Chicken with Buttered Noodles: A Hug on a Plate
As you step into the kitchen, the comforting aroma of roasted chicken fills the air, wrapping around you like a warm embrace. Today, I’m sharing a recipe that feels like home—Chicken with Buttered Noodles. This dish dances on the line between simplicity and indulgence, evoking memories of family gatherings around the dinner table, where stories are shared, and laughter reigns supreme. The tenderness of seasoned chicken paired with rich, buttery noodles creates a cozy experience that lingers long after the last bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Chicken with Buttered Noodles is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. Here’s why you’re going to adore it:
- Quick Family Meal: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Comforting Dinner: The warmth and flavors bring a sense of nostalgia that feels like a hug.
- Customizable: Easily adapt it to your family’s tastes or dietary preferences with simple swaps.
- Gather Around: This festive dish is designed for sharing, bringing loved ones together.
- Indulgent Treat: Every mouthful melts in your mouth, making it feel like a special occasion.
Ingredients with Notes
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and juicy; you can substitute with thighs for added richness.
- 8 oz egg noodles: Traditional but feel free to swap for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: For that luxurious creaminess; clarify it for a rich flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a depth of flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Homemade is best, or use low-sodium broth to control salt.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning; use fresh cracked pepper for a more vibrant taste.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: A lovely herb that complements chicken beautifully; substitute with Italian seasoning if needed.
- Fresh parsley for garnish: Adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This is a quick family meal, perfect for those nights you want something hearty without dedicating hours in the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme on both sides. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to enhance the flavor.
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Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts, cooking them for about 7-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. You’ll know they’re ready when they have a slight crisp and when the juices run clear.
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Boil the Noodles: While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually around 6-8 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
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Make the Sauce: Remove cooked chicken from the skillet and let it rest. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to capture all those delicious morsels. Bring to a simmer.
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Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add drained noodles to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water. Stir, allowing the noodles to soak up the sauce. Add the remaining butter and toss until everything is coated and silky.
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Slice and Serve: Slice the resting chicken and serve it over the buttery noodles, garnishing with fresh parsley. Your kitchen will smell incredible, and your table will come alive with colors and flavors!
Tips and Variations
- For a Healthy Option: Swap out egg noodles for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter twist.
- Seasonal Twist: In fall, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach. In spring, toss in fresh peas or asparagus for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Extra Flavor: Consider adding a splash of white wine in the sauce for complexity.
Serving Ideas
This Chicken with Buttered Noodles is versatile. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Pair it with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with a twist of lemon to elevate your dining experience. It’s ideal for cozy family dinners, gatherings with friends, or even festive occasions.
Storage and Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Let the Chicken Rest: Always allow cooked chicken to rest for about 5-10 minutes before slicing to keep those juices locked in.
- Fresh Herbs at the End: Stir in fresh herbs after cooking for a burst of brightness.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Reserve and use pasta water; its starchiness helps thicken the sauce and bind it to your noodles.
FAQs
- Can I use whole chicken instead of breasts? Yes, you can use any cuts; just adjust the cooking times accordingly.
- What if I’m gluten-free? Substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
- Can I make this ahead of time? You can prepare the chicken and noodles separately, combining them just before serving to maintain freshness.
Conclusion
There’s something undoubtedly heartwarming about Chicken with Buttered Noodles. It’s a dish that nourishes the body and soul, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying on a quiet evening at home. I invite you to recreate this comforting meal, to share laughter, stories, and warmth around your table. Enjoy the happiness this recipe brings, and remember—good food is always better when shared. Happy cooking!

Contents
Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Tender and juicy; you can substitute with thighs for added richness.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter For that luxurious creaminess; clarify it for a rich flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic adds a depth of flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth Homemade is best, or use low-sodium broth to control salt.
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme A lovely herb that complements chicken beautifully; substitute with Italian seasoning if needed.
- Salt and pepper Essential for seasoning; use fresh cracked pepper for a more vibrant taste.
For the Noodles
- 8 oz egg noodles Traditional but feel free to swap for whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Fresh parsley for garnish Adds a pop of color and freshness at the end.
Instructions
Preparation
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme on both sides. Let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
Cooking Chicken
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts, cooking them for about 7-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Cooking Noodles
- While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually around 6-8 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Making the Sauce
- Remove cooked chicken from the skillet and let it rest. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan.
Combining Noodles and Sauce
- Add drained noodles to the skillet with the reserved pasta water, and stir to soak up the sauce. Add the remaining butter and toss until everything is coated.
Serving
- Slice the resting chicken and serve it over the buttery noodles, garnishing with fresh parsley.