Print

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

A quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender, juicy chicken cooked alongside buttery egg noodles in a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly dish combines rich flavors, minimal cleanup, and simple ingredients for a satisfying and balanced dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Noodles & Dairy

  • 8 oz egg noodles
  • 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk

Flavorings & Liquids

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (or other fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper. Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F, about 5-7 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter if needed. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned to build the base flavor.
  3. Cook the Noodles: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it 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.
  4. Add Cream and Return Chicken: When the noodles are almost tender, stir in the heavy cream or milk to create a creamy sauce. Place the cooked chicken back on top of the noodles, cover the pan, and let it cook together for a few more minutes to combine the flavors.
  5. Finish and Garnish: Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or your choice of herbs over the dish. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and prevent drying out.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken to get a nice golden crust.
  • Watch the noodles carefully to avoid overcooking; they should be tender but still firm.
  • Sauté garlic just until fragrant to prevent bitterness and maximize aroma.
  • Allow the dish to rest covered for a couple of minutes after cooking to deepen flavor absorption.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pan chicken, buttered noodles, quick dinner, family-friendly, creamy chicken, easy weeknight meal, skillet recipe