Creamy Chicken and Noodles with Savory Gravy
When the craving for a warm, comforting meal strikes, few dishes can rival the timeless appeal of chicken and noodles with a creamy, savory gravy. This recipe offers a simple yet flavorful take on this beloved classic, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or satisfying weekend gatherings.
The combination of tender chicken, fluffy egg noodles, and a luxurious white sauce-based gravy creates a dish that’s both familiar and elevated. The melt-in-your-mouth texture and the depth of flavor will have your family and guests reaching for seconds – or even thirds!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this chicken and noodles recipe apart is the attention to detail in each step. The chicken is simmered until perfectly cooked, resulting in a juicy, flavorful base for the dish. The gravy is made from scratch, with a creamy white sauce that’s seasoned to perfection, creating a rich, velvety coating for the noodles and chicken.
Beyond the exceptional taste, this recipe is also remarkably accessible. Most of the ingredients are pantry or freezer staples, making it an easy go-to option for busy weeknights. And the best part? It’s a make-ahead dream, allowing you to prepare it in advance and simply reheat when it’s time to serve.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Creamy Chicken and Noodles with Savory Gravy ❓
• 8 oz egg noodles
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup whole milk
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
The beauty of this Creamy Chicken and Noodles with Savory Gravy is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, egg noodles, and a rich, flavorful gravy creates a comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy.
📝 How to Make Creamy Chicken and Noodles with Savory Gravy Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through.
• Step 3: Sprinkle the flour over the chicken and stir to coat. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, to remove the raw flour taste.
• Step 4: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, until the gravy has thickened.
• Step 5: Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Step 6: Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet and toss gently to coat them in the creamy gravy.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 40 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken and dumplings or chicken pot pie, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Creamy Chicken and Noodles with Savory Gravy saves you valuable time while delivering similar comforting flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 33g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 760mg
These Creamy Chicken and Noodles with Savory Gravy provide approximately 66% of your daily protein requirements and 24% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them a nutritionally balanced and satisfying meal.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Replace the egg noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles to reduce the carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use unsweetened almond milk or oat milk in place of the dairy milk, and substitute vegan butter or olive oil for the butter.
• Added protein: Add cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken or turkey for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Sauté diced onions, carrots, and celery to add more vegetables and enhance the flavor profile.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Creamy Chicken and Noodles with Savory Gravy.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, balanced meal.
• Complement the dish with a light, crisp white wine or a hearty red wine for a more indulgent dining experience.
• For a family-style meal, serve the Creamy Chicken and Noodles on a large platter, surrounded by additional noodles, chopped parsley, and grated Parmesan cheese for guests to customize their servings.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Lumpy gravy: To prevent lumps in the gravy, be sure to whisk the flour and liquid together thoroughly and allow the mixture to simmer until thickened.
• Mushy noodles: Cook the egg noodles just until al dente, as they will continue to absorb the gravy as the dish bakes or sits. Overcooked noodles can become mushy and unappetizing.
• Bland seasoning: Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper are essential for building the depth of flavor in the gravy.
• Skipping the roux: Taking the time to cook the flour and butter together for a few minutes is crucial for creating a smooth, velvety gravy texture.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These Creamy Chicken and Noodles with Savory Gravy retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the dish up to the point of adding the noodles, then let it cool completely. Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked dish to cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken and noodles in a covered skillet or baking dish over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, in 1-minute intervals, until warm.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This Creamy Chicken and Noodles with Savory Gravy is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can prepare the entire recipe up to 4 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the dish on the stovetop or in the oven until warmed through.
Can I substitute a different type of pasta?
While egg noodles are the traditional choice for this recipe, you can certainly use other types of pasta as well. Wide ribbon noodles, pappardelle, or even fusilli would all work well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, as different pasta shapes may have varying cook times.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be dairy-free. Simply substitute unsweetened almond milk or oat milk for the regular milk, and use a dairy-free butter or olive oil in place of the butter. Additionally, you can use a non-dairy flour, such as almond flour or tapioca flour, to thicken the gravy.
What should I do if the gravy seems too thin?
If your gravy is not thickening to your desired consistency, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. First, make sure you’re allowing the gravy to simmer for the full 5-7 minutes, as this helps the flour fully gelatinize and thicken the mixture. If it’s still too thin, you can mix a small amount of additional flour (1-2 tablespoons) with a bit of cold water or broth to create a slurry, then whisk that into the simmering gravy.
Can I add any extra vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This Creamy Chicken and Noodles with Savory Gravy is very versatile and can easily accommodate additional vegetables. Some great options include sautéed mushrooms, diced carrots, peas, or even spinach or kale. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the vegetables are tender.
Conclusion
These Creamy Chicken and Noodles with Savory Gravy represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a cozy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, they’re sure to impress with their rich, velvety texture and satisfying taste. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these Creamy Chicken and Noodles demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the cooking process. So the next time you’re craving a warm, comforting meal, give this recipe a try and experience the joy of a homemade classic.
