Chicken with Buttered Noodles
When I think about comfort food, chicken with buttered noodles is always at the top of my list. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up in a warm blanket and makes everything feel just right. I remember times I’ve made it on a rainy day, and it’s like you can smell the love wafting through the kitchen. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, making it a go-to recipe when I’m short on time but still want something satisfying. Let me share how you can create this delightful dish right at home!
What Is Chicken with Buttered Noodles?
This dish is a lovely combination of tender chicken and rich, buttery noodles that create a symphony of flavors and textures. Picture golden-brown chicken breast cooked to perfection, paired with noodles that are just the right amount of chewy and smothered in butter. It’s a simple yet delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy dinner for one or a family gathering. I love how it feels nostalgic while also being incredibly versatile.
Ingredients Overview for Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Here’s what you will need to result in a delicious chicken with buttered noodles:
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken works best. You can swap it for thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.
- Egg Noodles: They cook up perfectly soft, but feel free to use any pasta you like.
- Butter: The star of the show! Use unsalted to control the flavor.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds a fragrant kick.
- Chicken Broth: This gives a nice, rich flavor to the dish. Homemade or store-bought both work great.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning. You can add herbs like thyme for more flavor.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped for garnish, adding a fresh finish. You can use dried if that’s what you have on hand.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chicken
- Cooking the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt a tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until it’s golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Making the Noodles
- Cooking the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles but save a little pasta water for later.
Combining the Ingredients
- Making the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and some reserved pasta water. Stir it all together.
- Adding the Noodles: Toss in the cooked noodles, letting them soak up all that delicious sauce. Give it a good stir to combine everything nicely.
- Final Touches: Slice the chicken and plate over the buttery noodles. Finish with freshly chopped parsley for that pop of green and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken with buttered noodles can be served simply as is, but I love pairing it with a side of steamed broccoli or a vibrant salad to add some crunch and color. You could even throw in some roasted vegetables or a light garlic bread on the side. It’s versatile and perfect for those lazy nights when you want something tasty without any fuss.
Tips For The Perfect Chicken with Buttered Noodles
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on it. Overcooked chicken can become dry. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Customize Your Noodles: If egg noodles aren’t your thing, any pasta shape can work – just adjust the cooking time.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add herbs like oregano or aromatic spices if that’s your style. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese can elevate it too!
- Make Ahead: You can cook the chicken and noodles in advance, then warm them up together in the skillet right before serving.
Q&A Section
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Absolutely, just cook it thoroughly until it reaches the correct temperature.
Q: What if I don’t have egg noodles?
A: Any pasta type will do. Just adjust the cooking time to match.
Q: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
A: Yes! Try using olive oil instead of butter and a dairy-free pasta option.
Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Why You’ll Adore It
You’ll find that chicken with buttered noodles is not only delightful but also insanely comforting. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The flavors are rich, the textures are lovely, and it’s all incredibly easy to whip up after a long day. Plus, I can promise, it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time!
Behind the Scenes
When I first started making chicken with buttered noodles, I had a few hiccups (hello, too much butter!). I remember thinking I was going to ruin the whole meal, but it turned out that a little extra butter made everything so much richer. On a few occasions, I forgot to save that precious pasta water, resulting in a dry dish, but it’s something I’ve learned to watch out for! Each little trial has led me to this now-favorite recipe, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Try it out, and I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Happy cooking!
Chicken with Buttered Noodles
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A comforting dish of tender chicken and rich, buttery noodles, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz Egg noodles
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
- 2 cloves Fresh minced garlic
- 1 cup Chicken broth
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles but reserve some pasta water.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining butter and sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add chicken broth and some reserved pasta water, stirring to combine.
- Toss in the cooked noodles, allowing them to soak up the sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Slice the chicken and plate over the buttery noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent it from becoming dry. Customize the noodles or add herbs for additional flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauteing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg