Homemade Chicken and Noodles

Below I am sharing with you my great-grandmother’s recipe for homemade chicken and noodles. This hearty and comforting dish has been a family favorite for generations!

I love period dramas. Specifically those that take place anytime before the 1950’s. For example, some of my favorite period movies and shows include Little House on the Prairie, Anne of Green Gables (1985), and Little Women (both 1994 and 2020). Do you enjoy period dramas too? If so, leave me a comment below with your favorites!

But what do period dramas have in common with today’s recipe, you ask…namely chickens! They’re always there. In every single period drama. Free ranging ’round the farm, as well as roaming about the city streets.

Truly I find it fascinating. Because it hints at the ancient relationship between humans and chickens. In fact, records show that humans have raised chickens for meat and eggs for over 2,000 years. My ancestors raised chickens. And yours probably did too. Isn’t it remarkable that, even today, so many of us have chickens in our backyards?

Tips for Making Homemade Chicken and Noodles

• This recipe has quite a few steps. And it can be time consuming. But trust me, it is worth it to do it from scratch! However there are some shortcuts you can take, if you must. First, you can use leftover chicken meat. Second you can use pre-packaged broth. Third you can use store-bought egg noodles. Now, it won’t be the same, but these shortcuts will work in a pinch!

Notes on Ingredients

• Chicken – I use a whole pasture raised chicken. Instead you can use chicken breast or thighs, but be sure to get bone-in.
• Water – Always use purified water as tap water can give off an undesirable flavor.
• Butter – I use grass-fed butter, but any butter will work.
• Flour – All-purpose unbleached or if you need gluten-free you can substitute cornstarch.
• Egg Noodles – Make them fresh if you can! Store-bought is just not the same.
• Potatoes – I think russet potatoes make the nicest mashed potatoes.
• Milk – I use grass-fed whole milk. But you can use whatever you have.
• Salt – I use sea salt for the flavor and mineral content. Use whatever salt you have.

Tools

• Large Stock Pot or Dutch Oven (8 quart)
• Medium Stock Pot
• Small Saucepan or Cast Iron Skillet
• Colander or Strainer
• Large Mixing Bowl
• Measuring cups
• Measuring Spoons

How to Make Homemade Chicken and Noodles

As I mentioned above, there are quite a few steps to this recipe. So, to make it easier, I am going to break it down for you!

To Make The Chicken:

Once you’ve removed any packaging from the chicken, place it into a large stock pot or dutch oven. If it came with giblets, remove them from the cavity. You can add the giblets into the pot to add flavor and nutrients, or you can discard them.

Then cover the chicken with purified water. Next sprinkle in a pinch of salt.

Now bring to a boil. Then reduce to a simmer and cook for about two hours, covered, turning the chicken periodically to ensure it cooks evenly.

While the chicken cooks, prepare the egg noodles (recipe below).

After two hours of cooking, the chicken should be falling off the bone. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. Also set the pot with the broth aside. Once the chicken is cool enough to handle pull the meat off the bones.

To Make the Egg Noodles:

Here is my great-grandmother Hazel’s egg noodle recipe.

Don’t boil the noodles yet, just prepare them.

To Make the Potatoes:

Wash, peel and chop the potatoes. Then place them into a medium stock pot and cover with purified water. Add a sprinkle of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook covered for about 25 minutes.

Next drain the potatoes and place them in a large bowl. Mash with a potato masher (or a fork). Then stir in the milk and butter. Add salt to taste.

Putting it All Together:

Now bring the large stockpot of broth to a boil. Add the chicken meat back into the pot. Also put the egg noodles into the pot to cook – fresh egg noodles take 2-4 minutes to cook, while pre-made egg noodles take 15-20 minutes.

In a glass measuring cup, mix flour or starch with water until there are no lumps. Pour this mixture into the pot and stir until thickened.

To Serve:

I like to serve this dish in a pasta bowl.

First place a scoop of mashed potatoes onto the bottom on the bowl. Then ladle noodles, chicken and gravy on top. Garnish with fresh cracked black pepper and chopped fresh parsley (optional).

Let me know in the comments if you make this recipe.

From my family to yours, enjoy!

If you try this recipe and enjoy it, I would be so grateful if you could come back and give it five stars! And I love to see your pictures of my recipes, so be sure to tag me on Instagram @verityfolkschool.

Pin it For Later