Chicken and Buttered Noodles Recipe

The combination of tender chicken and buttery noodles is the epitome of comfort food. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a hearty and satisfying meal. With a velvety butter sauce, perfectly cooked noodles, and juicy chicken, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore every step to create the perfect Chicken and Buttered Noodles, share tips to enhance the flavors, and provide variations to suit any palate. Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
2. Versatile: Use your favorite type of noodles or adapt the seasonings to suit your taste.
3. Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that pack a lot of flavor without breaking the bank.
4. Family Favorite: Kid-approved and satisfying for adults, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Cook the Noodles:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
   • Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Season the Chicken:
   • Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel.
   • Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat the Pan:
   • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
   • Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Deglaze the Pan:
   • Reduce the heat to medium.
   • Add 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the same skillet.
   • Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce

1. Add the Broth:
   • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
   • Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
2. Incorporate Butter:
   • Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter to the skillet, stirring until melted and emulsified into the broth.
   • If using heavy cream, add it now for an extra creamy texture.
3. Season the Sauce:
   • Stir in salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added richness.

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Chicken

1. Toss the Noodles:
   • Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, tossing to coat them evenly in the butter sauce.
   • If the mixture seems dry, stir in reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.
2. Add the Chicken:
   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, mixing it into the noodles.
   • Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to warm everything through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Finish with Fresh Herbs:
   • Sprinkle chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese over the top.
   • Add a touch of lemon zest or red pepper flakes if desired.
2. Serve Hot:
   • Plate the chicken and buttered noodles and serve immediately for maximum flavor.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Buttered Noodles

1. Choose the Right Noodles:
   • While egg noodles are traditional, feel free to use fettuccine, linguine, or even spaghetti.
2. Don’t Overcook the Chicken:
   • Cooking the chicken in batches prevents overcrowding and ensures even browning.
3. Layer the Flavors:
   • Sautéing garlic and deglazing the pan creates depth and enhances the butter sauce.
4. Balance the Texture:
   • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
5. Fresh Ingredients:
   • Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese elevate the dish with a pop of color and flavor.

Variations of Chicken and Buttered Noodles

1. Vegetable Additions:
   • Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas for a nutritional boost.
2. Herb-Infused:
   • Use fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil for aromatic undertones.
3. Spicy Kick:
   • Incorporate cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy twist.
4. Cheesy Delight:
   • Mix in shredded mozzarella or gouda for a gooier, cheesier dish.
5. Asian-Inspired:
   • Swap butter for sesame oil and chicken broth for soy sauce for an umami-rich variation.

Serving Suggestions

1. With a Side Salad:
   • Pair with a crisp Caesar salad or mixed greens for a complete meal.
2. Garlic Bread:
   • Serve with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the sauce.
3. Roasted Vegetables:
   • Complement the dish with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or carrots.
4. Light Appetizer:
   • Start with a simple soup like tomato bisque or minestrone.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

• Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken saves time and works beautifully in this recipe.

2. What type of butter is best for the sauce?

• Unsalted butter is recommended to control the saltiness of the dish, but salted butter can be used if adjusted accordingly.

3. Can I make this dish gluten-free?

• Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

4. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?

• Toss the cooked noodles with a small amount of olive oil before adding them to the skillet.

5. Can I add wine to the sauce?

• A splash of white wine during deglazing adds a sophisticated layer of flavor.

Conclusion

This Chicken and Buttered Noodles recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to satisfy. The tender chicken, buttery noodles, and rich sauce come together in harmony, creating a meal that’s both comforting and delicious.

Experiment with variations, serve it alongside your favorite sides, and enjoy the magic of this timeless classic!

Yield: 4

Chicken and Buttered Noodles Recipe

Print

The combination of tender chicken and buttery noodles is the epitome of comfort food. This simple yet flavorful dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a hearty and satisfying meal. With a velvety butter sauce, perfectly cooked noodles, and juicy chicken, this recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 2 large chicken breasts (or thighs), boneless and skinless
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• For the Noodles:
• 12 ounces egg noodles (or your favorite pasta)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken:

1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, salt, and pepper. Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove from the skillet and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

2. Cook the Noodles:

1. While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the noodles.

3. Prepare the Butter Sauce:

1. In the same skillet used for the chicken (wipe clean if needed), melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
2. Stir in the cooked noodles, reserved pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Toss to coat the noodles evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Combine and Serve:

1. Add the sliced chicken on top of the buttered noodles. Sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish, if desired.
2. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.

Notes

• Chicken Substitutes: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded chicken for a quicker option.
• Noodle Variety: Egg noodles are traditional, but you can use fettuccine, spaghetti, or gluten-free pasta.
• Add Veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for a complete meal.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or milk with the butter for a richer sauce.