One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

If you’re craving a comforting dinner that comes together effortlessly, this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe is a must-try. It combines tender, juicy chicken with rich, buttery noodles all cooked in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something hearty, flavorful, and satisfying, this dish turns simple ingredients into a soulful meal everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe uses just one pan, saving you time in both cooking and cleanup.
• Comfort Food Magic: The buttery noodles paired with savory chicken create a cozy, homey flavor.
• Family-Friendly: Mild and delicious, it pleases even picky eaters with its familiar ingredients.
• Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples that are simple but combine to produce an amazing taste.
• Customizable: You can easily swap herbs, veggies, or seasonings to match your mood.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is its simplicity — just a handful of ingredients come together to create a rich flavor and satisfying texture. Each one plays a crucial role, from juicy chicken breasts to tender noodles perfectly coated in butter and herbs.

• Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless pieces for juicy, tender protein that cooks evenly.
• Egg noodles: These cook quickly and soak up the buttery sauce beautifully for a silky finish.
• Butter: Adds richness and a creamy texture that makes the noodles irresistible.
• Chicken broth: Provides depth of flavor and moisture to cook the noodles directly in the pan.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic offers an aromatic lift that enhances the savory chicken.
• Fresh parsley: Adds color and a mild herbal brightness to balance the richness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together perfectly.

Variations for One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable whether you want to boost nutrition, adjust flavors, or cater to dietary needs. Feel free to experiment and make it your own with these easy swaps and additions.

• Vegetable boost: Toss in spinach, peas, or diced bell peppers for extra color and nutrients.
• Cheesy twist: Stir in parmesan or cheddar cheese at the end for creamy indulgence.
• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to wake up the flavors.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta to enjoy this meal without compromise.
• Herb variations: Swap parsley for thyme, basil, or rosemary to tweak the aroma.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Heat half of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and sear the chicken until golden on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side. Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. This step creates a flavorful base that infuses the entire dish.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Add the egg noodles directly to the pan along with the chicken broth. Stir well to combine, making sure the noodles are submerged in the liquid. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let simmer for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and most of the broth is absorbed.

Step 4: Combine Chicken and Finish

Place the cooked chicken breasts back on top of the noodles, cover the skillet again, and cook for another 2-3 minutes to marry the flavors and warm the chicken. Finally, sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for a burst of color and freshness.

Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

• Don’t rush the sear: Give the chicken time to form a golden crust for maximum flavor and moisture retention.
• Use fresh garlic: It makes a world of difference compared to powdered garlic in aroma and taste.
• Keep noodles submerged: Stirring occasionally prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
• Adjust broth quantity: Add a little more broth if the noodles absorb too quickly before cooking through.
• Rest before serving: Cover and let the dish sit off heat for a few minutes to allow flavors to meld.

How to Serve One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Garnishes

Finishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives adds a fresh, vibrant note and a pop of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This meal pairs beautifully with simple steamed veggies like green beans or roasted carrots, which add a crunchy contrast and brighten the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken sliced over a bed of noodles on a large platter for family-style sharing or create individual portions in shallow bowls garnished with lemon zest to brighten the buttery richness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftover One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles into an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it great for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

While noodles can sometimes become mushy after freezing, if needed, freeze the dish in portions without the fresh parsley and reheat gently to enjoy later.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture, stirring occasionally until warmed through without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.

Is egg noodle the only pasta that works?

Egg noodles are preferred for their quick cooking and texture, but you can substitute with fusilli, penne, or even small shells if needed, just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Can this recipe be made dairy-free?

Yes, swap the butter for olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, and the dish will remain deliciously rich and satisfying.

How can I make this meal more filling?

Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or peas to the pan while cooking for added fiber and nutrients that bulk up the dish.

What sides complement this recipe best?

Simple green salads, roasted vegetables, or steamed broccoli provide fresh, crisp contrast without overpowering the buttery noodles and tender chicken.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe is a game-changer for anyone wanting a fuss-free dinner that feels like a warm hug. Easy to customize and super satisfying, it’s perfect for cozy nights when you want the comforts of home cooking without the mess. Give it a go—you might just find your new favorite weeknight staple!

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