Ingredients:
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 3 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon Cold Water
- 1/2 teaspoon Fine Sea Salt
- 5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (trimmed and cubed 1-inch pieces)
- 3 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 large Yellow Onion (finely diced)
- 2 medium Carrots (peeled and diced)
- 2 stalks Celery Stalks (diced)
- 4 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 6 cups Chicken Stock (low sodium, high quality)
- 4 sprigs Fresh Thyme (whole sprigs)
- 2 large Bay Leaves
- 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (Double Cream in the UK)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Kosher Salt and Black Pepper (To taste)
Instructions:
- Combine Dough Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour and salt. Create a well in the center and crack in the three eggs and the cold water.
- Form Dough: Using a fork, gradually incorporate the flour into the wet ingredients until a shaggy dough forms. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Knead: Knead vigorously for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. It should be stiff, not sticky.
- Rest: Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest at room temperature for a minimum of 30 minutes. (This relaxes the gluten, making it easier to roll.)
- Sear the Chicken: Pat the cubed chicken thighs dry and season generously. Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken in batches until deeply golden brown on all sides. Remove chicken and set aside; reserve the cooking fats in the pot.
- Sauté Aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion, carrots, and celery. Cook gently for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and the onions are translucent.
- Create the Roux: Sprinkle the 4 tablespoons of flour over the vegetables. Stir constantly for 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste (this is your roux).
- Deglaze and Simmer: Slowly whisk in the cold chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pot. Add the bay leaves and thyme sprigs. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer.
- Cook the Chicken: Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot. Cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fork-tender.
- Roll the Noodles: Divide the rested dough into two equal portions. On a lightly floured surface, roll one portion out very thinly (about 1/8 inch or 3 mm).
- Cut the Noodles: Dust the dough with flour and roll it up loosely like a scroll. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the scroll into 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick ribbons. Gently unroll and dust the noodles with more flour to prevent sticking. Repeat with the second dough portion.
- Remove Aromatics and Adjust Liquid: Remove and discard the bay leaves and thyme sprigs from the stew. The broth should be nicely thickened. Bring the stew to a gentle, steady simmer.
- Add and Cook Noodles: Drop the fresh noodles into the simmering stew a handful at a time. Stir gently. Simmer uncovered for 5–8 minutes, or until the noodles are plump, chewy, and cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the heavy cream and perform a final seasoning check (salt and pepper). Heat through gently for 1 minute—do not boil once the cream is added. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.