One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe

If you are craving a meal that is both comforting and incredibly simple to prepare, then this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is about to become your new favorite go-to dish. Imagine juicy, tender chicken breasts nestled on a bed of silky egg noodles soaked in rich chicken broth and finished with a luscious garlic butter sauce that adds the perfect depth of flavor. This dish strikes that magical balance between hearty and elegant, all while requiring just one pan to clean up. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, yet special enough to impress guests who think you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but pack a serious punch in flavor and texture. Each element works in harmony to give you that unforgettable One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles experience, making the most of simple pantry staples and fresh touches.

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that cooks quickly and stays juicy when seasoned properly.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a delicious, golden sear on the chicken that locks in moisture.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a mild, aromatic depth to the chicken seasoning.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory profile without overwhelming the dish.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color to the chicken.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every ingredient.
• 4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that infuses the noodles with rich savoriness.
• 8 ounces egg noodles: The perfect pasta for absorbing broth and butter, creating a silky texture.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Melts into a creamy, garlicky sauce that ties everything together.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides fresh, fragrant bursts of flavor in the butter sauce.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a tangy, nutty layer for extra decadence.
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): Gives a pop of bright color and a hint of freshness.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Step 1: Season Your Chicken Perfectly

Start by generously seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple but crucial step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor, making the chicken incredibly tasty before it even hits the pan.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until they develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest while you prepare the noodles.

Step 3: Simmer the Noodles in Flavorful Broth

In that same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the egg noodles to the broth, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Cover the skillet and let the noodles cook for about 7 to 8 minutes. They’ll soak up all that savory broth while becoming perfectly tender but still al dente.

Step 4: Create the Garlicky Butter Sauce

While your noodles are cooking, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté it for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s wonderfully fragrant and just beginning to turn golden. This sauce will be the magic touch that adds richness and depth.

Step 5: Combine Everything in the Pan

Once your noodles have absorbed most of the broth and are cooked through, stir in the garlicky butter mixture right into the skillet with the noodles. Add the Parmesan cheese if using, and toss everything together so the cheese melts into the warm noodles for an irresistibly creamy texture.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Slice your perfectly cooked chicken and arrange the pieces on top of the bed of buttery noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and serve the dish immediately for a heartwarming meal that everyone will love.

How to Serve One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is a wonderful way to brighten this dish, adding a fresh herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy noodles. You can also add a light dusting of more Parmesan cheese for extra richness and a slight sharpness that cheese lovers will appreciate.

Side Dishes

Although this dish shines on its own, consider pairing it with simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts for a lovely crunch and color contrast. A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing balance to the buttery richness of the noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the chicken sliced elegantly over a nest of noodles on warmed plates. You might drizzle a little extra garlic butter over the top and garnish with a lemon wedge for a bright citrus kick. Alternatively, serve in a rustic cast-iron skillet right at the table for a cozy and inviting presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even better overnight, making for a convenient and delicious next-day meal.

Freezing

If you want to keep this dish longer, freezing is a good option, though the noodles may soften a bit upon thawing. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the noodles and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until warmed through for best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe and can add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking times slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it necessary to use chicken broth?

Using chicken broth really elevates the flavor of the noodles, making them rich and savory. You could substitute with vegetable broth or even water, but the depth of taste won’t be quite the same.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian option, swap the chicken broth with vegetable broth and replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu. The garlic butter noodles part of the recipe remains deliciously intact.

What type of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are preferred here for their ability to soak up flavor and remain tender yet firm. However, you can experiment with other pasta shapes like wide pappardelle or fettuccine if you prefer.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?

Make sure the noodles are fully submerged in broth as they cook, and stir gently once or twice. The butter and cheese added at the end help keep everything smooth and luscious without clumping.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is an absolute joy to make and eat, combining the best of comfort food with effortless technique. Whether you’re feeding a family on a weeknight or entertaining friends, this dish brings warmth, flavor, and smiles with every bite. Give it a try soon—you might just find yourself making it again and again!

Print