One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

If you are craving a comforting, flavorful, and fuss-free weeknight meal, this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe is your new best friend. Combining tender chicken cooked to perfection with silky, buttery noodles all in one pan, it offers a delicious harmony of textures and tastes without the mess. Perfect for busy evenings or whenever you want a satisfying dish with minimal effort, this recipe will quickly become a dinner staple in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: Minimal ingredients and only one pan make cleanup a breeze.
• Rich Flavor: Juicy chicken and creamy buttered noodles create a divine combination.
• Time Saver: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Dish: Easily adaptable with veggies or seasonings to suit your preferences.
• Comfort Food Classic: Satisfying and heartwarming, just like a homemade favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that work together beautifully to deliver comforting flavors and pleasing textures. Each component plays a special role, from the tender chicken to the perfectly coated noodles.

• Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Choose boneless and skinless for quick cooking and juicy results.
• Egg Noodles: Their broad, pillowy shape holds butter well for that creamy coating.
• Butter: Essential for richness and that silky, luscious noodle texture.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture, cooking the noodles right in the pan.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses a subtle kick and warmth.
• Onion: Diced onion builds a savory flavor base for the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to highlight the natural flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional, for a fresh and vibrant garnish finish.

Variations for One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

The beauty of this dish lies in how effortlessly it can be tweaked to suit individual tastes or dietary needs. Feel free to experiment with additions or swaps to keep things exciting and customized.

• Veggie Boost: Add chopped spinach, broccoli, or peas for a pop of color and nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle red pepper flakes or add diced jalapeños to spice up the flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free: Swap butter for olive oil and use a non-dairy broth to accommodate allergies.
• Herb Infusion: Incorporate thyme, rosemary, or dill for an aromatic twist.
• Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein choice.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating a tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Sear each side until golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes per side, then remove from the pan and set aside to rest.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

In the same pan, add a bit more butter and toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent, allowing those flavors to build the base of your dish.

Step 3: Add Noodles and Broth

Pour in the egg noodles directly into the skillet and pour chicken broth over them, ensuring the noodles are mostly submerged. Stir everything gently, scraping up any brown bits from the seared chicken for extra flavor.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook Noodles

Bring the broth to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and let the noodles cook for about 7-9 minutes, or until they are tender and have absorbed most of the broth.

Step 5: Return Chicken and Finish

Place the seared chicken back on top of the noodles, cover, and cook for an additional 5 minutes to let the flavors combine and the chicken finish cooking through. Add a final dollop of butter if desired, stirring it into the noodles to make them extra luscious.

Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

• Use Even-Sized Chicken: Ensures uniform cooking and prevents dry or undercooked pieces.
• Don’t Rush the Sear: Properly browning the chicken locks in juices and adds flavor.
• Watch Liquid Levels: Keep an eye on the broth to avoid noodles drying out or sticking.
• Cover While Simmering: Helps noodles cook evenly by trapping steam and warmth.
• Finish with Fresh Herbs: Brighten the dish with parsley or chives just before serving.

How to Serve One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a light grating of Parmesan cheese to add color and an extra layer of flavor that complements the buttery noodles perfectly.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables pair wonderfully as sides, balancing the richness of the chicken and noodles with freshness and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken sliced on top of a cozy nest of noodles or arrange the noodles as a bed and place the chicken whole on the side for a restaurant-worthy presentation that’s still homey and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

This dish freezes well; store portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the noodles, or cover and microwave in short bursts until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles in this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be mindful that cook times will vary, so adjust accordingly to avoid over or undercooking your noodles.

Is it necessary to sear the chicken before adding it to the pan?

Searing adds flavor and develops a nice crust, but you can skip this step if short on time; cooking directly in the broth will work but with a milder taste and softer texture.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work excellently and tend to stay juicier, giving you a richer bite.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative, and ensure your chicken broth is also free from dairy ingredients.

Can I add vegetables to the One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles?

Definitely! Simply add quick-cooking veggies like peas or spinach during the last few minutes of noodle cooking for freshness and extra nutrition.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly comforting about One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its simplicity, rich flavors, and minimal cleanup make it a fantastic go-to meal that will become a forever favorite. Grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and enjoy the satisfying joy of this easy-to-make dish today!

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