After a particularly hectic day, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a warm, homemade meal. Imagine strolling into your kitchen and inhaling the rich aroma of garlic sizzling in butter, while tender chicken rests just waiting to be savored. That’s how I stumbled upon this simple yet satisfying recipe for Chicken with Buttered Noodles, and it quickly became a staple in my weeknight rotation.
This dish brings together juicy chicken and buttery noodles, creating a harmony of flavors that’s both filling and comforting. With its incredible versatility, you can easily tailor it to your taste by swapping out different types of noodles or adding a pop of veggies. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply want a cozy meal for yourself, this easy recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into the kitchen and whip up a dish that guarantees a happy heart and a full belly!
Why Buttered Noodles & Chicken Matter?
Comforting, Quick Meal: This Buttered Noodles & Chicken recipe delivers a warm hug in every bite, making it a perfect weeknight dinner solution.
Versatile Ingredients: With the option to customize noodle types and add veggies, you can easily make it your own.
Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will heartily enjoy this dish, ensuring it becomes a household favorite.
Time-Saving Delight: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for those busy evenings.
Flavorful Guarantee: The savory combination of garlic and butter enhances the juicy chicken, creating a deliciously satisfying experience.
Explore other comforting meals in your dinner rotation for more delightful options!
Buttered Noodles & Chicken Ingredients
For the Chicken
• Chicken Breasts – Choose boneless, skinless for a quick and easy preparation that cooks evenly.
• Olive Oil – Use it for cooking the chicken, ensuring it stays moist and flavorful.
• Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings that elevate the taste of the chicken; don’t skimp on this!
• Dried Thyme – Adds a lovely herbal note; feel free to substitute with oregano or Italian seasoning if preferred.
For the Noodles
• Egg Noodles – The base of your dish, but any pasta will do; consider spaghetti or gluten-free options for variety.
• Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and that signature buttery flavor that coats the noodles perfectly.
• Garlic (minced) – Adds a fragrant essence; you can omit it if you prefer a milder taste.
For Toppings
• Parmesan Cheese – Sprinkle this on top for a savory kick; substitute with Pecorino Romano for a stronger flavor.
• Fresh Parsley – Chopped for a pop of color and fresh taste; enhances the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Embrace the comfort of these Buttered Noodles & Chicken ingredients and prepare to delight in a warm, homemade meal!
How to Make Buttered Noodles & Chicken
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Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 7-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare the Chicken: Season your boneless, skinless chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
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Make the Buttered Noodles: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add a generous knob of unsalted butter. Once melted, include the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the drained noodles, tossing to coat them in the butter, adding a splash of reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a glossy texture.
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Assemble and Serve: Divide the buttery noodles onto plates, placing the sliced chicken on top. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for an extra touch of flavor and color.
Optional: For a delightful crunch, add toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds on top before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Buttered Noodles & Chicken are a fantastic meal prep solution for those busy weeknights! You can cook the chicken and noodles separately up to 24 hours in advance. Just season and cook your chicken, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain its juiciness. Similarly, prepare the buttered noodles and toss them lightly in a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chicken and noodles in a skillet over low heat with a splash of reserved pasta water for that creamy, glossy finish. This way, you’ll have a comforting dinner ready in no time, just as delicious as if made fresh!
What to Serve with Chicken with Buttered Noodles?
Enhance your homemade meal with delightful sides that perfectly balance the creamy, buttery goodness.
- Garlic Bread: The crispy, buttery texture complements the dish while adding a welcome crunch. It’s the perfect counterpart for soaking up extra sauce.
- Sautéed Spinach: With its mild flavor and vibrant green color, this nutritious side adds freshness and a pop of color to the plate.
- Steamed Broccoli: Tender and bright, broccoli introduces a healthy crunch that counters the richness of the noodles, creating a harmonious meal.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine with tangy dressing offers a refreshing bite, making it an ideal foil to the comforting, creamy noodles and chicken.
- Roasted Carrots: Their natural sweetness adds a lovely contrast, while caramelization enhances their flavor, elevating your dinner to the next level.
