We’ve always been fans of the hearty Chicken Noodles and Mashed Potatoes Recipe, a comforting twist on classic comfort food that combines juicy chicken with savory noodles and velvety mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome yet simple to whip up.
This dish draws from everyday ingredients to create a balanced meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. We’re excited to guide you through it, sharing tips that make it a go-to favorite in our kitchen.
Ingredients
We select fresh, everyday ingredients to craft our hearty Chicken Noodles and Mashed Potatoes, ensuring a nutritious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. These components come together effortlessly for a wholesome dish we love to prepare.
For the Chicken
To start our flavorful chicken base, gather these key ingredients in the order they’ll be prepped and cooked:
- 2 boneless chicken breasts (about 1 pound, cut into 1-inch cubes for even cooking)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped for aroma)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced for robust flavor)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (for herby seasoning)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste, about 1 teaspoon each for balanced taste)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for searing the chicken)
For the Noodles
Next, prepare the noodles with ingredients that build on the chicken base, adding texture and depth:
- 8 ounces egg noodles (uncooked, for a classic, hearty base)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium, to simmer and flavor the noodles)
- 2 medium carrots (sliced into thin rounds for added crunch)
- 2 celery stalks (diced for freshness)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for a savory umami boost)
For the Mashed Potatoes
- 4 large russet potatoes (peeled and quartered for quick boiling)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (warmed for smooth consistency)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (for rich creaminess)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for subtle flavor enhancement)
- Salt (to taste, about 1 teaspoon for seasoning)
Required Equipment
To bring our Chicken Noodles and Mashed Potatoes recipe to life, we need a few essential tools that make preparation efficient and straightforward. These items help us handle everything from searing the chicken to boiling the noodles and mashing the potatoes.
- Large pot: Ideal for boiling egg noodles and russet potatoes; ensures even cooking for tender results.
- Skillet or frying pan: A must for sautéing the boneless chicken breasts with onion, garlic, and thyme; helps achieve a golden sear.
- Potato masher: Perfect for creating creamy mashed potatoes by mashing boiled russet potatoes with butter and whole milk.
- Cutting board and chef’s knife: Used for chopping onion, garlic, carrots, and celery; provides a safe surface for precise prep work.
- Colander: Essential for draining boiled noodles and potatoes; prevents excess water from diluting flavors.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Key for accurately measuring ingredients like olive oil, soy sauce, and chicken broth to maintain the dish’s balance.
- Mixing bowl: Handy for combining and tossing the cooked noodles with chicken broth, carrots, celery, and soy sauce.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to transition smoothly from ingredients to the cooking process.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential equipment, let’s guide you through preparing our hearty Chicken Noodles and Mashed Potatoes step by step. We’ll ensure each stage delivers flavorful results with minimal fuss.
Prep Work
Before we start cooking, let’s handle the preliminary tasks to streamline our process. Begin by chopping 2 medium onions and 4 garlic cloves finely for the chicken base, then dice 2 carrots and 2 celery stalks for the noodles—these fresh veggies will add a crisp, aromatic foundation to our dish. Peel and cut 4 large russet potatoes into even 1-inch cubes for the mashed potatoes, ensuring they cook uniformly for that creamy texture we love. Measure out 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil for the chicken, plus 2 tablespoons of soy sauce for the noodles—these seasonings will enhance the savory flavors.
Cook the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chopped onions and garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they turn golden and fragrant, releasing a rich aroma that fills the kitchen. Next, add 1 pound of boneless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch pieces, along with the thyme, salt, and pepper; stir and cook for 6-8 minutes until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through, with juices running clear for a tender, juicy result that pairs perfectly with our noodles.
Cook the Noodles
In a large pot, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil, then add 8 ounces of egg noodles and the diced carrots and celery; reduce heat to medium and simmer for 8-10 minutes until the noodles are al dente and the vegetables are tender-crisp, absorbing the savory broth for a flavorful, comforting base. Stir in 2 tablespoons of soy sauce during the last minute to infuse a subtle umami depth, creating noodles that are irresistibly chewy and packed with vegetable goodness.
Make the Mashed Potatoes
In a separate large pot, add the cubed russet potatoes to salted boiling water and cook for 15-20 minutes until fork-tender, then drain them in a colander. Mash the potatoes in a mixing bowl with ½ cup of whole milk, 4 tablespoons of butter, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder using a potato masher, blending until smooth and creamy with a fluffy texture that melts in your mouth, offering a buttery richness to balance the meal.
