**Introduction**
The Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet is a delicious and hearty one-pan dish that combines the comforting flavors of a traditional chicken pot pie with the ease of a skillet meal. Perfect for a busy weeknight or a cozy family dinner, this dish is an inventive twist on a classic comfort food, offering all the rich, creamy, and savory flavors you’d expect from a pot pie—without the hassle of a crust. Instead, it incorporates tender noodles, chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce that will keep you coming back for more.
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**Origin and Cultural Significance**
The chicken pot pie is a beloved American comfort food, with origins that trace back to European savory pies. Its exact origins are hard to pinpoint, but it is often associated with British and French culinary traditions, where pies made with savory fillings were popular. The American version became a staple in households across the country, especially during the mid-20th century when convenience foods like canned cream soups became common. The Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet is a modern, simplified variation that retains the dish’s heartiness and comforting appeal, all while adapting to contemporary preferences for easier, quicker meals.
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**Ingredients Quantity**
– **Chicken Breast or Thighs**: 2 medium chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cooked and diced (or rotisserie chicken as a shortcut)
– **Egg Noodles**: 8 oz (about 2 cups)
– **Frozen Mixed Vegetables**: 1 ½ cups (peas, carrots, corn, or your preferred mix)
– **Butter**: 2 tbsp
– **Garlic**: 2 cloves, minced
– **Onion**: 1 small onion, diced
– **All-purpose Flour**: 2 tbsp (for thickening)
– **Chicken Broth**: 2 cups
– **Heavy Cream**: 1 cup (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
– **Salt and Pepper**: to taste
– **Dried Thyme**: 1 tsp (optional, but adds a wonderful depth of flavor)
– **Cheddar Cheese**: ½ cup, shredded (optional for extra creaminess)
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**Optional Additions**
– **Parmesan Cheese**: Add ¼ cup for a cheesy crust on top.
– **Green Beans**: Use in place of some of the frozen vegetables.
– **Fresh Herbs**: Thyme, rosemary, or parsley can be used to elevate the flavor.
– **Hot Sauce or Red Pepper Flakes**: For a little heat and extra flavor.
– **Frozen Pearl Onions**: Can add a sweet, oniony flavor to the dish.
– **Cream Cheese**: Add a tablespoon for an even creamier sauce.
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**Tips for Success**
1. **Pre-cooked Chicken**: Using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken cuts down on prep time. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced before adding it to the skillet.
2. **Don’t Overcook the Noodles**: Since the noodles will cook in the skillet sauce, make sure they’re slightly underdone when you add them, as they will absorb liquid and soften further.
3. **Season to Taste**: Chicken pot pie flavor is rich and savory, so don’t hesitate to adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs like thyme or rosemary to match your preferences.
4. **Thickness Control**: If your sauce is too thick, just add more chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to thicken up.
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**Instructions**
1. **Cook the Noodles**: In a large pot, cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. **Prepare the Skillet**: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
3. **Make the Sauce**: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic, stirring well to coat. Cook for about 1 minute to form a roux (this thickens the sauce).
4. **Add Broth and Cream**: Slowly add the chicken broth while stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Stir in the cream, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. **Combine the Chicken and Veggies**: Add the cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Stir until everything is well combined and heated through.
6. **Add the Noodles**: Stir in the cooked noodles, making sure they’re evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Let everything cook together for another 3-5 minutes until the noodles are heated through.
7. **Optional Cheese**: For a cheesy finish, sprinkle shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese on top and cover the skillet for a couple of minutes until melted.
8. **Serve**: Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve hot.
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**Description**
This Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet is a warm, comforting meal that combines all the best elements of a traditional chicken pot pie—creamy filling, tender chicken, and a mix of vegetables—served with noodles for an extra heartiness. The rich sauce is made from a simple roux of butter and flour, combined with chicken broth and heavy cream to create a velvety texture. Whether you make it on a busy weeknight or as a special meal for your family, this dish offers both convenience and satisfaction in every bite.
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**Nutritional Information (per serving, approximately 4 servings)**
– **Calories**: 550
– **Protein**: 30g
– **Carbohydrates**: 48g
– **Fiber**: 3g
– **Sugars**: 6g
– **Fat**: 30g
– **Saturated Fat**: 14g
– **Cholesterol**: 95mg
– **Sodium**: 800mg
– **Calcium**: 150mg
– **Iron**: 2.5mg
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**Conclusion**
The Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet is an irresistible dish that combines the flavors and comfort of a classic chicken pot pie with the convenience of a one-pan meal. It’s creamy, filling, and easy to make, and it can be customized to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Whether you choose to use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option or make everything from scratch, it’s a meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to the table.
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**Recommendation and Embracing Healthful Indulgence**
While this dish is rich and indulgent, there are ways to lighten it up without sacrificing flavor. You can swap out some of the heavy cream for milk or half-and-half, and use whole wheat noodles for added fiber. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, you can use a leaner cut of chicken, like chicken breast, and reduce the amount of butter. This Chicken Pot Pie Noodle Skillet embraces the idea of healthful indulgence by offering a comforting, satisfying meal that’s easy to adjust according to your dietary goals. Enjoy in moderation and savor the warm flavors that make this dish a true family favorite!