Easy Chicken and Buttered Noodles Recipe
If you’re craving a quick and simple meal that bursts with rich, buttery flavors, this Chicken and Buttered Noodles recipe is your new best friend. Combining tender, juicy chicken with smooth, velvety noodles smothered in butter, it is the perfect dish for comforting dinners or any time you want something satisfying without fuss. This easy-to-make recipe highlights the warmth and heartiness of classic comfort food, delivering a mouthwatering blend that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make this recipe great for busy weeknights or when you want to cook without stress.
- Rich flavors: The combination of butter and tender chicken creates a deeply satisfying taste that feels indulgent but wholesome.
- Versatile and adaptable: You can easily add veggies or spices to tailor the dish exactly to your liking.
- Family-friendly comfort: This dish appeals to kids and adults alike, making it a go-to option for a cozy meal.
- Quick cooking time: Ready in under 30 minutes, giving you more time to relax or enjoy with loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To keep things simple yet delicious, this Chicken and Buttered Noodles recipe uses staple ingredients that are easy to find and essential for crafting that classic, buttery taste with tender chicken every time.
- Boneless chicken breasts: Tender and lean, they cook quickly and soak up the buttery sauce beautifully.
- Egg noodles: Their broad surface holds the butter sauce perfectly, creating that silky mouthfeel.
- Butter: The star of the dish, delivering richness and a velvety texture throughout.
- Garlic: Adds an aromatic kick that enhances the buttery flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to balance and bring out all the natural flavors.
- Fresh parsley: A fresh, bright touch that adds color and a subtle herbal note (optional).
Variations for Chicken and Buttered Noodles
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, making it easy to customize for different tastes, dietary needs, or what you have on hand in your kitchen. Experiment with these variations to make it your own!
- Veggie boost: Toss in steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or paprika for a gentle heat element to twist the classic version.
- Herb infusion: Swap parsley for thyme or rosemary to bring a new aromatic dimension.
- Dairy-free option: Use olive oil instead of butter and substitute with a dairy-free margarine to keep it creamy.
- Protein swap: Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or even turkey breast as an alternative.
How to Make Chicken and Buttered Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the noodles cook, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add a tablespoon of butter, and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
Step 3: Make the Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Be careful not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Add the drained noodles back into the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss gently to coat every strand with that rich, buttery goodness.
Step 5: Slice and Serve
Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and arrange over the buttered noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Pro Tips for Making Chicken and Buttered Noodles
- Use room temperature chicken: It cooks more evenly and stays juicy throughout.
- Don’t overcook noodles: Al dente texture holds up better when tossed with butter.
- Fresh garlic is key: It imparts a brighter, fresher flavor compared to pre-minced varieties.
- Rest chicken before slicing: It allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat succulent.
- Low and slow butter melting: Avoids browning and promotes a silky butter sauce.
How to Serve Chicken and Buttered Noodles
Garnishes
Finish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A little cracked black pepper on top enhances aroma and taste beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this comfort classic with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance and added nutrients.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the chicken sliced over a nest of buttered noodles on warm plates. You can also tuck slices under the noodles for a layered presentation or plate family-style for sharing around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chicken and Buttered Noodles in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
While fresh tastes best, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or chicken broth to prevent drying out, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic, you can substitute with other pasta like fettuccine, rotini, or even gluten-free options depending on your preference.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, it’s a family favorite with mild flavors and tender textures that generally appeal to children. You can reduce garlic or seasoning for very young palates.
How do I make the dish dairy-free?
Swap butter for a plant-based oil or dairy-free margarine, and choose noodles that don’t contain eggs if needed for strict dairy or egg allergies.
Can I add vegetables to the Chicken and Buttered Noodles?
Definitely! Steamed or sautéed veggies like peas, spinach, or carrots blend beautifully into the dish and boost its nutrition.
What’s the best way to keep chicken juicy?
Cook chicken over medium heat and avoid overcooking. Resting the chicken after cooking allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it tender.
Final Thoughts
Chicken and Buttered Noodles is truly a comfort food classic that never goes out of style. Its simplicity makes it approachable for cooks of all levels, while its rich, buttery taste feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner or a wonderful way to share cozy family moments around the table!
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Chicken and Buttered Noodles
This Chicken and Buttered Noodles recipe is a quick, simple, and comforting meal combining tender, juicy chicken breasts with smooth egg noodles coated in a rich, velvety butter and garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, it highlights classic comfort food flavors with minimal ingredients and fuss-free steps.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Gluten and Dairy (adaptable to gluten-free and dairy-free)
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, tender and lean
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (for cooking chicken)
Noodles and Sauce
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons butter (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Prepare the Chicken: While the noodles cook, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of butter, and cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest.
- Make the Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds, being careful not to brown the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the drained noodles back into the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss gently to coat every strand with the rich, buttery sauce.
- Slice and Serve: Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and arrange over the buttered noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juicy meat.
- Do not overcook noodles; al dente texture holds up best when tossed with butter.
- Fresh garlic provides a brighter flavor than pre-minced garlic.
- Allow chicken to rest before slicing to keep it succulent.
- Melt butter slowly over low heat to avoid browning and achieve a silky sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: chicken, buttered noodles, comfort food, quick dinner, easy recipe, weeknight meal, garlic butter sauce