One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Discover a quick, delicious One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights and simple family meals. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken cooked right alongside buttery, flavorful noodles, creating a comforting and satisfying meal all in one pan. It’s a no-fuss dinner that delivers big on taste and minimal cleanup, making it an instant favorite for any home cook.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pan means fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner.
• Quick Preparation: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for hectic evenings when time is short.
• Family Friendly: Simple flavors and wholesome ingredients appeal to kids and adults alike.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can swap in veggies or seasonings to suit your preferences or pantry staples.
• Comfort Food Classic: Buttery noodles and savory chicken combine for a truly cozy meal experience.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a rich, flavorful dish. Each item plays a key role in balancing taste, texture, and color with no complicated components needed.

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicier and more flavorful than breasts, perfect for keeping the chicken tender.
• Egg Noodles: These cook quickly and soak up butter and juices wonderfully.
• Butter: Essential for creating that rich, silky coating on the noodles and enhancing the chicken flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth, helping the noodles cook perfectly right in the pan.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic brings aromatic warmth without overpowering the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a burst of color and a light herbal note for freshness.
• Salt and Pepper: The basics that highlight and balance all other ingredients.

Variations for One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

This recipe is versatile and easy to adapt based on your tastes, dietary requirements, or whatever you have on hand. Feel free to customize it to make your own perfect version.

• Vegetable Boost: Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrients and color.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle in red pepper flakes or cayenne to awaken your taste buds.
• Herb Swaps: Try thyme, rosemary, or oregano in place of parsley for different aromatic profiles.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with olive oil and use gluten-free noodles for special diets.
• Protein Alternatives: Use chicken breasts, turkey, or even tofu for varied protein choices.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the boneless skinless chicken thighs liberally with salt and pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a couple tablespoons of butter. Once melted, sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes per side. This gives the chicken a beautiful crust and locks in juices.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Toast Noodles

Remove the chicken from the skillet temporarily and add the minced garlic to the same pan. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt. Then add the dry egg noodles directly to the pan, stirring to coat them in the garlic butter mixture, letting them toast slightly for about 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Broth and Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to maximize flavor. Nestle the seared chicken pieces back into the pan, covering the noodles. Lower the heat to simmer, and cover the pan with a lid. Let everything cook together for 8-10 minutes or until noodles are tender and chicken is cooked through.

Step 4: Finish with Butter and Fresh Herbs

Once the noodles have absorbed the broth and are tender, stir in an additional tablespoon of butter for extra richness. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh pop of color and taste. Adjust salt and pepper as needed, then serve hot, directly from the pan if you like.

Pro Tips for Making One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

• Use Thighs for Moisture: Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts during cooking.
• Don’t Rush the Sear: Wait until the chicken releases easily from the pan before flipping.
• Toast the Noodles Slightly: Adds subtle nuttiness and prevents them from sticking.
• Keep Broth Hot: Using warm chicken broth shortens cooking time and ensures even noodle texture.
• Add Butter at the End: Stirring in butter last ensures maximum creaminess without burning.

How to Serve One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese make great garnishes to elevate the dish easily. Lemon wedges can also brighten the flavors with a fresh zing.

Side Dishes

This meal pairs wonderfully with steamed or roasted veggies like green beans, broccoli, or carrots to add a healthy crunch. A crisp side salad dressed with vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the buttery noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the chicken and noodles family-style straight from the pan for a cozy vibe, or plate individual portions topped with extra herbs for dinner guests. For a fancy touch, drizzle with a bit of truffle oil or sprinkle toasted nuts on top for unexpected texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Seal well to maintain moisture and prevent the noodles from drying out.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Separate portions before freezing for easier reheating and to avoid mushy noodles, it’s best to freeze the chicken and noodles slightly separated when possible.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the noodles’ texture. Alternatively, microwave using short intervals, stirring often to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but be mindful they cook faster and can dry out more easily, so adjust cooking time accordingly.

What type of noodles work best in this recipe?

Egg noodles are ideal because they cook quickly and absorb flavors well, but you can use other medium-width pasta like rotini or penne if preferred.

Can I add vegetables directly to the pan?

Absolutely! Adding quick-cooking vegetables like spinach or peas during the last few minutes of simmering works perfectly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can use gluten-free noodles and confirm that your chicken broth is gluten-free to make it suitable.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

Replace butter with a plant-based oil like olive or avocado oil and choose dairy-free alternatives if adding any cheese or cream elements.

Final Thoughts

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a game changer for quick, satisfying dinners that don’t require hours in the kitchen or stacks of dishes to clean. It’s comforting, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable to your pantry and palate. Give this recipe a try tonight—you may just find your new favorite weeknight meal!

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