Assemble and Serve
In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked chicken and its flavorful juices with the noodles, gently tossing to mix everything evenly for a cohesive dish. Plate the chicken noodles alongside a generous scoop of the warm, creamy mashed potatoes, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh thyme if desired—the combination delivers a satisfying contrast of tender chicken, chewy noodles, and silky potatoes, making this a wholesome, comforting meal that will quickly become our go-to favorite.
Make-Ahead Instructions
We understand that life gets busy, so preparing our Chicken Noodles and Mashed Potatoes recipe in advance can save time without sacrificing flavor. By prepping components ahead, we ensure a wholesome and comforting meal ready to assemble quickly. Below, we break down the steps for each part, focusing on what can be made in advance, stored, and reheated effectively.
Preparing the Chicken Ahead
To keep the chicken juicy and flavorful, we recommend cooking it fully as outlined in our step-by-step instructions, then storing it properly:
- Cook and Cool: After sautéing the chicken with onions, garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper until it’s golden and cooked through, let it cool completely to room temperature. This prevents condensation and maintains texture.
- Store: Transfer the cooled chicken to an airtight container. For optimal freshness, refrigerate it for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Freezing locks in the savory herbs and seasonings, making it easy to thaw later.
- Reheat: When ready, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil or chicken broth to restore moisture, ensuring it remains tender and infused with those aromatic flavors.
Making the Noodles in Advance
Our egg noodles with vegetables can be prepared ahead to preserve their hearty texture and rich broth base:
- Cook and Drain: Boil the egg noodles in chicken broth with carrots, celery, and soy sauce as per the recipe until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
- Store: Mix in the cooked chicken (if prepared) and let the mixture cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If freezing, portion into freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months—this helps retain the noodles’ chewy bite and the vegetables’ crisp-tender quality.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a bit of additional broth to prevent drying out, stirring gently until heated through and the flavors meld back together for that comforting, homey taste.
Mashed Potatoes Make-Ahead Tips
Mashed potatoes are ideal for advance prep, as they reheat beautifully while staying creamy and garlic-infused:
- Prepare and Mash: Boil and mash the russet potatoes with whole milk, butter, garlic powder, and salt until smooth, following our detailed steps.
- Store: Let the mashed potatoes cool slightly, then transfer to a covered container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze in portions for up to 1 month. Freezing works best in flat layers to speed up thawing and preserve that silky consistency.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or butter as needed to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent gumminess, ensuring they complement the chicken and noodles perfectly.
By following these steps, we can have a nutritious, delicious meal on the table in minutes, making our Chicken Noodles and Mashed Potatoes a go-to for effortless weeknights. Always check for safe storage times and reheat thoroughly for the best results.
Conclusion
We’ve loved bringing this Chicken Noodles and Mashed Potatoes recipe to life in our kitchen. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s become our go-to for busy days.
With its fresh flavors and ease we’re sure it’ll quickly earn a spot in your routine too. Give it a try and enjoy the comfort it brings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicken Noodles and Mashed Potatoes?
Chicken Noodles and Mashed Potatoes is a comforting, wholesome meal featuring tender chicken mixed with flavorful egg noodles and veggies, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, using everyday ingredients to create a nutritious, family-friendly dish that’s easy to prepare.
What ingredients are needed for this recipe?
You’ll need boneless chicken breasts, onion, garlic, thyme, salt, pepper, olive oil for the chicken base; egg noodles, chicken broth, carrots, celery, and soy sauce for the noodles; and russet potatoes, whole milk, butter, garlic powder, and salt for the mashed potatoes. These fresh, simple ingredients make for a delicious, balanced meal.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
Preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, with cooking time around 30-40 minutes, for a total of 45-60 minutes. The steps include chopping veggies, sautéing chicken, boiling noodles with broth, and mashing potatoes, making it quick for weeknight dinners.
Can I make Chicken Noodles and Mashed Potatoes ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the chicken, noodles, and mashed potatoes in advance and store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture and flavor for easy meal prep.
What equipment is required to make this recipe?
You’ll need a large pot for boiling noodles and potatoes, a skillet for sautéing chicken, a potato masher, a cutting board and chef’s knife for chopping, a colander for draining, and measuring cups and spoons. These basic tools ensure smooth preparation.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe typically serves 4-6 people, depending on portion sizes. It’s ideal for family meals, with the chicken and noodles as the main course and mashed potatoes as a side, making it versatile for scaling up or down.
Are there any variations or substitutions for this recipe?
Yes, substitute boneless chicken thighs for breasts, use vegetable broth for a lighter version, or swap russet potatoes for Yukon golds. Add herbs like parsley for extra flavor, or make it gluten-free with rice noodles. These tweaks keep the dish nutritious and adaptable to dietary needs.