Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe

Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the ultimate comfort meal: juicy bites of seasoned chicken mingling with luscious, buttery noodles, all finished with a shower of fresh herbs and Parmesan. This beloved dish is a weeknight hero—simple, satisfying, and loaded with flavors the whole family will clamor for. Whether you’re a busy cook or just craving something cozy, Chicken with Buttered Noodles brings warmth to the table every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Chicken with Buttered Noodles pulls its weight, building layers of flavor and irresistible texture. A handful of kitchen staples transforms into something truly special, so gather these essentials and prepare for pure dinnertime joy!

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces for juicy, tender protein that soaks up all the flavor.
• Egg noodles (8 oz): Their rich flavor and plush texture are the perfect match for buttery sauces, but any favorite pasta works in a pinch.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp): Provides a subtle fruity base for searing the chicken to golden perfection.
• Unsalted butter (3 tbsp, divided): The star of the sauce, giving every bite a rich, creamy finish—use unsalted so you can control the seasoning.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with an irresistible aroma and a little mellow heat.
• Salt & black pepper: Essential for highlighting the flavors—season generously, especially the chicken.
• Dried Italian seasoning (1 tsp): Brings a lovely pop of herby brightness; use a mix of dried basil and parsley if you prefer.
• Grated Parmesan (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a nutty, savory touch that takes this simple meal over the top.
• Fresh parsley, chopped: A quick sprinkle before serving livens up the colors and flavors, making the dish instantly more inviting.

How to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Fill a big pot with salted water, bring it to a boil, then add your egg noodles. Cook them just until they’re al dente—tender with a slight bite—since they’ll soak up more flavor in the skillet later. Once done, drain and set aside, but don’t rinse; you want that soft starchiness to help the butter sauce cling to every strand.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Meanwhile, season your chicken pieces well with salt and black pepper. Add the chicken to the hot pan, spreading it out in a single layer. Let it sizzle until golden and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once beautifully caramelized and juicy, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it covered, reserving all those tasty pan juices.

Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t clean it—those browned bits are flavor gold!), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Let them sizzle for 1 to 2 minutes—just enough for the garlic to become fragrant without burning. This creates the backbone of that dreamy butter sauce, enhanced by the herbs.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Add the drained noodles and the remaining tablespoon of butter straight into the skillet. Toss everything together so the noodles are gorgeously coated in buttery, herby goodness. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and gently stir it through until warmed. If you’re feeling indulgent, sprinkle a generous handful of grated Parmesan. Finish with a scatter of fresh parsley. Serve your Chicken with Buttered Noodles piping hot and savor every twirl!

How to Serve Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley gives your Chicken with Buttered Noodles a beautiful burst of color and a fragrant, garden-fresh lift. Add a dusting of grated Parmesan or even a twist of cracked black pepper right before serving. These little finishing touches make the simple meal feel extra special—almost as if you’re sitting at a neighborhood Italian trattoria.

Side Dishes

Chicken with Buttered Noodles shines alongside crisp green salads tossed with a lemony vinaigrette or a medley of simply roasted vegetables—think asparagus, broccoli, or sweet carrots. For a heartier spread, warm crusty bread is perfect for mopping up any extra butter sauce. It’s a dish that plays nicely with almost anything you love!

Creative Ways to Present

To wow your guests, try twirling the buttered noodles high on a fork for an elegant restaurant-style look. Serve the chicken in generous slices across the top, or cut into smaller pieces and gently nestled throughout the noodles. For a colorful upgrade, add roasted cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of chili flakes for a touch of heat—the base is so friendly, you can get playful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken with Buttered Noodles stores beautifully if you have any at all! Pack cooled portions in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld even further, making leftovers a real treat the next day for lunch or a speedy dinner.

Freezing

While freshly made Chicken with Buttered Noodles is hard to beat, you can freeze leftovers for longer storage. Divide portions into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers, squeeze out excess air, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

To revive your Chicken with Buttered Noodles, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of water or a pat of butter to keep things moist and flavorful. Stir occasionally and heat just until hot to avoid drying out the chicken or noodles—comfort food magic, ready in minutes!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring even more juiciness and flavor to Chicken with Buttered Noodles. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook as directed—they’re practically foolproof and add a lovely rich depth to the sauce.

What can I use instead of egg noodles?

If you don’t have egg noodles on hand, don’t worry—this recipe is delightfully versatile. Try using spaghetti, fettuccine, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta. Just keep an eye on the cooking time and aim for that perfect al dente texture.

Can I make Chicken with Buttered Noodles dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the butter for your favorite dairy-free alternative and simply omit the Parmesan or use a plant-based cheese. The result will still be wonderfully comforting and flavorful.

Is there a way to add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely—Chicken with Buttered Noodles loves company! Toss in steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, peas, or even sun-dried tomatoes for bursts of color and nutrition. Just cook the veggies separately and add them in when combining everything at the end.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Once you drain the noodles, toss them immediately with a little butter or olive oil if they’ll be sitting for a while. Combining them quickly with the buttery sauce in the skillet also helps keep every strand deliciously separate and coated.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Chicken with Buttered Noodles keeps finding its way onto dinner tables everywhere—it’s comforting, quick, and loaded with simple goodness. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and make it your own. Who knows? It just might become your new weeknight favorite too.

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