DINNER

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles: Comfort in Every Bite! 🍗🍝🧈

Get ready for a weeknight dinner savior! This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe delivers ultimate comfort with minimal cleanup. Tender, juicy chicken pieces are cooked alongside perfectly al dente noodles, all coated in a rich, savory, buttery sauce. It’s a hug in a bowl, incredibly easy to make, and guaranteed to become a go-to favorite for busy evenings.

What Makes This “The Best”: Flavorful Layers & Easy Execution ✨

This recipe stands out for several reasons:

  • Sear for Flavor: Browning the chicken first creates a delicious foundation and ensures tender, flavorful pieces.
  • Direct-to-Pan Noodles: Cooking the pasta right in the broth means it absorbs all the rich chicken and herb flavors, resulting in incredibly tasty noodles.
  • Simple, Rich Sauce: Butter, broth, and a touch of seasonings create a luscious, comforting sauce that coats everything beautifully.
  • Minimal Cleanup: The “one-pan” aspect means less time scrubbing pots and pans, and more time enjoying your meal!

Ingredients: Your One-Pan Comfort Essentials 🛒

This recipe serves 4.

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Thighs (or breasts), cut into 1-inch (2.5 cm) bite-sized pieces
    • Tip: Thighs stay juicier, but breasts work well if you prefer them.
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder
  • 1 tsp Onion Powder
  • ½ tsp Dried Italian Seasoning (or dried oregano/thyme)
  • ½ tsp Salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ tsp Black Pepper (or to taste)
  • 4 tbsp (½ stick / 56g) Unsalted Butter, divided
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp)
  • 3 cups (720ml) Chicken Broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup (240ml) Water
  • 8 oz (225g) Egg Noodles (medium or wide, the kind that cook relatively quickly)
  • Optional: ¼ cup Fresh Parsley, chopped, for garnish
  • Optional: ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese, for serving

Equipment Needed:

  • Large, deep skillet with a lid (a 10-12 inch pan is ideal)
  • Tongs or spatula

Step-by-Step Preparation: Effortless Comfort, Big Flavor! 📝

  1. Prepare & Sear Chicken (8-10 minutes):
    • Pat chicken pieces very dry with paper towels. Season them with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
    • Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in your large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.
    • Add the seasoned chicken to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
    • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate. Do not clean the skillet; the browned bits are flavor!
  2. Sauté Aromatics & Build Liquid Base (3-5 minutes):
    • Reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tbsp of the butter to the same skillet.
    • Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
    • Pour in the chicken broth and water. Bring the liquid to a simmer, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any remaining flavorful bits (this is called deglazing!).
  3. Cook Noodles in One Pan (8-12 minutes):
    • Add the egg noodles to the simmering liquid in the skillet. Stir well to ensure they are submerged.
    • Bring the liquid back to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet with a lid.
    • Cook for 8-12 minutes, or according to the noodle package directions for al dente, stirring occasionally (every 2-3 minutes) to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The noodles will absorb most of the liquid.
    • Check for doneness: Taste a noodle to ensure it’s cooked through but still has a slight chew.
  4. Combine & Finish with Butter (2 minutes):
    • Once the noodles are cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the skillet from the heat.
    • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the noodles.
    • Add the remaining 3 tbsp of butter to the pan. Toss everything gently until the butter is melted and coats the noodles and chicken, creating a luscious, glossy sauce.
    • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
  5. Serve & Garnish:
    • Serve the One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles immediately.
    • Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Pro Tips for the BEST One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles ✨

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly and gets tender, rather than steaming.
  • Good Quality Broth: Since the noodles cook directly in it, a flavorful chicken broth makes a big difference to the overall taste of the dish.
  • Stir the Noodles: Stirring frequently while the noodles cook prevents them from sticking to the bottom of the pan and ensures they cook evenly.
  • Check Noodle Doneness: Taste test the noodles a minute or two before the package suggests. You want them al dente, not mushy.
  • Adjust Liquid: Different brands and types of egg noodles can absorb liquid differently. If your noodles seem dry during cooking, add a splash more hot water or broth. If too soupy, let it simmer uncovered for an extra minute or two.
  • Fresh Herbs: While dried Italian seasoning works, fresh parsley or dill added at the end significantly brightens the dish.

Creative Variations & Customizations 🌈

  • Add Veggies: Sauté some sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, or chopped spinach with the garlic. Or stir in some steamed broccoli florets at the end.
  • Creamy Boost: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese at the very end with the butter for an extra rich and creamy sauce.
  • Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle heat.
  • Different Protein: This concept works well with pork tenderloin pieces or even pre-cooked sausage slices.
  • Cheesy Goodness: Stir in ½ cup of shredded mozzarella or a cheddar blend with the butter for extra cheesiness.

Serving Suggestions 🍽️

  • This is a complete meal on its own!
  • Serve with a simple side salad for freshness and crunch.
  • A side of crusty bread would be great for soaking up any extra sauce.

Storage & Reheating Tips 🧊🗓️

  • Storage: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-low heat. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water when reheating, as the noodles will absorb more liquid as they sit. Stir gently until warmed through.
  • Freezing: This dish is not recommended for freezing as the noodles can become mushy and the sauce may separate upon thawing and reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Conclusion 🌟

This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe is the epitome of comfort food made easy. By building layers of flavor directly in a single skillet, you’ll achieve a tender chicken and wonderfully savory noodles bathed in a rich, buttery sauce, all with minimal fuss. It’s a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in, and sure to earn a regular spot in your recipe rotation. Enjoy the delicious ease and warmth of this dish!