One-Pan Chicken Buttered Noodles

This one-pan chicken with buttered noodles recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and straightforward. Its rich buttery flavor and tender chicken come together in a single skillet, making cleanup easy and dinner quick.

I first made this on a hectic evening when I needed a fuss-free meal. It quickly became a go-to because it tastes like a warm hug but takes almost no effort.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts: offer lean protein and cook evenly, look for fresh, plump pieces without any gray spots
• Egg noodles: soak up the broth and butter beautifully, choose fresh or dried without any cracks or clumps
• Real butter: is essential for richness and a silky sauce, avoid spreads or margarine for best flavor
• Garlic: adds aromatic depth, fresh minced garlic delivers the best punch rather than powder
• Low-sodium chicken broth: controls salt balance and enhances moisture, homemade or a good quality store brand works well
• Fresh parsley: brightens the final dish with a pop of color and freshness, pick vibrant green leaves without wilting

Instructions

Prep The Ingredients:

Begin by mincing the garlic finely and chopping parsley. If you want to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, have them ready now.

Sear The Chicken:

Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken breasts carefully and cook for five minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Season generously with salt and pepper as it cooks to build flavor into the meat.

Sauté Garlic:

Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the pan. Cook for about one minute, stirring constantly to avoid burning. This step infuses the butter with garlicky aroma, forming a key part of the flavor base.

Add Broth And Noodles:

Pour in two cups of chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Add the egg noodles and reduce heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes until the noodles reach al dente texture, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Finish With Butter And Parsley:

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining three tablespoons of butter until melted and velvety. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a fresh contrast and serve immediately.

Butter is my secret weapon here, it binds everything together and turns simple ingredients into comfort food gold. I remember making this for my family on a snowy night and how the warm buttery sauce had everyone asking for seconds.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving directly without adding liquid as the noodles can turn dry or mushy. This dish tastes best within four days of cooking for freshness and texture.

Ingredient Swaps

Chicken thighs can replace breasts if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut, adjust cooking time slightly. Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs but check for pasta thickness to match suggested timing. Add vegetables like peas or spinach at the end of cooking for extra nutrition and color.

Serving Ideas

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of steamed broccoli or roasted carrots pairs nicely for added veggies. Grate some Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of savory goodness.

For questions about adapting this recipe or cooking tips, I’m always happy to share more ideas to help this meal become a regular on your table.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How do I prevent chicken from drying out during cooking?

Ensure you sear the chicken over medium-high heat until golden on each side, then simmer gently with broth to keep it moist and tender.

→ Can I use other types of noodles for this dish?

Yes, while egg noodles work best for texture, you can substitute with pasta varieties like fettuccine or linguine if preferred.

→ Is it necessary to use fresh parsley?

Fresh parsley adds a bright, herbal note at the end, but dried parsley can be used in a pinch with less vibrant flavor.

→ How long should I simmer the noodles in broth?

Simmer the noodles for 8 to 10 minutes until they are al dente and have absorbed the savory broth flavors.

→ What can I add to boost flavor without overpowering the dish?

Consider adding a splash of white wine or a pinch of crushed red pepper for subtle depth without overwhelming the buttery garlic base.