Leftover Chicken and Noodles Recipes; When it comes to creating quick, comforting meals from leftovers, chicken and noodles are an unbeatable combination. If you’ve got some leftover chicken in your fridge and a packet of noodles on hand, you can easily create a satisfying meal without much effort. Whether you’re trying to use up leftover rotisserie chicken, chicken breasts from dinner, or any other form of cooked chicken, this Leftover Chicken and Noodles recipe will quickly become a family favorite. This dish is not only easy to prepare, but it’s also a perfect way to get creative with leftovers while minimizing food waste.

Ingredients for Leftover Chicken and Noodles

To make the perfect Leftover Chicken and Noodles dish, gather the following ingredients. You don’t need much, and it’s likely you’ll already have most of them in your kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Leftover Chicken and Noodles Recipe

This recipe is incredibly simple to prepare. Follow these easy-to-understand instructions for a dish that’s ready in less than 30 minutes.

1. Prepare Your Ingredients:
   • If you have leftover chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. This recipe is a great way to use up any type of cooked chicken.
   • Measure out the chicken broth, condensed soups, and seasonings. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth and easy.
2. Combine Broth, Soups, and Chicken:
   • In a large pot, add the 3 cans of chicken broth, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, 1 can of cream of mushroom soup, and your diced or shredded leftover chicken.
   • Stir in the onion powder, seasoning salt, and garlic powder to infuse the mixture with flavor.

1. Bring to a Boil:
   • Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to combine all ingredients and prevent anything from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

1. Add Noodles:
   • Once the broth and soups have come to a boil, stir in the 2 packages of frozen egg noodles.
   • You can also use other types of noodles such as wide egg noodles, rotini, or even spaghetti if preferred. Make sure the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid.

1. Simmer and Cook:
   • Lower the heat to medium-low, and let the noodles simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the desired consistency. Stir occasionally to ensure the noodles cook evenly.
   • The longer you simmer, the thicker and more flavorful the sauce will become. If you prefer a thinner soup-like consistency, reduce the cooking time.
2. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Once the noodles are tender and the dish has reached your desired thickness, it’s ready to serve.
   • Serve hot in bowls, and if you like, garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or chives for a burst of color and flavor.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Knowing the nutritional value of a dish is important, especially when you’re cooking for a family or mindful of your dietary needs. Here is the nutritional breakdown for Leftover Chicken and Noodles.

This meal provides a hearty portion of protein from the chicken and offers a balanced amount of carbohydrates and fats, making it a filling meal. However, if you’re looking to lower the calorie or sodium content, you can opt for low-sodium broth or skip the seasoning salt.

Reviews and Feedback from the Community

The Leftover Chicken and Noodles recipe has received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Here are some insights from the community:

• Tammy Christie, the original recipe submitter, writes that this dish is a favorite of her family. She explains how this recipe was handed down by her aunt, who is known for her delicious chicken and noodles. Everyone thinks the dish is made from scratch, though it’s easy and quick to prepare.
• Home Cooks’ Reviews:
  • “So easy and comforting!” – “I made this with leftover rotisserie chicken, and it was so delicious! My kids loved it, and I had all the ingredients on hand. Will definitely make again!”
  • “Perfect for a busy weeknight!” – “This dish came together so quickly, and the creaminess of the soup was perfect. I love how simple it was, and my whole family enjoyed it.”
  • “A great way to use leftovers!” – “This recipe is great for using up leftover chicken and the noodles come out perfectly cooked. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl.”

Tips for the Perfect Leftover Chicken and Noodles

To ensure your Leftover Chicken and Noodles recipe turns out amazing, here are a few tips and tricks:

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you want an extra flavor boost, use leftover rotisserie chicken. The seasoning on the chicken adds depth to the dish.
• Add Vegetables: If you want to make the dish more nutritious, consider adding frozen peas, carrots, or corn. Just toss them in when you add the noodles for a pop of color and extra vitamins.
• Make it Creamier: If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add a bit of heavy cream or sour cream toward the end of cooking.
• Customize the Noodles: You can switch up the noodles for a different texture. Wide egg noodles, bowtie pasta, or even rice noodles work well in this dish.
• Store Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store the dish in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove, adding a bit of extra broth to loosen up the sauce.

FAQs about Leftover Chicken and Noodles Recipes

Can I use other types of chicken?

Yes, you can use any type of leftover cooked chicken. Grilled, roasted, or poached chicken works well.

How do I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer gluten-free egg noodles or other alternatives like rice noodles.

Can I freeze leftover chicken and noodles?

Yes, you can freeze the dish for up to 3 months. Be sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer bag. When reheating, add a bit of extra broth to prevent it from becoming too thick.

What can I add to enhance the flavor?

Consider adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or bay leaves while the dish simmers. A splash of lemon juice can also brighten up the flavor.

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, Leftover Chicken and Noodles is a fantastic way to repurpose your chicken leftovers into a meal that’s hearty, creamy, and comforting. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need something fast yet satisfying. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish can be customized in many ways to suit your taste preferences.

Whether you’re using leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even turkey, this recipe is versatile and family-friendly. Plus, with just a few pantry staples like chicken broth, canned soups, and frozen noodles, you’re never far from a delicious homemade meal.

So next time you find yourself with extra chicken, try this recipe for Leftover Chicken and Noodles. You’ll have a bowl of comfort ready in no time!