One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Discover a quick and delicious One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe perfect for busy weeknights and simple family dinners. This comforting dish combines tender, juicy chicken cooked right alongside buttery, tender noodles, creating a flavorful and fuss-free meal that everyone will love. With minimal cleanup and straightforward ingredients, this recipe brings homey satisfaction without the hassle.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Everything cooks in one pan, saving time on both cooking and cleanup.
• Family-Friendly Flavors: Mild, buttery noodles and seasoned chicken appeal to all ages.
• Quick Weeknight Solution: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
• Customizable Ingredients: Easy to modify with your favorite herbs or veggies for personalized tastes.
• Balanced Meal: Protein and carbs come together in one satisfying dish.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple, everyday ingredients come together beautifully to make a wholesome and delicious meal. Each item adds essential flavor, texture, or color to the dish, creating a perfectly balanced plate.

• Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for tender, quick cooking.
• Egg noodles: The buttery noodles soak up the savory juiciness from the chicken, making every bite comforting.
• Butter: Adds richness and smooth, silky flavor to both chicken and noodles.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a fragrant depth that enhances every element.
• Chicken broth: Moistens the noodles and infuses the whole dish with savory goodness.
• Heavy cream or milk: Creates a luscious, creamy sauce coating the noodles.
• Parsley or fresh herbs: A burst of fresh green color and brightness to finish the dish.
• Salt and pepper: Essential basic seasonings to elevate all flavors.

Variations for One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to switch up ingredients to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs without complication.

• Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or peas for a nutritious twist.
• Spicy Kick: Incorporate red pepper flakes or paprika to introduce some heat.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap butter for olive oil and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
• Protein Swap: Try shrimp or turkey slices to change up the main protein.
• Herb Variations: Swap parsley for basil, thyme, or rosemary to alter the flavor profile.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken to the pan. Cook each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 5-7 minutes per side, then remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same pan, add a bit more butter if needed and toss in minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to build the base flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the egg noodles directly to the pan, stirring to prevent sticking. Let the noodles cook until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8-10 minutes.

Step 4: Add Cream and Return Chicken

Once noodles are almost tender, stir in the heavy cream or milk to create a creamy sauce. Place the chicken back on top of the noodles, cover, and let it cook together for a few more minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Check seasoning and adjust salt or pepper as needed before serving.

Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

• Use room temperature chicken: This helps the meat cook evenly without drying out.
• Sear properly: Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure a nice golden crust on the chicken.
• Don’t overcook noodles: Watch closely so they remain tender but firm, avoiding mushiness.
• Layer flavors: Sauté garlic just right to avoid bitterness and maximize aroma.
• Rest after cooking: Let the dish sit covered for a couple of minutes to deepen flavor absorption.

How to Serve One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese adds a bright and savory finish that elevates the dish’s appearance and taste.

Side Dishes

Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for a well-rounded meal that balances creamy richness and fresh crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Plate the chicken atop a nest of buttery noodles, garnishing the edges with herbs or lemon zest for a restaurant-style look that impresses.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 months, though noodles may soften slightly upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of broth or water to revive the creamy texture without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use different types of noodles?

Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic, you can substitute with other pasta like fettuccine, linguine, or even gluten-free options to suit your preference.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply replace butter with olive oil and use coconut milk or an unsweetened plant-based milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Using a meat thermometer is best—the internal temperature should reach 165°F to ensure safe and juicy chicken.

Can I prepare this meal in advance?

You can partially prepare by seasoning and pre-cooking the chicken, then finish cooking the noodles and assemble when ready to eat for convenience.

What are good side dishes to pair with this recipe?

A light salad, roasted vegetables, or steamed greens complement the rich, creamy chicken and noodles beautifully for a balanced plate.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting, easy-to-make meal that requires minimal cleanup while delivering maximum flavor, the One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe is a true winner. Give it a try, and you’ll soon find this dish becoming a favorite in your weekly dinner rotation!

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