There’s something undeniably comforting about a one-pan meal, especially when it features tender chicken and buttery noodles. This Easy One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles has become one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights. It captures everything I love about home cooking: simplicity, flavor, and that warm, inviting feeling that fills the kitchen. With just a handful of ingredients, this dish manages to please even the pickiest eaters at my table. Plus, who doesn’t appreciate minimal cleanup after a long day?
Why you’ll love this dish
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. Perfectly seasoned chicken breasts lay atop a bed of silky egg noodles, all coated in a rich, buttery sauce. Here are a few reasons why you’ll want to add this to your rotation:
- Quick and Easy: In about 30 minutes, you can have a hearty dinner ready. It’s the ideal solution for busy weeknights when you crave something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Budget-Friendly: With just a few affordable ingredients, this dish is easy on the wallet—perfect for families without sacrificing flavor.
- Kid-Approved: Trust me; kids love it! The soft noodles and mild flavors make it a hit, and you might even find them going back for seconds.
- Versatile: You can easily tweak the seasonings or add your favorite vegetables. The basic concept remains the same, but the possibilities are endless.
“This dish became an instant family favorite! It’s simple yet so delicious. Even my picky eater devoured every last bite.” – A fellow home cook
Step-by-step overview
Creating this dish is a breeze. Here’s how it all comes together:
- Sear your chicken in a buttery skillet until golden brown.
- Cook the egg noodles in the same pan, soaking up all that savory flavor.
- Toss everything together, let the noodles absorb that buttery broth, and voila!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforwardness—perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs looking for a quick meal.
What you’ll need
To get started, gather these ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz egg noodles (feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups chicken broth (homemade or store-bought works fine)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional but adds a lovely pop of color)
Tip: You can switch garlic powder for fresh minced garlic for an extra punch of flavor!
Step-by-step instructions
Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to prepare this delightful dish:
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are tender yet al dente, soaking in all those lovely flavors.
Once the noodles are ready, return the chicken to the pan. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and gently toss everything until well combined. The noodles should be coated in a glorious buttery sheen now!
Garnish with chopped parsley for that fresh finish, and serve warm, maybe with a sprinkle of parmesan if you’re feeling adventurous.
Best ways to enjoy it
To make this dish even more enjoyable, try these serving suggestions:
- With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken and noodles beautifully.
- Garlic Bread: Because who can resist a bit of garlic bread? It’s perfect for soaking up the delicious butter sauce.
- Family Style: Serve the chicken and noodles in the skillet right at the table for a rustic, communal feel.
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers, if you have any, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to keep the noodles moist. Simply warm it on the stovetop over a low heat, stirring gently.
If you think you might want to freeze leftovers, try to do so within one day of cooking. Portion it out in freezer-safe containers, and it should last up to three months. To reheat, allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge and then heat gently to avoid mushy noodles.
Helpful cooking tips
- Pound the Chicken: To ensure even cooking, consider pounding the chicken breasts to a uniform thickness before seasoning. This helps them cook through without drying out.
- Don’t Skip the Soups: The chicken broth is crucial. It infuses the noodles with flavor and creates a delicious sauce. Go with low-sodium to control your salt intake.
- Butter is Key: Quality butter can elevate this dish. Try using unsalted butter to better control the seasoning.
Creative twists
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! Here are some variations to try:
- Vegetable Boost: Add in some frozen peas, broccoli, or spinach when you cook the noodles for added nutrition.
- Different Proteins: Swap chicken for turkey or even some sautéed shrimp if seafood is more your style.
- Spice it Up: Toss in some crushed red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like thyme or basil for a different flavor profile.
Common questions
How long does preparation and cooking take?
Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking takes about 20, making it a total of 30 minutes.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, though cooking times may vary slightly.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well! Just be sure to store it in freezer-safe containers and thaw properly before reheating.
If you’re on the lookout for a quick dinner that brings warmth to the table, look no further. This easy one-pan wonder will quickly become a staple in your meal lineup!
Easy One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender yet al dente.
- Once the noodles are ready, return the chicken to the pan and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.
- Gently toss everything until well combined, coating the noodles in a buttery sheen.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm, optionally with a sprinkle of parmesan.