I absolutely love how this One Pot Chicken and Noodles Skillet Recipe comes together — it’s simplicity at its best with a comforting twist. There’s something so satisfying about tossing everything into one pan and ending up with a creamy, hearty meal that tastes just like homemade comfort food. Whether you’re rushing home after a long day or craving something cozy on a chilly evening, this recipe really hits the spot.
What makes this recipe special for me is how quickly it cooks and how forgiving it is. You don’t have to be a kitchen pro to get it just right, and cleanup is a breeze since it’s all in one pot. I’ve made it countless times for family dinners and always get asked for seconds — you’ll find that the combination of chicken, egg noodles, and that rich creamy sauce is downright addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This one pot wonder comes together in about 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in a single skillet means less time scrubbing pans and more time enjoying your meal.
- Deliciously Comforting: Creamy and flavorful, this dish feels like a warm hug on a plate.
- Flexible Ingredients: Easy to customize with your favorite noodles or veggies to suit your taste and pantry.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here works in harmony to create that creamy, savory base and tender chicken and noodles you’ll keep coming back to. Nothing too fancy—just pantry staples and a touch of fresh parsley to brighten things up.
- Chicken stock: I like low sodium so you can control your salt, but any good quality broth works perfectly.
- Chicken bouillon: Adds an extra punch of flavor and deepens the chicken taste.
- Cream of chicken soup: Use canned as is, no water added—it’s the secret creamy base that makes this skillet dreamy.
- Egg noodles: They cook right in the pot and soak up that rich sauce beautifully.
- Butter: Brings richness and a silky finish to the dish.
- Rotisserie chicken: The easiest way to add juicy, shredded chicken without extra prep.
- Fresh chopped parsley: I toss it on at the end for freshness and color.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste—always best to season gradually and adjust at the end.
Variations
I love switching things up in this One Pot Chicken and Noodles Skillet Recipe to keep it fresh and suit whatever I have in the kitchen. It’s super flexible, so don’t be shy about adding your own twist.
- Use different noodles: I’ve tried this with penne and even gluten-free pasta, and it works great.
- Vegetarian version: Swap chicken broth for vegetable stock and add mushrooms or tofu for protein—just as comforting!
- Veggie boost: Carrots, celery, or broccoli added near the end make it a more balanced meal. I find steaming the veggies a bit beforehand helps them stay tender-crisp.
- Spice it up: Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of paprika when you add the butter for a little heat.
How to Make One Pot Chicken and Noodles Skillet Recipe
Step 1: Combine Your Liquid Base
Start by whisking together the chicken stock, chicken bouillon, and cream of chicken soup right in a large 12-inch skillet or pot. Make sure you don’t add any water to the soup—this keeps the sauce lovely and thick. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat while whisking to blend everything smoothly; this ensures that creamy base is perfectly combined before the noodles go in.
Step 2: Add Noodles and Simmer
Once your liquid is boiling, stir in the dried egg noodles. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low so it simmers gently. Let the noodles cook for about 8–9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent them from sticking to the bottom. You want them tender but not mushy, so keep an eye on the texture — it’s a quick cook and they’ll soak up all that delicious sauce.
Step 3: Add Butter and Chicken
After removing the lid, toss in the butter and diced rotisserie chicken. Stir everything together over low heat until the butter melts and the chicken is warmed through. This is where that rich buttery flavor melds with the creamy soup and tender noodles — it’s honestly the part I look forward to the most when making this recipe!
Step 4: Season and Garnish
Finish off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. The parsley adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to balance the richness. Give everything one last stir, then serve immediately—you’ll enjoy it best while it’s warm and creamy.
Pro Tips for Making One Pot Chicken and Noodles Skillet Recipe
- Watch the Noodle Timing: I learned the hard way to keep an eye on the noodles so they don’t overcook and get mushy — 8 to 9 minutes is just right.
- Skip Overwatering the Soup: Using cream of chicken soup straight from the can, without adding water, is the trick for that perfectly creamy texture.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Shortcuts: Saves so much time and keeps the chicken juicy without extra effort.
- Don’t Forget to Stir: Stirring occasionally while noodles cook prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
How to Serve One Pot Chicken and Noodles Skillet Recipe
Garnishes
I usually stick to fresh parsley because it adds that perfect bright pop against the creamy sauce and keeps things feeling light. Sometimes I’ll add a little sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a dash of smoked paprika for extra flavor punch when serving to guests. A little lemon zest works surprisingly well if you want something fresh to brighten each bite.
Side Dishes
This skillet dish is pretty hearty on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple green salad dressed with tangy vinaigrette or steamed green beans for some crunch and freshness. Garlic bread is a family favorite to round out the meal, especially when we want extra comfort vibes.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like serving this in a rustic cast-iron skillet right at the table—that cozy, homey look always gets compliments. You can also portion it into individual ramekins and sprinkle each with fresh herbs for a charming presentation. I’ve tried topping with toasted breadcrumbs to add a bit of crunch as a fun twist!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to transfer leftovers into airtight containers and keep them in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The noodles soak up more sauce as they sit, so you might want to add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to loosen it back up.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this dish successfully, but I recommend freezing before adding the butter and fresh parsley for best texture. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop, adding butter and herbs fresh at the end.
Reheating
I find reheating gently on the stove with a little splash of chicken broth keeps the sauce creamy without drying out the noodles. Microwave works too—just add a tiny bit of liquid and stir halfway through for even warming.
FAQs
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Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you don’t have rotisserie chicken on hand, you can quickly bake or sauté chicken breasts, dice them up, and add them in when the butter goes in. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked before mixing it into the skillet.
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What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with homemade cream sauce or a mixture of cream cheese and chicken broth to get a similar creamy texture. Another option is to use cream of mushroom soup for a different but delicious flavor twist.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for a dairy-free margarine or olive oil and make sure your cream of chicken soup or alternative is dairy-free as well. Using a dairy-free creamy soup or homemade cashew cream can keep the dish rich without dairy.
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How do I prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom?
Stir the noodles occasionally as they cook to keep them moving and avoid sticking. Also, make sure the liquid level is sufficient for the noodles to cook evenly without drying out.
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Can I add vegetables to this One Pot Chicken and Noodles Skillet Recipe?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like carrots, celery, or broccoli not only boosts nutrition but also adds great texture. I like to add them toward the end of cooking or steam them beforehand so they stay crisp and vibrant.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Chicken and Noodles Skillet Recipe quickly became one of my go-to dinners because it’s simple, satisfying, and feels like a warm little celebration in every bite. If you’re anything like me, you’ll appreciate how it combines speed with that homemade feeling — perfect for busy days or anytime you want comfort food without fuss. So grab your skillet, get your favorite chicken on hand, and give this recipe a try; I promise it’ll soon be a family favorite in your home, just like it is in mine!
