Imagine a cozy dinner where minimal prep meets maximum flavor: that’s the magic of One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles. This dish brings golden, tender chicken together with ultra-creamy, buttery egg noodles, all made in a single skillet for ultimate ease and comfort. Whether you’re after a weeknight hero or a satisfying meal to impress friends, One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a true classic that never leaves you with a sink full of dishes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is chosen for the way it elevates both flavor and texture—no extras, just pure deliciousness in every bite. By keeping things simple, you’ll appreciate how these kitchen staples transform into something extraordinary together.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken brown beautifully, while giving the noodles a glossy finish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Go for thighs if you crave juiciness, or breast for a lighter bite; both soak up flavor from the seasonings.
- Garlic powder: Delivers a mellow garlic kick without chopping or fuss.
- Onion powder: Layers in warm, savory notes that complement the other spices perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out the best in every ingredient.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Deepens flavor and infuses the noodles with savory goodness while keeping things from getting too salty.
- Egg noodles (uncooked): Their tender, curly texture is perfect for soaking up all those buttery, cheesy flavors.
- Unsalted butter: The secret to silky, luscious noodles—don’t skimp!
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the noodles for a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green adds freshness and a pop of color right before serving.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken dry and sprinkling both sides generously with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This quick step infuses flavor straight into the meat, creating that irresistible golden crust once it hits the pan.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces and let them sizzle undisturbed for about 5 to 6 minutes per side—patience here means crispiness! When they’re beautifully golden and cooked through, set them aside on a plate. Don’t wipe out the pan; those flavorful bits are liquid gold.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles in Broth
Pour the chicken broth straight into your pan and crank up the heat until it comes to a gentle boil. Add the uncooked egg noodles, stirring to submerge them, then reduce the heat to medium. Let the noodles bubble away for about 7 to 8 minutes, stirring every so often until they’re tender and most of the broth has soaked in.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the unsalted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. As they melt together, you’ll get irresistibly creamy, luscious noodles. This is where that signature “buttered noodles” comfort comes alive!
Step 5: Bring Back the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, nestling it right into the noodles. Let everything warm through for 2 to 3 minutes, so the flavors mingle and the chicken stays juicy. If you’re feeling fancy, finish with a shower of fresh parsley for a burst of color.
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Garnishes
For a final flourish, scatter a bit more grated Parmesan across the top, followed by a sprinkle of vibrant parsley. If you like a little zing, a squeeze of lemon over everything wakes up the richness and makes the flavors pop.
Side Dishes
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is truly a standout on its own, but if you want to stretch the meal, try adding a crisp green salad, some roasted asparagus, or even a bowl of simply steamed peas. These sides keep the meal balanced and brighten your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this homey classic into a dinner party hit by serving it family-style right from the skillet. Alternatively, plate the noodles in wide shallow bowls and top each with a golden chicken piece, a sprinkle more cheese, and a sprinkle of parsley for a little restaurant-style flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The noodles will soak up even more flavor as they rest, making next-day lunches something to look forward to.
Freezing
If you’re planning ahead, you can freeze portions of this dish. Allow the chicken and noodles to cool completely, then pack them into freezer-safe containers. For best taste, enjoy within two months. Keep in mind the noodles may soften a bit once thawed, but they’ll still be plenty delicious!
Reheating
To reheat, simply place your leftovers in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the noodles as they loosen up. You can also microwave single servings, loosely covered, in one-minute bursts until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I swap the egg noodles for another pasta?
You sure can! While the curly texture of egg noodles is classic in One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles, short pastas like rotini, fusilli, or even penne will work nicely—just adjust the liquid and cooking time as needed.
Is there a way to make this gluten free?
Absolutely. Gluten-free egg noodles or your favorite gluten-free pasta make a great substitute in this recipe. Keep an eye on the cooking time, as some gluten-free varieties can get soft more quickly.
What if I prefer chicken breasts over thighs?
Both work wonderfully in this recipe. Chicken breasts cook up leaner and slice beautifully for presentation, while thighs offer extra juiciness. Just be sure not to overcook them to maintain tenderness.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is super versatile! Stir in some baby spinach, frozen peas, or even sautéed mushrooms with the noodles for color, texture, and an extra nutrition boost.
Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! Using rotisserie chicken makes this dish even faster. Just add the shredded or sliced chicken into the noodles during the last couple of minutes of cooking, so it warms through without drying out.
Final Thoughts
If comfort food with a hint of elegance is calling your name, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles tonight. It’s a dish that’s equally suited for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings with friends—so simple, so satisfying, and guaranteed to leave you craving just one more bite!
PrintOne-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe is a quick and delicious meal that combines tender chicken with perfectly cooked egg noodles in a creamy butter sauce. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Buttered Noodles:
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces egg noodles (uncooked)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Noodles: In the same pan, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the egg noodles, reduce heat to medium, and cook uncovered for 7-8 minutes until tender. Stir in butter and Parmesan until creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Return the chicken to the pan and nestle it into the noodles. Warm through for 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Add spinach or peas for extra color and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg