Chicken Buttered Noodles Recipe

Chicken Buttered Noodles is the kind of meal that effortlessly lands in the “regular dinner rotation” category, thanks to its perfect blend of comforting flavors and satisfying textures. Imagine savory, golden-seared chicken nestled among silky buttered noodles, all bathed in a luxuriously creamy sauce brightened with fresh herbs and a kiss of garlic. It’s wonderfully simple, which means every ingredient gets its moment to shine, and every bite delivers pure, old-fashioned comfort. This is the ultimate one-pan wonder you’ll want to share with friends and family again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the true joys of Chicken Buttered Noodles is how just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients can come together so magically. Each is picked for its contribution to flavor, texture, and the cozy, golden hue that makes this dish irresistible.

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, juicy, and quick to cook, chicken breasts soak up all that garlicky butter flavor for protein-rich perfection.
• Egg Noodles: Classic egg noodles offer a plush, springy base that holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully; feel free to swap in other pasta shapes, too.
• Unsalted Butter: The star of the sauce! Butter creates a velvety texture and a rich, golden flavor that binds everything together.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the entire dish with an irresistible aroma and subtle bite.
• Dried Thyme: Lends a gentle, woodsy fragrance that complements both chicken and noodles; fresh thyme brings even brighter herbal notes.
• Dried Parsley: Gives a pop of fresh, green color and a mellow herbiness; use fresh parsley for garnish if you have it.
• Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken to a beautiful golden brown while adding a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
• Chicken Broth: A cup of savory broth builds layers of flavor and keeps the dish perfectly juicy.
• Heavy Cream: Adds creamy decadence to the sauce, elevating every forkful to comfort food heaven.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the delicious flavors.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese (optional): Sprinkling some on top gives a salty, nutty finish that’s simply divine.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Just a pinch adds a subtle kick for those who love a touch of heat.

How to Make Chicken Buttered Noodles

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start with the best foundation: perfectly seasoned chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry and give them a generous sprinkle of salt, cracked black pepper, and thyme on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering, then lay your chicken in the pan. Let each side develop a golden crust—about 5 or 6 minutes per side—while the inside cooks through to juicy tenderness. When done, set the chicken aside to rest while you move on. Resting helps the juices reabsorb, guaranteeing every bite is moist and flavorful.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

While your chicken sizzles, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil (pro tip: extra salt brings more flavor to the noodles). Toss in the egg noodles and cook them until perfectly al dente, following the package’s directions. Drain—making sure to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water to adjust your sauce later if needed—and set the noodles aside.

Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce

Now, let’s build the heart of Chicken Buttered Noodles: the luscious, buttery sauce. Lower the heat on your skillet to medium, then add all that glorious butter. As it melts, scrape up any savory bits left from the chicken (they hold so much flavor!). Stir in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for just a minute, releasing its aroma. Pour in the chicken broth and let everything simmer for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld before swirling in the heavy cream. Let the sauce bubble gently and thicken—it should become elegantly creamy without being overly heavy.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Chicken

Add those warm, drained noodles directly into the buttery sauce, tossing them gently so each strand is coated in the glossy goodness. If your sauce feels a tad thick, a splash of reserved pasta water will do wonders. Now, slice or dice your cooled chicken and return it to the skillet. Give everything another gentle toss, letting the chicken soak up those garlicky, herby flavors.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Taste for seasoning—does it need a final pinch of salt or a crank of black pepper? Shower your Chicken Buttered Noodles with dried (or fresh) parsley for a burst of green, and if you like, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for subtle heat. For the grand finale, offer a generous grate of parmesan over the top before serving hot and fresh.

How to Serve Chicken Buttered Noodles

Garnishes

Freshness and flair go a long way! I love to scatter a handful of roughly chopped parsley right before serving, which makes the whole dish pop with color and adds a fresh finish. Shaving or grating parmesan over the noodles right at the table brings out that savory richness, and a pinch of red pepper flakes gives your Chicken Buttered Noodles a gentle spark of heat for those who prefer it.

Side Dishes

Chicken Buttered Noodles are hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing with a crisp green salad drizzled in lemony vinaigrette is pure perfection. You could also serve with garlicky roasted vegetables (think broccoli or asparagus) or a warm slice of crusty bread for mopping up every last drop of sauce. If you want to keep things especially classic, a tangle of sautéed spinach makes for a wonderful, wholesome companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the noodles high in shallow pasta bowls and finishing with an extra swirl of cream and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. For a dinner party, serve Chicken Buttered Noodles family-style from a big rustic platter—the sight is always a crowd-pleaser! You can even use leftovers to make a quick baked pasta by adding more cheese and broiling until bubbly and golden.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Chicken Buttered Noodles, pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The sauce actually deepens in flavor as it sits, making those reheated bowls just as crave-worthy as the first night. Just be sure to cool everything completely before covering and chilling.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze portions of Chicken Buttered Noodles, though the creamy sauce may separate a bit upon thawing. Place cooled noodles and chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge—it helps preserve texture and flavor better than trying to rush it.

Reheating

To bring your noodles back to life, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. A microwave works as well—just cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Finish with a fresh sprinkle of herbs or cheese to revive that just-cooked appeal!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Although egg noodles are classic for Chicken Buttered Noodles, feel free to substitute with spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne if that’s what you have on hand or prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking times and adjust as needed.

What’s the best way to make this dish lighter?

You can lighten things up by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or simply using more chicken broth for a thinner, less creamy sauce. Skinless chicken thighs also make a nice lean swap for the breast.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Try stirring in baby spinach, steamed broccoli florets, or peas in the final step for extra color and nutrients. The creamy, herby sauce pairs well with almost any seasonal veggie.

How do I avoid overcooking the chicken?

Sear chicken over medium-high heat just until golden and cooked through, using a meat thermometer (165°F/75°C) for accuracy. Letting the chicken rest briefly before slicing keeps it juicy and tender.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Chicken Buttered Noodles can easily be made gluten-free—simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure the chicken broth you use is gluten-free as well. The creamy, buttery sauce works wonders with all sorts of pasta!

Final Thoughts

There’s something irresistibly special about a bowl of Chicken Buttered Noodles—it’s warm, inviting, and always hits the spot. If you’re craving a fuss-free dinner that still feels like a treat, give this recipe a try and don’t be surprised when it becomes your new go-to comfort meal!

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