Classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe

There’s something universally comforting about a dish as simple yet satisfying as Classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles. This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a buttery, flavorful noodle dish that brings out the best in both elements. Whether it’s a weeknight family dinner or a cozy Sunday meal, this dish offers a harmonious balance of savory flavors, texture, and heartwarming comfort. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, making it an ideal choice for beginners in the kitchen or seasoned cooks looking for a go-to meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

Before you start cooking, make sure your chicken is ready to go. You can use chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or even bone-in chicken if you prefer. For this recipe, we’ll be working with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for simplicity and quick cooking.

1. Season the Chicken:

   • Start by seasoning your chicken breasts on both sides. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme (or Italian seasoning).
   • Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken breasts, making sure to cover both sides. You can gently press the seasoning into the meat for better adhesion.

2. Heat the Pan:

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   • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
   • Allow the oil to get hot but not smoking. This will help create a nice, golden crust on the chicken.

3. Sear the Chicken:

   • Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet. Let them cook undisturbed for about 5-6 minutes on the first side, until they are golden brown and crispy.
   • Flip the chicken breasts over and reduce the heat to medium. Continue cooking for another 5-6 minutes until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C). You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked.

4. Finish with Butter:

   • Once the chicken is cooked through, add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan and let it melt. Tilt the pan to coat the chicken in the melted butter, adding a rich, silky finish. This step adds flavor and keeps the chicken moist.

5. Rest the Chicken:

   • Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute inside the chicken, keeping it tender and juicy.

Step 2: Cooking the Buttered Noodles

While the chicken is resting, it’s time to cook the buttered noodles. This is the perfect opportunity to cook the noodles while the chicken is cooling, ensuring everything is ready at the same time.

1. Boil the Noodles:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt per quart of water. This ensures that the pasta is well-seasoned and enhances the flavor of the noodles.
   • Once the water is boiling, add the egg noodles (or pasta of your choice) and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until they are al dente.

2. Drain the Noodles:

   • Once the noodles are cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water (this will help create a silky sauce later). Then, drain the noodles in a colander.

3. Butter the Noodles:

   • Return the pot to the stove and melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. You can also use a little bit of the pasta cooking water to help the butter melt and coat the noodles evenly.
   • Add the minced garlic (if using) and sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should be just lightly golden.

4. Toss the Noodles:

   • Add the drained noodles to the pot with the melted butter and garlic. Toss the noodles to coat them evenly in the buttery mixture.
   • If the noodles seem too dry, add a little bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen them up and create a glossy texture.
   • Season the noodles with salt, pepper, and a teaspoon of dried parsley (or fresh parsley if you have it). You can also add grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and richness, tossing until the cheese is melted and the noodles are well-coated.

Step 3: Serving and Assembling the Dish

Now that both the chicken and the buttered noodles are ready, it’s time to assemble the dish.

1. Slice the Chicken:

   • Slice the rested chicken breasts into thin strips or serve them whole, depending on your preference. If you’ve cooked chicken thighs, you can also cut them into bite-sized pieces.
   • Arrange the sliced chicken on top of the buttered noodles or serve it on the side.

2. Garnish and Serve:

   • Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over the top for added richness and flavor.
   • Serve the chicken and noodles with a few lemon wedges on the side. A squeeze of lemon just before eating adds a delightful brightness to the rich flavors of the dish.

Tips for Perfect Chicken with Buttered Noodles

To ensure this dish turns out perfect every time, here are some tips:

1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken:

   • Overcooking chicken breasts can make them dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

2. Use Fresh Ingredients:

   • Fresh garlic, herbs, and quality butter can make a big difference in the flavor of the dish. If you can, opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded, as it has a more intense flavor and better texture.

3. Add a Protein Twist:

   • If you want to change up the protein, you can easily swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs, or even turkey cutlets. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.

4. Use Different Noodles:

   • While egg noodles are classic in this dish, you can experiment with other pasta types such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Just be sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions for the best texture.

5. Add Vegetables for More Balance:

   • You can add steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, spinach, or peas, to the buttered noodles for added nutrition and color. You can also stir in roasted vegetables for a deeper, richer flavor.

6. Make It Dairy-Free:

   • If you prefer a dairy-free version, you can use olive oil instead of butter and skip the Parmesan cheese. For a richer flavor, try adding a non-dairy butter alternative and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

This Classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a few additional sides to make it even more satisfying.

1. Simple Side Salad:

   • A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing works perfectly to balance the richness of the dish.

2. Roasted Vegetables:

   • Roasted vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or Brussels sprouts add a nice touch of sweetness and crunch, contrasting the creamy noodles.

3. Garlic Bread:

   • Serve some warm, crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up any extra butter and sauce. It’s a great way to make the meal more indulgent.

4. Steamed Asparagus:

   • The bright, slightly bitter flavor of asparagus pairs well with the buttery noodles and chicken, adding a fresh, light element to the meal.

Conclusion

Classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a timeless, simple recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The tender, juicy chicken pairs perfectly with the buttery, garlicky noodles, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or preparing a cozy dinner for yourself, this dish offers a perfect combination of savory goodness and comfort. With just a few key ingredients and a little love, you can create a meal that’s both delicious and incredibly easy to prepare. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe

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There’s something inherently comforting about a plate of Classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles. It’s a dish that combines tender, juicy chicken with soft, buttery noodles—a meal that can be both simple and satisfying, perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility, yet it offers a rich and indulgent flavor that’s sure to please every palate.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Chicken:
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking)
• For the Buttered Noodles:
• 8 oz egg noodles (or your preferred pasta)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Sprinkle both sides of the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Buttered Noodles

1. Boil the Noodles: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually 7-9 minutes). Drain the noodles and set aside.
2. Butter the Noodles: Return the pot to the stove and melt butter over medium heat. Add the cooked noodles and toss them to coat in the melted butter. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like, add the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra creamy flavor.

Step 3: Serve the Dish

1. Plate the Noodles: Place a serving of buttered noodles on each plate.
2. Slice the Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts into strips and place on top of the noodles.
3. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color and extra flavor.

Notes

Flavor Boost: You can add a splash of lemon juice or some Italian seasoning to the buttered noodles for a burst of extra flavor.

Veggies: Serve with a side of steamed vegetables, like green beans or peas, to round out the meal.

Chicken Variations: You can also bake or grill the chicken if you prefer a different method of cooking.