If you’re craving pure comfort in a bowl, Buttery Chicken and Noodles is your new go-to recipe! Tender chicken, golden buttered noodles, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley come together in a dish that’s both heartwarming and absolutely craveable—no matter the season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Weeknight Wonder: You can have Buttery Chicken and Noodles on the table in just 30 minutes—ideal for busy evenings!
- Family-Friendly Flavors: Simple ingredients turn into a cozy classic that everyone from picky kids to grownups will adore.
- Ultimate Comfort: Every bite is rich and satisfying, with just the right amount of golden butter and savory chicken.
- Perfect for Customizing: This recipe is the ultimate canvas—dress it up with Parmesan, fresh herbs, or your favorite veggies!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about just how simple and approachable these ingredients are. Every single item in this recipe brings something special to the dish—from maximum flavor to that buttery melt-in-your-mouth goodness you’re dreaming about. Here’s what you’ll need for the very best Buttery Chicken and Noodles.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Lean and quick-cooking, these deliver tender bites that soak up all the flavor from the seasonings and butter.
- Olive Oil: A splash for perfectly seared and golden chicken every time.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every component in your bowl.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples deliver those homey, well-rounded flavors that complement both chicken and noodles.
- Egg Noodles: The classic choice! Their soft, wide shape holds onto the buttery sauce and makes every forkful extra satisfying.
- Unsalted Butter: The key to decadently creamy noodles. Using unsalted lets you control the seasoning from start to finish.
- Parmesan Cheese (optional): For a little extra richness and a touch of salty savor.
- Fresh Parsley: This garnish brings a welcome pop of color and that fresh, vibrant finish.
Variations
The beauty of Buttery Chicken and Noodles is how customizable it is! With just a few quick tweaks, you can make this recipe your own and cater it to any mood, dietary need, or what you find in your pantry.
- Swap in Chicken Thighs: Prefer juicier, more flavorful chicken? Substitute boneless, skinless thighs and cook as directed.
- Make it Creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream or a swirl of cream cheese to the noodles for a rich, luxurious finish.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: Toss in peas, baby spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for extra color, nutrition, and flavor.
- Brighten It Up: Stir in lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to add brightness and a little kick.
How to Make Buttery Chicken and Noodles
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating up a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Pat your chicken breasts dry, then generously season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Once the oil shimmers, lay the chicken in the pan and let it cook for 5-7 minutes per side. You’re aiming for a golden crust and a juicy interior—don’t rush this part, as it’s where you build tons of flavor for your Buttery Chicken and Noodles.
Step 2: Rest and Slice
When your chicken is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and let it rest while you finish up the noodles. This step is essential: resting helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every slice is moist and delicious. Before serving, slice your chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces—whatever feels most inviting to you!
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss in your egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions—they should be perfectly tender but not mushy. Once done, drain the noodles, but don’t rinse! You want that little bit of starch clinging to them to help soak up all that incredible butter later.
Step 4: Butter the Noodles
Return the skillet to medium heat (no need to wipe it out—the chicken drippings are pure flavor gold!). Melt your butter, then add the drained noodles, tossing until they glisten with every beautiful drop. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle in Parmesan cheese now so it melts into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—that’s how you truly make these Buttery Chicken and Noodles your own.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
Arrange your warm, buttered noodles on plates or in shallow bowls. Top with the sliced chicken and give everything a final flourish of fresh parsley. Serve immediately for maximum buttery goodness—don’t be surprised if everyone comes back for seconds!
Pro Tips for Making Buttery Chicken and Noodles
- Searing for Flavor: Let the chicken get a deep golden sear—those caramelized bits in the pan add incredible richness to your noodles.
- Butter Matters: Use high-quality unsalted butter—it doesn’t have to be fancy, but you’ll taste the difference in every bite.
- Don’t Overcook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles just until tender so they soak up the buttery sauce without getting mushy.
- Rest Before Slicing: Allowing the chicken to rest before slicing ensures you get juicy, tender pieces instead of dry or stringy meat.
How to Serve Buttery Chicken and Noodles
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley not only brightens up your plate but also offers a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness—don’t skip it! If you love a little extra savory edge, go ahead and add a shower of grated Parmesan or even a squeeze of lemon for zing.
Side Dishes
Buttery Chicken and Noodles is satisfying and filling all on its own, but it’s amazing with a light green salad, roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus, or even a simple side of steamed green beans. For a cozier touch, serve with a slice of crusty bread to mop up every last drop of butter.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Buttery Chicken and Noodles piled high in shallow bowls or on family-style platters for a rustic feel. For dinner parties, nestle everything in a wide serving dish with extra parsley and lemon wedges around the edge—it instantly looks elevated with minimal effort!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers of Buttery Chicken and Noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they mingle, making the next day’s lunch or dinner extra delicious.
Freezing
The noodles maintain their texture best when frozen separately from the chicken, but you can freeze everything together in a pinch. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months—just let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Gently reheat Buttery Chicken and Noodles on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or extra butter to help loosen the sauce and keep everything silky and delicious.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles deliver that classic silky texture, you can swap in fettuccine, pappardelle, or even penne—whatever you have on hand will still make for a fabulous, buttery chicken and noodle experience.
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What’s the best way to know if my chicken is fully cooked?
The safest and easiest way is to use an instant-read thermometer; chicken should register 165°F (74°C) at the thickest point. If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the juices run clear and there’s no pink in the center when you slice.
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Can I double or halve this recipe?
Definitely! Buttery Chicken and Noodles is super flexible, so just adjust the ingredient amounts for the number of servings you need—this one is a breeze to scale up or down.
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What other cheeses go well with this dish?
Parmesan is lovely, but you can also use Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a touch of mozzarella for creaminess. Each brings its own character to the finished dish!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that guarantees smiles and second helpings, give Buttery Chicken and Noodles a try! It’s the kind of simple, heartwarming comfort food you’ll reach for again and again—so gather your favorite people, whip up a batch, and savor every buttery bite together.
PrintButtered Noodles with Golden Chicken Recipe
- 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
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this Classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe. Juicy chicken breasts are seasoned to perfection and served over a bed of buttery egg noodles for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
For the Buttered Noodles:
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook the Chicken: Cook chicken in the skillet for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside to rest.
- Prepare the Noodles: Boil salted water and cook egg noodles per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Butter the Noodles: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add noodles and toss to coat in buttery sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese (optional) and toss again to combine.
- Serve: Slice chicken into strips and serve over buttered noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes to the noodles.
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg