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Chicken with Buttered Noodles

A cozy, joyful classic featuring tender chicken and silky egg noodles tossed in butter and herbs, perfect for family dinners and celebrations.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs Thighs stay juicier; breasts are leaner.
  • 12 ounces egg noodles or your favorite pasta Egg noodles offer that classic silky texture.
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Use high-quality butter for deeper flavor; a mix with olive oil can be lighter.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch.
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped Optional, for a sweet base note.
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Optional, use Greek yogurt mixed with lemon for a tangy swap.
  • 1 cup chicken broth Substitute vegetable broth for a meatless option.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped Or 1 teaspoon dried parsley for convenience.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes Optional, for a subtle lift.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken and sear for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F or 74°C). Remove the chicken and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Cooking
  1. Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter to the pan. Toss in the onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet and nestle it into the sauce. Add the cooked noodles, Parmesan, and a splash of reserved pasta water to create a glossy, buttery coating. Toss until everything is warmed and the sauce clings to the noodles and chicken.
  5. Finish with chopped parsley, a final grind of black pepper, and a taste to adjust salt. Serve immediately.

Notes

For variety, consider adding lemon zest and herbs, or stir in cream for a richer sauce. Serve with side dishes like salad and garlic bread.