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When I need something cozy that everyone's into, chicken over buttery noodles is my go-to. Juicy chicken sits on top of smooth noodles with a buttery, garlicky, herby sauce. It’s real weeknight comfort. You’ll have dinner done in under thirty minutes.
The first time I threw this together, the simple combo hit every cozy craving I had. Now my family begs me to make it anytime we’re slammed during the week—it always delivers.
Tasty Ingredients
- Boneless chicken thighs or breasts: chop them up small—fresh works best for juicy, tasty bites
- Egg noodles: get the wide kind so they can hold all the sauce, but any pasta will do
- Olive oil: a splash of good extra virgin gives it a boost
- Unsalted butter: adds that classic, rich flavor—save a little for tossing later
- Garlic: chop it fresh to get the most flavor—skip the jarred stuff if you can
- Salt and pepper: spices up everything—taste and tweak as you cook
- Italian herbs (dried): or toss in some basil and parsley for a herby punch
- Shredded Parmesan: for a salty topper—freshly shaved melts best, but optional
- Chopped parsley: sprinkle over for a fresh pop—wait to chop till right before serving
Simple How-To
- Mix & Serve:
- Pour in the noodles and last bit of butter with your buttery garlic sauce right in the skillet. Use tongs to give it all a toss, so the noodles are glossy. Next up, drop in the chicken and mix gently to combine. Taste, then add more salt and pepper if you want. Finish by showering on Parmesan and parsley. Grab bowls while it’s hot and dig in.
- Make the Buttery Sauce:
- Once the chicken is out of your pan, melt a couple tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Drop in your minced garlic and sprinkle in the Italian herbs. Keep it on medium and stir for another minute or two. As soon as you smell that garlicky goodness, you’re set.
- Brown the Chicken:
- Heat up some olive oil in a roomy frying pan. Dry the chicken pieces, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss them in a single layer. Let them sit for three minutes, then flip and cook until the pieces are cooked through—with no pink left. Pop them out onto a plate so they stay juicy.
- Cook the Noodles:
- Fill a big pot with water and toss in plenty of salt. Get it bubbling, then throw in your egg noodles. Stir so they don’t stick and boil until they’re just about cooked, with a tiny bit of bite left. Drain them well and let them rest for now—the timing keeps them from turning mushy later.
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I’m hooked on how garlic and butter mix together with all the herbs here. My kid especially loves rolling the noodles to soak up every bit of that sauce. We’ve whipped this up together on chilly nights, making great memories in the kitchen.
Storing Leftovers
Pop any extras in the fridge and they’ll keep fine for three days. Use a tight lid and gently warm it back up on the stove, adding a splash of water or a dab more butter so it stays saucy. Keep microwaving short, or the noodles and chicken might dry out.
Switch-Up Ideas
Sub in turkey or even tofu if you want it meat-free. Use any pasta you have, though thick egg noodles really soak up the buttery sauce. Out of Italian seasoning? A mix of thyme and a dash of oregano works great too.
Serving Fun
Try this with crispy green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus for some balance. Serving it with garlic bread or a thick slice of crusty bread is perfect to swipe up the last of the sauce.
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History & Tradition
Buttery noodles are a nostalgic classic all over the States. And tossing them with chicken and herbs is a natural next step. Egg noodles especially are big in Midwest and Eastern European American kitchens—making this a blend of old-school comfort and weeknight quickness.
Common Questions
- → Which chicken cut is best here?
Go for boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Just cut 'em up small so they cook nice and even.
- → Can I swap for a different kind of pasta?
You sure can. Egg noodles feel classic, but stuff like penne or fusilli totally works too.
- → How can I boost the butter sauce flavor?
Start by letting garlic and Italian herbs sizzle in your butter before mixing in the noodles. Makes it extra tasty.
- → Any tips to make it more wholesome?
Toss in some greens like spinach or broccoli—fresh or cooked. You’ll get more color and nutrients in every bite.
- → Can I get this ready ahead of time?
Totally! Cook your chicken and noodles earlier, then just heat everything up with the butter sauce when it’s time to eat.
- → Is Parmesan a must here?
Nope, just adds extra cheesy goodness if you want. It’s still awesome even without.