If you’re craving a homey, comforting dinner that comes together quickly yet feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender, flavorful chicken breast with perfectly buttered egg noodles, garlic, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it strikes just the right balance between simplicity and indulgence. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, this dish never fails to satisfy with its rich, buttery goodness and aromatic garlic notes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this dish right is all about a handful of simple, quality ingredients that create layers of delightful flavor and texture. Each one plays its part: the chicken brings protein and savoriness, butter offers creamy richness, and fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Chicken breast: Choose fresh, boneless, skinless pieces for juicy, tender bites.
- Egg noodles: These are perfect for soaking up the buttery sauce and complementing the chicken.
- Butter: Use real butter to give the dish its signature creamy, luscious texture.
- Garlic, minced: Adds fragrant depth and a little zing that livens up the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Parmesan cheese: A sprinkle of this brings a nutty, savory finish that melds beautifully.
- Fresh parsley: Not just for looks, parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens the dish.
How to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles
Begin by boiling the egg noodles according to the package directions until they’re perfectly tender but still hold their shape. Drain them well and set aside—these noodles are the buttery base that will soak up all the delicious flavors to come.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the noodles cook, generously season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning step is crucial—it ensures the chicken’s natural flavors shine through and complement the buttery noodles perfectly.
Step 3: Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter slowly so it doesn’t brown too quickly. Then add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes fragrant and golden, filling your kitchen with that irresistible aroma.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet, cooking each side until it’s beautifully browned and cooked thoroughly through. This step locks in juices and creates a lovely crust that adds texture alongside the tender noodles.
Step 5: Slice Chicken and Combine
Remove the chicken breasts and let them rest a moment before slicing into strips. Return these strips to the skillet with the melted butter and garlic, then add the cooked noodles on top.
Step 6: Toss, Cheese, and Garnish
Gently toss the noodles with the chicken, butter, and garlic to ensure every strand is coated in flavor. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese for a savory finish, then top with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, fresh touch. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.
How to Serve Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A light sprinkle of fresh parsley isn’t just decorative; it brightens the dish and adds a fresh herbal contrast to the richness of the butter and Parmesan. For an extra touch, a few cracked black pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice can lift the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a crisp garden salad. The lightness of these sides balances the buttery noodles and adds texture variety to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try nesting the buttered noodles beneath a grilled chicken breast topped with a Parmesan crust. Or serve the dish in a warm, shallow bowl and sprinkle extra cheese and herbs tableside so everyone can customize their plate. This dish also makes a great filling for a cozy casserole with a crunchy breadcrumb topping if you want to mix things up.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken with buttered noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the noodles slightly undercooked if you plan to reheat to avoid them becoming mushy.
Freezing
While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the chicken and noodles separately if you want to preserve texture. Wrap each tightly to prevent freezer burn and use within one month for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of water or chicken broth to bring back moisture. Stir occasionally while warming to keep the noodles evenly coated and prevent sticking.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a bit more flavor and remain juicy even if slightly overcooked, making them a great alternative for this recipe.
Is it necessary to use Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan adds a lovely nutty taste, you can substitute with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or skip it entirely if you prefer a lighter dish.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap regular egg noodles for gluten-free pasta varieties, and ensure your butter and other ingredients don’t contain gluten additives.
What type of butter is best for this recipe?
Real, unsalted butter is ideal here because it melts smoothly and lets you control the salt level in the dish for a perfectly balanced flavor.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Feel free to toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas during the final toss with noodles and chicken to boost nutrition and add color.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is a true kitchen classic that’s as satisfying as it is simple. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to return to again and again, perfect for feeding family or impressing friends with minimal fuss. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!
Print
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
A simple and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breast cooked in buttery garlic sauce, tossed with egg noodles and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Ready in just 30 minutes, this classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Noodles
- 8 oz egg noodles
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm.
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breast evenly with salt and pepper on both sides to enhance flavor.
- Prepare Butter Garlic Sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned, to infuse the butter with garlic flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken breast to the skillet with the garlic butter. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Slice Chicken: Remove the chicken breast from the skillet and slice it into strips. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet.
- Combine and Finish: Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet with the chicken and toss gently to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and toss again lightly. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can deglaze the skillet with a splash of chicken broth or white wine before adding the noodles.
- Use fresh parsley for garnish to add a pop of color and freshness.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- If preferred, substitute egg noodles with any pasta of choice like fettuccine or rotini.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
