Chicken with Buttered Noodles

This simple chicken with buttered noodles combines tender sliced chicken breast with perfectly cooked egg noodles tossed in a garlicky butter sauce. It's a comforting dish that comes together quickly for those busy weeknights when you need something satisfying without a lot of fuss.

I first made this recipe when my daughter was going through a picky eating phase. The simple flavors and familiar ingredients won her over immediately, and it's now our go-to comfort meal when life gets hectic.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provide lean protein and cook quickly. Look for even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
• Egg noodles: create the perfect base with their tender texture. The wide surface area catches all the buttery goodness.
• Unsalted butter: forms the foundation of the sauce. Using unsalted lets you control the seasoning perfectly.
• Olive oil: adds depth to the sauce and helps prevent the butter from burning.
• Garlic powder and fresh minced garlic: offer two layers of flavor one in the chicken seasoning and one in the noodle sauce.
• Dried thyme: complements chicken beautifully. Use fresh if you have it by tripling the amount.
• Fresh parsley or basil: brightens the finished dish with color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Noodles:

Fill a large pot with water, adding about a tablespoon of salt per gallon of water. Bring to a rolling boil before adding the noodles. Cook according to package directions until just tender but still firm to the bite. Test a noodle about a minute before the package suggests to ensure they don't overcook. Reserve about 1/4 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.

Season the Chicken:

Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick and promote better browning. Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over both sides of the chicken, pressing gently to adhere.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add the olive oil and swirl to coat the pan. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet without crowding. Cook undisturbed for 6-7 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip only once and cook for another 6-7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing to keep the juices inside.

Sauté the Garlic:

Without cleaning the skillet, reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter and olive oil, allowing the butter to melt completely. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. The garlic should become fragrant and just barely golden.

Toss the Noodles:

Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the garlic butter. Gently toss using tongs to coat every strand with the buttery mixture. If the noodles seem dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, which contains starch that helps the sauce cling to the noodles.

Assemble and Serve:

Slice the rested chicken against the grain into 1/4-inch strips. Divide the buttered noodles among serving plates, top with the sliced chicken, and sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs. Serve immediately while hot.

Save

Egg noodles are my favorite part of this dish. Their soft texture and ability to hold onto the buttery sauce reminds me of the comforting meals my grandmother would make. I remember her teaching me how important it was to salt the pasta water properly. She would say, "The noodles should taste like the sea before they meet the sauce."

Make-Ahead Options

This chicken and noodle dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the chicken and noodles separately. Reheat the noodles gently in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth to revive them, and warm the chicken separately to prevent overcooking. Combine just before serving.

Easy Variations

Transform this simple dish with minimal effort by adding vegetables like steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms. For a creamy version, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or cream cheese into the butter sauce. You can also substitute the chicken with turkey cutlets, pork tenderloin, or even shrimp for a different protein option that works just as well with the buttered noodles.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this dish with a simple side salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the buttered noodles. A side of roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans adds color and nutrition to complete the meal. For a special touch, serve with a glass of unoaked Chardonnay or light Pinot Grigio that complements both the chicken and the buttery noodles without overwhelming them.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use different types of pasta instead of egg noodles?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with any pasta you prefer. Fettuccine, linguine, or even penne work well. Just adjust cooking times according to package instructions and keep in mind that different pasta shapes will absorb the butter sauce differently.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) measured with a meat thermometer. If you don't have a thermometer, ensure the meat is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear when pierced.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can prepare components separately. Cook the chicken and slice it, then refrigerate. Make the buttered noodles just before serving and reheat the chicken separately. Combine just before serving to prevent the noodles from absorbing too much moisture.

→ What can I add to enhance the flavor?

Try adding grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. You could also incorporate vegetables like peas, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great substitute and often result in juicier meat. Boneless, skinless thighs will need similar cooking times, but check for doneness as thighs may require 1-2 minutes longer than breasts.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

To make a lighter version, reduce the amount of butter and substitute with additional olive oil. You can also use whole grain pasta instead of egg noodles, and add more vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value.