One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles: A Heartfelt Dish for Every Table
There’s something truly magical about the aromas wafting through the kitchen as you prepare a meal that feels both nostalgic and cozy. Perhaps it’s the sizzling sound of chicken hitting a hot pan or the gentle simmer of butter with garlic that recalls evenings spent with family. With my cherished One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles, you’ll experience each of these sensory delights in a dish that effortlessly blends flavor and comfort. This simple dinner isn’t just food; it’s a warm embrace on a chilly night, a reminder of gatherings, and a bite of joy served warm and delicious.
Why Make This Recipe
This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting reminder of the cozy nights spent at home, surrounded by loved ones. Here’s why you and your family will adore this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles:
- Quick Prep: In just 10 minutes, you’ll have everything prepped and ready to go!
- Cozy Flavors: Buttery noodles and savory chicken create a scrumptious harmony on your plate.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for weeknights with the family or intimate gatherings with friends.
- Versatile Ingredients: Easy to tweak with what you have on hand, making dinner stress-free.
- Minimal Cleanup: With just one pan involved, you can savor every bite without worrying about a mountain of dishes afterward.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To whip up this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients. Substitution tips are included so you can tailor the dish to your taste:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Try thigh pieces for richer flavor.
- 8 ounces egg noodles: You can use whole wheat or gluten-free varieties as well.
- 3 tablespoons butter: A splash of olive oil can be a great lighter alternative.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh is best, but you can substitute with 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder if you’re short on time.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Homemade broth elevates the flavor for a truly hearty dish.
- Salt and pepper: Always season to taste; feel free to add paprika for an extra kick.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle on top brings an irresistible umami flavor.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
This dish is quick enough to be a weeknight go-to, yet satisfying enough to impress guests!
How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
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Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the butter is sizzling, add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove and set aside.
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Sauté the Garlic: In the same pan, melt another tablespoon of butter. As the garlic sizzles, the aroma will fill your kitchen, making you feel right at home. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the Broth and Noodles: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in the egg noodles and reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles absorb the broth and become tender.
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Combine and Finish: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, tossing everything together until the noodles are coated in a buttery sheen. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
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Serve: Consider a final sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan atop each serving and maybe a dash of parsley for color.
Tips and Creative Variations
- Herb Infusion: Toss in fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an aromatic twist.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Peas, spinach, or broccoli can easily be added into the mix for extra nutrition.
- Dairy-Free?: Swap butter for vegan butter and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free comfort dish.
Serving Ideas
What can be more heartwarming than gathering around the dinner table with a delicious homemade dish? Pair your One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles with a fresh side salad or steamed green beans to bring color and freshness to the meal. For a cozy evening, serve it with a glass of crisp white wine or sparkling apple cider. Imagine laughter filled with stories, the warmth of love, and this comforting dinner being shared amongst family and friends.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers? Yes, please! Here’s how to handle them:
- Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze in a container suitable for freezing, and it should keep for about 2-3 months.
- Reheating: Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to refresh the noodles.
Pro Tips for Success
- Invest in a good skillet: A heavy-bottomed pan distributes heat evenly, ensuring perfectly cooked chicken every time.
- Prep in advance: Consider marinating the chicken overnight for extra flavor (a simple olive oil and herb mix works wonders).
- Taste as you go: Always sample your dish while cooking; tweaking flavors can make all the difference!
FAQs
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Can I freeze this recipe? Yes, it’s perfect for freezing! Allow it to cool completely before storing it.
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What’s the best substitute for egg noodles? You can use other pasta shapes or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
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Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, although you’ll need to thaw and cook it longer to ensure it’s cooked through.
Conclusion
As we come to the end of this journey, I invite you to try making this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles yourself. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings hearts and tables together, transforming simple ingredients into delightful memories. Remember to share it with those you cherish and relish the warmth that comes from cozy dinners shared with loved ones. Happy cooking!
Contents
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Try thigh pieces for richer flavor.
- 8 ounces egg noodles You can use whole wheat or gluten-free varieties.
- 3 tablespoons butter A splash of olive oil can be a great lighter alternative.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced Fresh is best, but you can use 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- 1 cup chicken broth Homemade broth elevates the flavor.
- to taste salt and pepper Feel free to add paprika for an extra kick.
- optional Parmesan cheese A sprinkle on top brings an irresistible umami flavor.
Instructions
Cooking
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the butter is sizzling, add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt another tablespoon of butter. Cook the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Stir in the egg noodles and reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the noodles absorb the broth and become tender.
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter, tossing everything together until the noodles are coated in a buttery sheen. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Serve with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan on top and possibly a dash of parsley for color.