If there’s ever a dish that wraps you in a big, cozy hug after a long day, it’s got to be One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food hero—juicy chicken, golden and flavorful, meets tender egg noodles tossed in buttery garlic goodness, all finished in a single skillet for blissful simplicity. You get all the homestyle flavors you crave, minimal cleanup, and ingredients that are likely already in your pantry. A sprinkle of Parmesan, a flutter of fresh parsley, and dinner truly feels special, even on the busiest nights. Trust me, One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is as easy as it is irresistible.

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish lies in its handful of easy-to-find ingredients, each playing a pivotal role in building layers of flavor and texture. Nothing fancy—just the right touch of seasoning and the magic of a one-pan meal that brings it all together.

Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken provides lean, juicy bites and soaks up all those savory flavors beautifully.
Olive oil: Adds a hint of richness and helps the chicken achieve a golden, appetizing crust.
Garlic powder: Gives a deep, savory base note that complements both the chicken and noodles.
Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile without extra chopping.
Paprika: Infuses color and a gentle smoky warmth, making every bite more interesting.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring all the ingredients to life—don’t be shy here!
Chicken broth: The flavorful liquid that not only cooks the noodles but ensures everything is extra savory and moist.
Egg noodles: These tender, ribbon-like noodles soak up the broth and butter for ultimate satisfaction.
Unsalted butter: The star for velvety, rich noodles that feel decadent but are so easy to make.
Minced garlic: Sautéed in butter for a heavenly aroma and extra flavor in every forkful.
Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, nutty finish if you love a touch of cheese on your noodles.
Fresh parsley (optional): For a burst of color and a fresh, herbal note to balance the richness.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Lay your chicken breasts flat and sprinkle both sides generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This quick seasoning blend is the foundation for flavor in One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles, giving the chicken a deliciously savory, golden crust that’s anything but boring.

Step 2: Sear to Perfection

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and let them cook undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when they look beautifully golden and cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside—making sure to keep those savory juices in the pan!

Step 3: Cook the Noodles in Broth

Without cleaning the skillet, pour in your chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the egg noodles, nudging them so they’re completely submerged. Cover and cook for about 7 to 8 minutes, until the noodles are tender and have soaked up most of the flavorful broth—no extra pot required!

Step 4: Prepare Garlic Butter Magic

While your noodles are working their magic, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—this should take about a minute or two. The aroma alone is worth the extra step and makes your One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles absolutely luscious.

Step 5: Toss, Top, and Finish

When the noodles are al dente, pour in the garlic butter and add the Parmesan cheese, if you’re using it. Toss everything together right in the skillet until each noodle glistens. Slice the cooked chicken and arrange it beautifully on top of your noodles. A sprinkle of parsley makes the dish look (and taste) incredibly fresh.

How to Serve One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Garnishes

A shower of chopped fresh parsley brightens the entire skillet, while an extra dusting of Parmesan never hurts. For a touch of zing, try a squeeze of lemon or a few grinds of black pepper right before serving. These little finishing touches make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles taste (and look) truly restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is already a one-skillet wonder, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli. Garlic bread or roasted vegetables are also delicious companions that can soak up any extra buttery goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this dish right from the skillet at the table for a comforting, family-style moment. You can also slice the chicken into strips or cubes for a more rustic feel, or even portion everything into bowls with a final flourish of herbs. Any way you serve it, One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers to room temperature before transferring them into an airtight container. One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, so the next-day experience is every bit as delicious.

Freezing

While you can freeze this dish, keep in mind that egg noodles may soften further upon reheating. To freeze, portion cooled chicken and noodles into freezer-safe containers and store for up to two months. Defrost in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep the noodles from drying out. Microwave reheating works well too—just cover the container and reheat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between until everything is heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a fantastic swap and will make your One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles even more flavorful and tender. They might need a couple of extra minutes to cook through, but the result is downright delicious.

What if I don’t have egg noodles?

No worries—use any short pasta you have on hand, like rotini or penne. You may need to adjust the simmering time and add a bit more broth to get the right level of doneness.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes! Just use a dairy-free butter alternative and skip the Parmesan, or swap it for a plant-based cheese. The richness will still come through thanks to the garlic and broth.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not as written! The paprika adds warmth but not heat. If you love a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicy paprika to turn up the flavor in your One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely. Just make sure to use a large enough skillet so all the noodles have space to cook evenly in the broth. Doubling is perfect for serving a crowd or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Final Thoughts

It’s truly hard to beat the comfort and convenience of One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles. There’s something so rewarding about a meal that’s both easy to pull off and genuinely crave-worthy. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why it’s earned a top spot in my dinner rotation, and I bet it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!