Chicken Buttered Noodles

Looking for a comforting meal that’s quick and satisfying? Chicken Buttered Noodles is the perfect solution. This dish combines tender chicken breasts with creamy buttered noodles, delivering a flavor-packed experience that warms the soul.

What makes this recipe special is its simplicity, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can whip up a delicious meal in under 30 minutes, proving that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Why Make This Recipe

What makes it unique: The rich, velvety butter sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
Why Americans love it: The nostalgic vibe of Chicken Buttered Noodles resonates with many, making it a go-to comfort food across the country.
Flavor or texture highlights: The combination of buttery, creamy noodles with savory chicken creates a satisfying texture that pleases the palate.
When it’s best served: This dish is perfect for cold nights, family dinners, or even casual get-togethers, making it versatile for any occasion.
Ease or speed: It’s quick and straightforward, taking less than 30 minutes to prepare, ideal for busy individuals or families.

How to Make Chicken Buttered Noodles

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and thyme on both sides.
Sear the Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove from pan and set aside to rest.
Cook the Noodles: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve about ½ cup pasta water.
Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter, scraping any flavorful bits from the pan.
Sauté the Garlic: Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, avoiding burning.
Add the Chicken Broth and Cream: Pour in chicken broth, simmer for 3-4 minutes, then stir in heavy cream, letting it thicken.
Toss the Noodles: Add drained noodles to the skillet and toss in the sauce. If the sauce is thick, mix in a bit of reserved pasta water.
Add the Chicken: Return sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing to combine flavors.
Season and Garnish: Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. Sprinkle parsley on top and add red pepper flakes for heat if desired.
Serve: Serve hot, garnished with freshly grated parmesan cheese if you like.

Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz (about 225g) egg noodles or your preferred pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley for garnish)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
½ cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: Grated parmesan cheese for topping
Optional: Red pepper flakes for added spice

Chicken Breasts: Lean and protein-packed, chicken breasts serve as the star of the dish. They’re quick to cook and versatile, absorbing the flavors of the garlic butter sauce.

Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are the traditional pasta for this dish, but you can substitute them with any pasta of your choice, like spaghetti or fettuccine.

Butter: The key ingredient for a rich, velvety sauce that coats the noodles and enhances the chicken’s flavor.

Chicken Broth: The broth brings in savory depth, ensuring the dish is perfectly balanced.

Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the sauce, creating a luxurious coating for the noodles.

Directions

Cook the Chicken: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme on both sides.
Sear the Chicken: Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest. Once cooled slightly, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Noodles: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
Melt the Butter: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and allow it to melt, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
Sauté the Garlic: Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the Chicken Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes, reducing slightly. Then, stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly.
Toss the Noodles: Add the drained noodles to the skillet, tossing them gently in the butter sauce until they are evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Add the Chicken: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
Season and Garnish: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle the parsley over the top and, if you like, add some red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Serve: Serve the Chicken Buttered Noodles hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired.

How to Serve Chicken Buttered Noodles

Best serving suggestions: Serve with a fresh garden salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Pairing ideas: A crisp white wine or sparkling water pairs beautifully, enhancing the dish’s flavors.
Tips for presentation: Plate with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a twist of lemon for an eye-catching finish.
Seasonal variations: In fall, add roasted vegetables; in summer, consider fresh herbs for a lighter version.

How to Store Chicken Buttered Noodles

Fridge instructions: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer instructions: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating methods: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture.
Shelf life: Best eaten fresh but can be stored and reheated as advised above.
Safety notes: Always ensure food is cooled to room temperature before storing to avoid bacteria growth.

Tips to Make Chicken Buttered Noodles Perfect

Expert cooking tips: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly every time.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them: Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking chicken; it should sear and not steam.
Enhancements to improve flavor: Add lemon juice or zest for a refreshing twist, or include sautéed mushrooms for earthy notes.
Texture or moisture control tips: Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce thickens too much during cooking.

Variations

Spicy version: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Kid-friendly version: Use small pasta shapes and omit spices to cater to young palates.
Budget version: Substitute chicken with canned tuna for a cost-effective alternative.
Healthy version: Use whole-grain noodles and substitute butter with olive oil for a lighter option.
Seasonal twist: In winter, add cooked spinach or kale for additional nutrients and color.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use other types of chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless thighs can add more flavor and moisture than breasts. Just adjust cooking time to ensure they reach the recommended internal temperature.

Q2: What pasta substitutes work for this recipe?
While egg noodles are traditional, feel free to use spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times as needed.

Q3: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or a nut-based alternative, and use olive oil in place of butter for the sauce.

Q4: Can I meal prep this dish?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and noodles ahead of time. Just keep the sauce separate and combine when you’re ready to serve to keep everything fresh.

Q5: What can I do with leftovers?
Leftovers can be used in a variety of ways! Toss them in a salad, wrap them in a tortilla, or serve as a filling for a baked vegetable, like peppers or zucchini.

Closing

Chicken Buttered Noodles is a delightful dish sure to bring comfort and joy to your dining table. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it’s a meal you’ll want to enjoy again and again. We encourage you to try this recipe and make it your own! Happy cooking!