- Lemonade or Iced Tea: A chilled drink provides a refreshing zing, perfectly complementing the warmth of the buttered noodles and chicken.
- Chocolate Chip Cookies: For dessert, these classic treats carry nostalgia and sweetness, putting a perfect cherry on top of your meal.
- Apple Crisp: This warm dessert perfectly balances the savory dish, bringing a delightful crunch and sweetness to end your evening on a high note.
- Fruit Salad: Light and refreshing, this colorful mix serves as a palate cleanser, leaving everyone feeling satisfied but not overly full.
Storage Tips for Buttered Noodles & Chicken
Fridge: Store leftover buttered noodles and chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days to keep them fresh and flavorful.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or a little butter to restore moisture in the noodles.
Room Temperature: Do not leave leftovers out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety and maintain taste.
Buttered Noodles Variations
Let your creativity flow and transform this dish into something uniquely yours!
- Vegetable Boost: Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas for a nutritious color punch and extra flair.
- Creamy Twist: Stir in a splash of heavy cream to the buttered noodles for a rich, indulgent taste. Nice and silky, this variation makes the dish even more comforting!
- Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat level for spice lovers. Transform your meal into a fiery delight!
- Herb-Infused: Swap out dried thyme for fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. Their aromatic qualities elevate the whole dish!
- Rotisserie Chicken: Replace fresh chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option, perfect for busy nights. This shortcut offers a delightful burst of flavor with minimal effort!
- Gluten-Free Noodles: Substitute with gluten-free pasta to cater to dietary needs without sacrificing taste or texture. A great option for those avoiding gluten!
- Cheesy Delight: Mix in a blend of shredded cheeses, like mozzarella or cheddar, for a gooey, cheesy twist. Melted cheese adds creaminess and an irresistible flavor!
- Citrus Zest: Add a splash of lemon juice or zest before serving for a refreshing zing that brightens the dish. This little touch brings a joyful brightness to every bite!
Expert Tips for Buttered Noodles & Chicken
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: Make sure to cook the noodles al dente for the perfect bite; overcooking can lead to mushy textures in your Buttered Noodles & Chicken.
- Rest Chicken Well: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful.
- Store Leftovers Properly: Keep leftover noodles and chicken in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently to prevent drying out.
- Add Veggies for Nutrition: Incorporate steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas to provide a nutritious twist and vibrant color to your dish.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the buttered noodles and adjust seasoning if needed; a little extra salt or cheese can elevate the flavor profile.
Buttered Noodles & Chicken Recipe FAQs
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and juicy results. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor; just adjust the cooking time as thighs may take a little longer to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
How should I store leftovers?
After enjoying your delicious buttered noodles & chicken, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the texture, I suggest reheating them gently on low heat and adding a splash of pasta water or a little butter to restore moisture.
Can I freeze buttered noodles & chicken?
Absolutely! You can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Just let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw the dish in the fridge overnight. Reheat it slowly on low heat, adding a bit of water or butter to ensure that the noodles remain moist.
What should I do if my chicken turns out dry?
If your chicken is on the dry side, you can remedy it by slicing it thinly and tossing it in a bit of extra melted butter or olive oil to add back some moisture. For next time, be sure to watch the cooking time closely, as overcooking can often lead to dryness.
Can I modify this recipe to accommodate dietary restrictions?
Definitely! This recipe is easy to adapt. For those who are gluten-sensitive, simply swap the egg noodles for a gluten-free pasta option. Additionally, you can substitute the chicken with plant-based alternatives like tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option that still delivers on flavor.
What if my noodles are too sticky?
If you find your noodles are clumping together, it’s likely they weren’t drained well enough. To prevent sticky noodles in the future, make sure to rinse them under cold water after draining, which helps to remove excess starch. You can also toss them with a little olive oil after cooking to keep them separate.
Buttered Noodles & Chicken: Your Go-To Comfort Dish Tonight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 7-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest before slicing.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to low, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add drained noodles, tossing to coat in the butter, adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Divide the noodles onto plates and top with sliced chicken. Garnish with Parmesan cheese and parsley.