If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, perfectly seasoned chicken pieces mingle with silky buttered egg noodles, all cooked together in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. It’s a straightforward dish that doesn’t sacrifice taste, combining pantry staples into something truly crave-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe delivers cozy satisfaction with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, accessible ingredients is key to making this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe a breeze—and every item plays a crucial role in building its rich flavor and inviting texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (1 1/2 pounds): Bite-sized for quick, even cooking and juicy tenderness.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): To sear the chicken beautifully and add a subtle fruity note.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Brings warmth and a savory depth without overpowering.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle smoky touch and lovely color.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning to balance and enhance flavors.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (3 cups): The flavorful cooking liquid that cooks the noodles and infuses everything with richness.
- Egg noodles (8 ounces): Provide a velvety, hearty base that soaks up the buttery sauce.
- Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): To create that luscious, silky finish coating the noodles and chicken.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Adds a salty, nutty dimension finishing the dish perfectly.
- Chopped fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): For a pop of green freshness and brightness.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through. This step locks in flavor and ensures every bite is juicy and tender. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles in Broth
In the same pan (no need to clean, because all those brown bits add flavor), pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add the egg noodles, making sure they’re submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium and cover the pan. Let the noodles simmer for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and most of the broth has been absorbed. This technique infuses every strand of noodle with delicious, savory goodness.
Step 3: Combine and Finish with Butter and Cheese
Now, stir in the butter, the cooked chicken, and the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything gently but thoroughly so the noodles and chicken are evenly coated in the rich buttery sauce. Warm everything through and taste for seasoning. Adjust with extra salt or pepper if needed. If you want, sprinkle fresh parsley on top to add a vibrant final touch that makes this dish feel fresh and inviting.
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese can elevate this dish, adding color and enhancing the buttery, cheesy notes. A little cracked black pepper on top right before serving gives a nice hint of heat that contrasts beautifully.
Side Dishes
Although this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is perfectly satisfying on its own, serving it alongside a fresh green salad or some steamed broccoli brings in a delightful crunch and balances the richness. Roasted vegetables such as carrots or Brussels sprouts also pair wonderfully, adding a touch of sweetness and texture contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style dinner, serve it straight from the skillet to keep all the warmth and coziness intact. Alternatively, plating with a small fresh herb sprig or a lemon wedge can brighten the look and flavor if you want to impress guests. For a fun twist, toss in some frozen peas or chopped spinach towards the end of cooking to sneak in veggies without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers stay delicious for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because the noodles absorb sauce over time, the dish may thicken; a splash of chicken broth or warm water during reheating can revive the creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it an excellent option for meal planning. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze up to 2 months. Keep in mind that fresh herbs like parsley are best added after thawing, as they wilt during freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a little broth or water if the noodles seem dry. Take care not to overheat to prevent the chicken from drying out. A gentle warm-up helps maintain the buttery, creamy consistency that makes this recipe so comforting.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well in this recipe. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly and don’t dry out during the searing step.
What can I substitute for egg noodles?
If egg noodles aren’t your favorite or you want variety, rotini, small shells, or even penne pasta make great substitutes. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure the pasta is tender but not mushy.
Is it possible to add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes! Stirring in frozen peas, steamed broccoli, or chopped spinach during the last few minutes of cooking adds color, nutrition, and fresh flavor to the dish without complicating the process.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Sure! Substitute the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free margarine and skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative to keep the rich, creamy flavor while avoiding dairy allergens.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Make sure to stir the noodles occasionally while they cook in the broth, and don’t overcook them. Adding the butter at the end also helps coat the noodles, keeping them silky and separate.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly satisfying about throwing together a meal in one pan that tastes this good, and this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe does just that with effortless charm. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you want homey comfort without a lot of hassle. Trust me, once you try this dish, it’s going to become one of your favorite go-to dinners—easy, comforting, and utterly delicious.
Print
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a quick and comforting American main course featuring tender, seasoned chicken cooked with egg noodles in a rich, buttery Parmesan sauce. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, it combines the convenience of a single pan with hearty flavors and optional fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Cooking and Sauce
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated, ensuring flavorful meat.
- Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook the Noodles: In the same pan, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Add the egg noodles, stirring to submerge them completely. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan, and simmer for 6–8 minutes until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Butter, Chicken, and Cheese: Stir in the unsalted butter, reserved cooked chicken, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well to coat the noodles and chicken thoroughly in the buttery sauce. Heat through for a minute or two.
- Final Touch and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired, then serve the buttered noodles and chicken hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Add frozen peas or steamed broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for a vegetable boost.
- Substitute egg noodles with rotini or small shell pasta based on preference or availability.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt content.
- Fresh parsley adds color and a mild herbal note but can be omitted if unavailable.
