Chicken Buttered Noodles

why make this recipe

Chicken Buttered Noodles is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken with a rich, buttery sauce and soft noodles. This recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. It’s quick to prepare and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have at home. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also filling and satisfying, making it a great choice for families or anyone looking for an easy yet tasty meal.

Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!

how to make Chicken Buttered Noodles

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

Key Ingredients Explained

• 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 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

1. 
   

   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.

   
   
2. 
   

   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.

   
   
3. 
   

   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.

   
   
4. 
   

   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.

   
   
5. 
   

   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.

   
   
6. 
   

   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.

   
   
7. 
   

   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.

   
   
8. 
   

   Add the Chicken: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.

   
   
9. 
   

   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.

   
   
10. 
    

    Serve: Serve the Chicken Buttered Noodles hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired.

    
    

how to serve Chicken Buttered Noodles

Chicken Buttered Noodles is best served warm, straight from the skillet. For a complete meal, pair it with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. You can also offer extra toppings, like grated parmesan cheese or red pepper flakes, on the side so everyone can customize their own dish.

how to store Chicken Buttered Noodles

To store leftovers, let the Chicken Buttered Noodles cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist.

tips to make Chicken Buttered Noodles

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in your favorite herbs and spices before cooking.
• If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Always taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

variation

You can customize this dish by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just sauté them along with the garlic for added nutrition and flavor. You can also swap chicken for shrimp or make it vegetarian by using tofu.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking for even cooking.

What if I don’t have egg noodles?
No problem! You can use any pasta shape you like, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the elements (like cooked chicken and pasta) in advance, then combine everything just before serving for the best taste.

Print