This recipe is simple, creamy, and perfect for a cozy dinner! It’s ideal for busy days when you want something hearty but don’t have a lot of time or effort to spare. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a delicious, comfort food dish ready to go in no time!
Ingredients:
- 4 frozen chicken breasts
- 4 cups water (for boiling)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup milk
- Cubes of Velveeta cheese (you can use as much or as little as you like, but I recommend at least 1/2 block for extra creaminess)
- 1 package of egg noodles (not the frozen kind, regular dried egg noodles work best)
- Salt, pepper, and garlic (to taste)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil.
- Add the frozen chicken breasts directly into the boiling water (no need to thaw them beforehand).
- Let the chicken cook for about 20-30 minutes, depending on the size of the breasts. The chicken should be fully cooked and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken from the water and set it aside to cool.
- Cook the Noodles:
- In the same pot of water, add the egg noodles.
- Boil the noodles according to the package instructions (usually around 8-10 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Shred the Chicken:
- While the noodles are cooking, take the cooked chicken and shred it using two forks or your hands. Set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Once the noodles are done cooking, drain any excess water from the pot (leave a small amount of water if you want a bit of broth).
- Add the can of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of milk, a pinch of salt, pepper, and a couple of cloves of garlic (or garlic powder to taste). Stir everything to combine.
- Add in the Velveeta cubes (start with a few cubes and adjust to your desired creaminess level). Stir until the Velveeta is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Combine:
- Add the shredded chicken back into the pot with the sauce and noodles.
- Stir everything together until well mixed and heated through.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once everything is combined, give it a final taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, and enjoy your delicious, creamy chicken and noodles!
Benefits:
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy nights when you want something filling but don’t have much time.
- Comforting and Hearty: This dish is a comforting meal, rich in flavor, and satisfying with both the chicken and noodles in a creamy sauce.
- Customizable: You can adjust the ingredients to your preferences. Add more Velveeta for a cheesier flavor, or throw in some veggies like peas or carrots for extra nutrition.
- Frozen Chicken Convenience: You don’t need fresh chicken—using frozen breasts makes this recipe even simpler and quicker!
Q&A:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work perfectly fine and will give a bit more flavor and tenderness. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take a little longer to cook than breasts.
Q: Can I use a different kind of cheese besides Velveeta?
A: Yes! Velveeta is creamy and melts easily, but you can try other cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella. Keep in mind that the texture might change a bit. If you use a block of cheese, it will melt slower than Velveeta.
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
A: Of course! You can add peas, carrots, or any vegetable you like. If using frozen vegetables, just stir them in when you add the chicken back into the pan.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes! This dish can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it in a pot or microwave, adding a little extra milk if it gets too thick.
Q: Can I use a different type of noodle?
A: Yes, any pasta will work! Egg noodles are traditional, but you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even macaroni for a fun twist.
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free or lower-fat?
A: To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a non-dairy version, and use a dairy-free cheese (like Daiya) or skip the Velveeta altogether. For a lower-fat version, try using a lighter cream of chicken soup, skim milk, and a reduced-fat Velveeta or another cheese alternative.
Enjoy your creamy, comforting chicken and noodles! Let me know how it turns out!