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Chicken & Southern-Style Noodles: A Taste of Home

The aroma alone takes me back. I remember standing on a stool in my grandmother’s kitchen, mesmerized as she deftly rolled out dough for noodles, her hands dusted with flour, a gentle smile on her face. The comforting scent of simmering chicken mingled with the sweet earthiness of carrots and celery, creating a symphony of flavors that promised a warm and satisfying meal. This recipe, inspired by those cherished memories, is more than just a dish; it’s a hug in a bowl, a taste of Southern hospitality that I’m excited to share with you.

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 10
Yield: 10 bowls
Dietary Type: Comfort Food

Ingredients

2 bone-in skin-on chicken breasts
20 baby carrots
3 celery ribs
1 whole sweet onion
2 tablespoons real butter
1/2 teaspoon basil
6 cups chicken broth
5 cups water
1/2 teaspoon parsley
4 eggs
2 pinches salt
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/4 cup shortening
1/2 cup water
2 cups flour
5 cups chicken broth
2 cups water
3 cups flour
2 tablespoons cornstarch
2 tablespoons ice cold water
1 teaspoon onion powder

Equipment Needed

Large stock pot
Large mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Pizza cutter
Small dish

Instructions

Begin by preparing your vegetables. Dice the celery, carrots, and onion into evenly sized pieces. Place these diced vegetables in a large stock pot.
Add the chicken breasts, 6 cups of chicken broth, 5 cups of water, 1/2 teaspoon of basil, salt and pepper to taste, and 2 tablespoons of real butter to the stock pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-high. Let it boil gently for 1 1/2 hours. This will cook the chicken and create a flavorful broth base.
While the chicken is simmering, it’s time to make the noodles. In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of parsley, 4 eggs, 2 pinches of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper, and 1/4 cup of shortening. Stir the ingredients together until a dough starts to form.
Once the dough begins to come together, flour both of your hands and begin to knead it. Gradually add additional flour, a little at a time, until the dough no longer sticks to your hands. You want a smooth, elastic dough that is easy to work with.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Using a floured rolling pin, roll out the dough to a thickness of approximately 1/8 inch. Try to maintain a consistent thickness for even cooking.
Using a pizza cutter, cut the rolled-out dough into thin strips, about 1 to 1 1/2 inches long. These will be your noodles.
Lightly dust the freshly cut noodles with flour to prevent them from sticking together.
Sprinkle the noodles with 1 teaspoon of onion powder for added flavor.
Cover the noodles with paper towels and let them dry for about 30 minutes. This drying process helps them hold their shape during cooking.
After the chicken has cooked for 1 1/2 hours, remove it from the pot and let it cool slightly. Once cool enough to handle, de-bone and shred the chicken using two forks.
Add the shredded chicken back to the stock pot and bring the mixture back to a boil.
Add the additional 5 cups of chicken broth and 2 cups of water to the pot and bring it back up to a rolling boil.
Add the noodles to the pot one at a time, quickly, to prevent them from clumping together.
In a small dish, mix the 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of ice cold water to create a slurry. This slurry will help to thicken the broth.
Add the cornstarch slurry to the stock pot and stir well to combine.
Stir the noodles every couple of minutes to prevent them from sticking to each other. Cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and the broth has thickened.
To test for doneness, take one noodle out and taste it. The noodle should be firm to the bite and have less of a floury taste. If it’s still too soft or tastes strongly of flour, continue cooking for a few more minutes.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Broth Boost: For an even richer chicken flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock. It makes a world of difference!
Noodle Thickness: The 1/8-inch thickness is just a guideline. Thicker noodles will take longer to cook, while thinner noodles will cook more quickly. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs to customize the flavor profile. Thyme, rosemary, or a bay leaf added during the simmering process can add depth and complexity. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving.
Make Ahead: The chicken and broth base can be made a day in advance. Simply shred the chicken, store it separately, and refrigerate the broth. Reheat the broth, add the chicken, and proceed with the noodle-making process.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve your Chicken & Southern-Style Noodles hot, ladled into bowls. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream, if desired. This dish is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the noodles over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent them from drying out. While freezing is possible, the texture of the noodles may change slightly upon thawing.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	435 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	127 g	29%
Total Fat	14.2 g	21%
Saturated Fat	4.7 g	23%
Cholesterol	99.1 mg	33%
Sodium	951.9 mg	39%
Total Carbohydrate	53.6 g	17%
Dietary Fiber	2.7 g	10%
Sugars	2.7 g	N/A
Protein	20.8 g	41%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free Noodles: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Be sure to follow the blend’s instructions for best results.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with vegetable broth and add hearty vegetables like potatoes, parsnips, or turnips for a vegetarian version.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the broth for a touch of heat.
Creamy Noodles: Stir in a dollop of heavy cream or cream cheese towards the end of the cooking time for a richer, creamier texture.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

A: Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add even more flavor to the broth. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs tend to take a bit longer to cook than breasts.

Q: Can I make the noodles ahead of time and store them?

A: Yes, you can make the noodles a few hours in advance. However, be sure to dust them generously with flour and store them in a single layer to prevent them from sticking together.

Q: What if my noodles are sticking together while cooking?

A: Make sure you’re adding the noodles to the boiling broth one at a time and stirring frequently. If they still stick, try adding a tablespoon of oil to the broth.

Q: My broth is too thin. How can I thicken it?

A: This recipe uses a cornstarch slurry for thickening, but if you find it’s still too thin, you can mix another tablespoon of cornstarch with cold water and add it to the pot. Alternatively, you can let the noodles simmer for a longer period of time to allow the broth to reduce naturally.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like peas, green beans, or corn to customize the flavor and nutritional value of the dish. Add them during the last 15 minutes of cooking to prevent them from becoming overcooked.

Final Thoughts

Chicken & Southern-Style Noodles is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s about the comforting aroma filling your kitchen, the satisfaction of creating something delicious from scratch, and the joy of sharing a heartwarming meal with loved ones. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on this culinary adventure. I’m confident that this dish will become a cherished favorite in your home, just as it has been in mine for generations. Don’t hesitate to leave a comment and let me know how your Chicken & Noodles turn out. Pair this with a simple side salad, and you’ll have a meal that everyone will love!

Chicken & Southern-Style Noodles Recipe