One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Chicken with Buttered Noodles became my total weeknight obsession when life got too busy for complicated meals. I needed a dinner that delivered huge flavor without the massive cleanup. This one-pan wonder saves the day every single time. You cook the juicy chicken right alongside the pasta, so every bite absorbs that rich, savory garlic sauce.

It feels like a warm hug after a long day. My pickiest eater actually asks for seconds, which counts as a major victory in my house. You can skip the sink full of dishes and just enjoy a hearty, homemade meal in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken with Buttered Noodles

This dish checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight meal. Let me tell you why it’s become my family’s favorite and why you’ll keep coming back to it too:

• One pan wonder: From browning the chicken to cooking the noodles, everything happens in the same skillet. Fewer dishes mean more time to enjoy your meal (and let’s be honest, less time scrubbing pots!)
• Ready in under 30 minutes: I’m talking real, actual dinner on the table faster than you can say “takeout.” The noodles cook right in the same flavorful broth as the chicken, soaking up all that goodness.
• Comfort food that actually feeds you: It’s got that cozy, buttery taste we all crave, but with real protein and carbs to keep you full. My kids think they’re getting a treat, and I know they’re eating a balanced meal.
• Endlessly adaptable: Out of parsley? Try thyme. Want some greens? Toss in spinach at the end. This recipe welcomes your personal touch while still being foolproof.

Honestly, the first time I made this, I couldn’t believe something so simple could taste this good. Now I always keep egg noodles in the pantry just in case the craving hits!

Ingredients for Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this simple yet unforgettable dish. I promise these are all ingredients you can find at any grocery store, and some might already be in your kitchen right now:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total), look for even thickness if possible
• 8 oz wide egg noodles, my absolute favorite for holding onto that buttery sauce
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided, trust me, the real stuff makes all the difference here
• 4 cloves garlic, minced, fresh is best, but you can use 1 tsp garlic powder in a pinch
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, I always use this instead of water for extra flavor
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, it adds that perfect pop of color and freshness
• 1 tsp salt, plus more to taste, I like to use kosher salt for even seasoning
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground if you have it

See? Nothing fancy, just good, honest ingredients that work together beautifully. Now let’s turn them into something amazing!

How to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together so easily, but I’ll walk you through each step to make sure your chicken with buttered noodles turns out perfect. The key is timing and that glorious garlic butter sauce. Follow along, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

First things first, grab those chicken breasts and pat them dry with paper towels. This little step makes all the difference for getting that beautiful golden crust. If your chicken breasts are super thick (like some grocery store ones can be), I like to gently pound them to an even thickness between two pieces of plastic wrap.

Just use a meat mallet or even a rolling pin. Even thickness means even cooking, no dry edges with raw centers!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of that glorious butter in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. When it’s nice and hot (you should see little bubbles in the butter), add your chicken.

Don’t move it for about 5 minutes; we want that perfect golden crust to form. Flip and cook another 5 minutes. They won’t be fully cooked yet, but don’t worry, they’ll finish with the noodles!

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Now the magic happens! Reduce the heat to medium and toss in your minced garlic. Stir it around for just about 1 minute; any longer and it might burn, giving a bitter taste. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add your egg noodles, making sure they’re mostly submerged. Cover and let simmer for 8-10 minutes.

The noodles will soak up all that flavorful broth while the chicken finishes cooking to juicy perfection at 165°F.

Step 4: Finish with Butter and Herbs

Take the skillet off the heat. This is where the dish transforms. Stir in those remaining 3 tablespoons of butter until it’s all melted into the most luxurious sauce coating every noodle. Taste and add more salt if needed.

Finally, sprinkle that fresh parsley over top, it makes the whole dish pop with color and freshness. Serve immediately while it’s piping hot!

Tips for Perfect Chicken with Buttered Noodles

After making this dish dozens of times, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “can I have seconds?” amazing. Here’s my best advice for chicken with buttered noodles perfection:

• Fresh parsley makes all the difference: I know dried parsley seems convenient, but trust me, the fresh stuff adds such brightness that it really lifts the whole dish. If you must substitute, try fresh thyme or chives instead.
• Let the chicken rest before slicing. I like to tent mine with foil for 5 minutes after cooking. This lets the juices redistribute so every bite stays moist and tender.
• Season in layers: Start with seasoning the chicken, then taste again after adding the butter at the end. The noodles absorb a lot of flavor, so you might need an extra pinch of salt.
• Watch your garlic: That 1-minute sauté time isn’t just a suggestion! Burnt garlic turns bitter, so keep it moving and don’t walk away.
• Use a meat thermometer: Chicken at exactly 165°F is juicy perfection. Under and it’s unsafe, over and it gets dry. My $10 instant-read thermometer saves meals weekly!

Variations for Chicken with Buttered Noodles

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Don’t have parsley? No problem, fresh thyme or even a sprinkle of rosemary works beautifully.

Feeling fancy? Add a handful of baby spinach or chopped kale when you stir in the butter; it wilts perfectly into the hot noodles. For extra richness, try stirring in a splash of heavy cream or a handful of grated Parmesan at the end.

My neighbor swears by adding mushrooms with the garlic, and sometimes I’ll toss in frozen peas during the last minute of cooking for a pop of color. The possibilities are endless!

Serving Suggestions

This chicken with buttered noodles is hearty enough to stand alone, but I love rounding out the meal with simple sides. A crisp green salad cuts through the richness perfectly. For extra comfort, serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce. Roasted carrots or green beans make great veggie additions too!

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers? No problem! This chicken with buttered noodles keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just pop it in an airtight container. I like to store the noodles with plenty of that delicious sauce to prevent drying out.

When you’re ready to eat again, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen things up. You can microwave it if you’re in a hurry, but the stovetop keeps the texture perfect.

Freezing works too, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The noodles might soften a bit more, but the flavors only get better!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving of this comforting chicken with buttered noodles. Remember, these numbers can vary depending on your specific ingredients and brands. I always say food is about nourishment and joy, not just numbers, but it’s nice to know what you’re enjoying!

• Calories: 495 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 18g

This dish gives you a great balance of protein for energy and satisfaction, with just enough carbs to keep you going. The garlic butter sauce makes it feel indulgent while still being a wholesome meal.

FAQs About Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Comforting Chicken & Noodle Dishes

If the simplicity of One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles appealed to you, these comforting and easy chicken dishes are sure to become weeknight staples.

• Chicken Spinach Alfredo: Creamy, cheesy pasta loaded with tender chicken and nutritious spinach.​
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A fan-favorite creamy chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes.​
• Beef Ramen Noodles: Quick, savory noodles with beef for an easy Asian-inspired dinner.​
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp Pasta: Bright and zesty pasta that comes together fast for a light but satisfying meal.​

Try these fuss-free recipes next for more delicious comfort in a bowl!

Your New Weeknight Staple

Chicken with Buttered Noodles proves that comfort food can be simple. This recipe combines juicy meat and tender pasta in a single pan for maximum flavor. You get a rich, garlicky meal without facing a mountain of dirty dishes later. It truly solves the busy dinner rush with minimal effort.

Make this effortless meal for your family tonight. Please leave a comment below to let me know how much they loved it. Do not forget to follow me on Facebook for more easy one-pan solutions.

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