If you are craving a comforting, cozy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is just what you need. Tender, golden-brown chicken breasts pair perfectly with rich, buttery egg noodles soaked in garlic-infused chicken broth, creating a dish that is simple yet utterly satisfying. Every bite delivers a harmony of flavors that are both familiar and deliciously indulgent, making it a go-to favorite for family dinners or anytime you want to feel nurtured by your food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is easier than you think. The ingredients are straightforward and each plays a crucial role in bringing the dish to life, from the juicy chicken breasts to the silky butter that coats the tender noodles.
- Chicken breasts: Choose fresh, boneless breasts for juicy, tender meat.
- Egg noodles (8 oz): Their wide, flat shape holds the buttery sauce beautifully.
- Butter (4 tablespoons): This rich fat is essential for that luscious, silky sauce.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a fragrant, savory depth to the butter sauce.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Provides moisture and a subtle, savory flavor that ties everything together.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate all the flavors.
- Parsley (chopped): A fresh, colorful garnish that brightens the dish.
How to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Perfectly Cook the Egg Noodles
Start by cooking your egg noodles according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt your boiling water generously to season the noodles from within. Once done, drain them and set them aside while you work on the chicken and sauce.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Lightly season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat and add the chicken, cooking it until it develops a beautiful golden crust. Cooking them for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side ensures they are fully cooked but still juicy inside.
Step 3: Rest and Slice the Chicken
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist when sliced. After resting, slice the chicken into inviting pieces ready to top your noodles.
Step 4: Build the Flavorful Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Cooking the garlic until fragrant releases that irresistible aroma which is crucial for this dish’s success. The garlic-infused butter is the foundation of the sauce that coats the noodles.
Step 5: Add the Chicken Broth and Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Use a spatula to scrape up any flavorful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet—these little morsels add depth and richness to the sauce.
Step 6: Toss Noodles in the Sauce
Add the cooked egg noodles back to the skillet and toss everything together to ensure every noodle is glossy and coated with that buttery, garlicky goodness. This step transforms simple noodles into a luxurious base for the chicken.
Step 7: Plate and Garnish
Arrange the sliced chicken over the buttered noodles and sprinkle generously with chopped parsley for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Your Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is now ready to serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is the classic choice, adding a bright, herbal note to balance the richness. You might also consider grated Parmesan cheese to introduce a savory, slightly nutty flavor that complements the buttery noodles and chicken beautifully.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with simple steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans to add a crisp texture and vibrant color to your plate. A light mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette also provides a refreshing contrast, keeping the meal balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For a touch of elegance, serve the chicken and noodles inside a shallow, wide bowl which keeps the sauce contained and visually appealing. Drizzling a little extra melted butter or a squeeze of lemon over the top right before serving can elevate both the look and flavor of this comforting meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken and noodles can be stored together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool the dish completely before sealing the container to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the chicken and noodles separately for up to 2 months. Wrap the chicken tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and store noodles in a freezer-safe bag to preserve texture. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or a small pat of butter to revive the sauce’s silkiness. Avoid microwaving for best results, as the chicken may dry out and the noodles can become mushy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a bit more fat and flavor, making the dish even juicier and richer. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
What type of noodles works best?
Egg noodles are ideal because their wide, flat shape holds the butter sauce well. However, for a twist, you could try pappardelle or fettucine if you want a slightly different texture, but keep to pasta that can carry sauce nicely.
Is this dish gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe, substitute regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta varieties. Also, double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free as some brands use additives containing gluten.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! Swap butter for a dairy-free butter alternative or olive oil, and use a vegan garlic spread for the same rich flavor without dairy. This adjustment keeps the dish tasty and inclusive for those with dietary restrictions.
How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?
Feel free to stir in steamed or sautéed vegetables like peas, spinach, or mushrooms when adding the noodles back into the skillet. This is a great way to boost nutrition and add fresh textures to the meal.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a warm hug after a busy day. Simple, comforting, and downright delicious, it invites you to slow down and savor every bite. I truly hope you give it a try and make it a beloved part of your meal rotation just like I have!
Print
Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This simple and satisfying Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe features tender, pan-seared chicken breasts served atop rich, buttery egg noodles tossed with garlic and chicken broth. Perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner, it combines flavors and textures that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
Noodles and Sauce
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 4 tablespoons butter (total)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
Garnish
- Parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside for later use.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper evenly on both sides.
- Cook Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.
- Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the minced garlic. Cook until the garlic becomes fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to add flavor to the sauce.
- Toss Noodles: Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet, tossing them well to coat them evenly in the garlic butter and broth sauce.
- Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts and serve them over the buttered noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts for easier cooking and slicing.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute some of the chicken broth with white wine.
- To add vegetables, try sautéing mushrooms or spinach in the skillet before adding the garlic.
- Be sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Use fresh parsley for best garnish appearance and taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
