Chicken with Buttered Noodles

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Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the ultimate comfort food — simple, hearty, and satisfying in every bite. It’s a classic dish that evokes memories of home-cooked family dinners, where buttery noodles and tender chicken come together in a warm, flavorful embrace. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity: juicy, seasoned chicken paired with perfectly cooked egg noodles tossed in rich, garlicky butter and fresh herbs.

This dish is versatile enough for a busy weeknight yet comforting enough to serve for Sunday dinner. The noodles are silky and savory, coated in butter and a touch of Parmesan, while the chicken is pan-seared to golden perfection for added flavor. You can serve it just as it is for a minimalist, cozy meal, or elevate it with sautéed mushrooms, vegetables, or a light cream sauce.

With only a few basic ingredients and under 30 minutes of cooking time, Chicken with Buttered Noodles is proof that sometimes the simplest meals are the most satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken with Buttered Noodles

  • Quick and easy — ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

  • Comforting and satisfying with rich, buttery flavor.

  • Perfect base recipe that can be customized with herbs, spices, or sauces.

  • Kid-friendly and budget-friendly using simple pantry ingredients.

  • Works for both weeknight dinners and cozy weekend meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3 smaller pieces)

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon butter

For the Buttered Noodles:

  • 12 oz (340 g) wide egg noodles or fettuccine

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (or more to taste)

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional for flavor)

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)

  • Juice of half a lemon (optional, for brightness)

How to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add egg noodles and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season and cook the chicken
While the noodles cook, pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts.

Cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 3: Prepare the buttered noodles
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low. Add 4 tablespoons of butter and allow it to melt, scraping up any flavorful brown bits left from the chicken. Add minced garlic (if using) and cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 4: Toss noodles in butter sauce
Add the drained noodles to the skillet and toss to coat them in the melted butter. If they seem dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in Parmesan cheese for richness and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice and chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Step 5: Combine and serve
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and place them over the buttered noodles. Spoon any pan drippings over the top for extra flavor. Serve warm with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of herbs.

Tips for the Best Results of Chicken with Buttered Noodles

  • Use real butter — high-quality butter makes a noticeable difference in flavor.

  • Don’t overcook the noodles; they should remain slightly firm since they’ll continue to absorb butter sauce.

  • Let the chicken rest after cooking — this locks in juices for tender, moist slices.

  • To elevate the dish, brown the butter slightly before adding noodles to develop a nutty, rich aroma.

  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or garlic powder if you like a touch of heat.

  • For more flavor, cook the chicken in a mix of butter and olive oil — it prevents burning while still creating a golden crust.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Add vegetables: Toss in steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, peas, or mushrooms for added texture and nutrients.

  • Creamy version: Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese to make creamy butter noodles.

  • Protein swap: Substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or grilled tofu for a twist.

  • Herb lovers: Try adding fresh thyme, basil, or chives for herbal depth.

  • Cheese lovers: Swap Parmesan for Asiago or Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.

  • Garlic butter lemon version: Add extra lemon juice and zest with browned butter for a refreshing, tangy profile.

What to Serve With Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Chicken with Buttered Noodles pairs beautifully with simple sides like:

  • A crisp green salad with vinaigrette

  • Steamed or roasted vegetables such as asparagus, green beans, or carrots

  • Garlic bread or dinner rolls for soaking up the butter sauce

  • A chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

For a complete comforting meal, serve it alongside a warm bowl of soup, such as tomato basil or creamy mushroom.

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

  • Freezer: Freeze cooled portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a small splash of water or broth to loosen the butter sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, as it can dry out the chicken.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this dish even faster. Just warm it briefly in the butter sauce before adding noodles.

What kind of noodles work best?
Egg noodles are traditional, but you can also use fettuccine, linguine, or even spaghetti.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Cook the chicken and noodles separately, then combine and reheat in butter sauce just before serving.

Can I make it lighter?
Use olive oil instead of butter, and skip the cheese. You can also use whole wheat noodles for extra fiber.

What’s the best butter to use?
Unsalted butter lets you control the seasoning better, but salted butter can work — just reduce the added salt in the recipe.

How can I make it more flavorful?
Deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine or chicken broth after cooking the chicken to add depth to the butter sauce.

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