absorb the rich, thyme-infused chicken broth, making the dish even more flavorful upon reheating.
- Mashed Potatoes: Prepare the mashed potatoes by boiling, mashing, and mixing with warmed whole milk, unsalted butter, and seasonings. Let them cool, then store in a covered dish in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore their creamy, velvety consistency.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to maintaining the dish’s appealing senses, from the tender chicken to the smooth potatoes. We suggest the following guidelines, summarized in the table below for quick reference:
| Component | Storage Method | Maximum Time | Reheating Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicken and Noodles | Airtight container in fridge | 3 days | Heat in a pot over medium until bubbling; add broth if needed to keep it moist and flavorful. |
| Chopped Vegetables | Airtight container in fridge | 2 days | No reheating needed; add directly to the pot for a fresh, crisp bite. |
| Mashed Potatoes | Covered dish in fridge | 2 days | Warm on low heat with milk and butter; stir to avoid lumps and preserve the buttery richness. |
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure our Chicken and Noodles with Mashed Potatoes remains a quick, satisfying meal that delivers on taste and ease. Always check for food safety and adjust based on our kitchen setup for the best results.
Conclusion
We’ve loved exploring this hearty Chicken and Noodles Recipe with Mashed Potatoes and know it’ll bring warmth to your table too. It’s a simple way to create comforting meals that keep everyone coming back for more.
By incorporating our tips you’ll enjoy flavorful results with ease making it perfect for any occasion. Let’s make mealtime memorable and stress-free together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken and Noodles with Mashed Potatoes?
Chicken and Noodles with Mashed Potatoes is a classic American comfort dish featuring tender chicken, hearty noodles, and creamy mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, using simple ingredients to create bold, satisfying flavors that encourage seconds.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
For Chicken and Noodles, you’ll need cubed boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced carrots, chopped celery, diced onion, dried egg noodles, low-sodium chicken broth, minced garlic, dried thyme, and seasonings. For Mashed Potatoes, gather russet potatoes, warmed whole milk, unsalted butter, optional minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. All are everyday items for easy prep.
What tools are required to prepare this dish?
Essential tools include a sharp chef’s knife and sturdy cutting board for prep, a large stockpot for cooking, and a potato masher for potatoes. Other items like measuring cups and spoons help with accuracy. Most are affordable and available at grocery stores or online, with costs under $20 each.
How do I prepare Chicken and Noodles with Mashed Potatoes?
Start by prepping ingredients: wash and chop vegetables, cube chicken. Cook Chicken and Noodles in a stockpot by sautéing veggies and chicken, then adding broth and noodles until tender. For Mashed Potatoes, boil and mash potatoes with milk, butter, and seasonings. Serve by topping mashed potatoes with the chicken mixture and garnish with parsley for a hearty meal.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients like washing and chopping vegetables or marinating chicken in advance. Cook components separately and store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. This allows flavors to meld, making it ideal for busy schedules while keeping the dish fresh and easy to assemble later.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to maintain moisture. Avoid overheating to preserve textures, ensuring the dish remains flavorful and satisfying.