Chicken Buttered Noodles is a simple, comforting dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with soft, buttery noodles. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, with the noodles soaking up all the buttery goodness and the chicken adding just the right touch of protein. The flavors are straightforward but so satisfying, perfect for a quick dinner any night of the week.
I love making this dish when I need something easy yet hearty. One tip I have is to be generous with the butter—it really makes the noodles shine and brings everything together. Sometimes, I like to add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a little bit of parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor. It’s one of those recipes that you can switch up easily without losing its comforting charm.
My favorite way to enjoy Chicken Buttered Noodles is with a side of steamed veggies or a simple salad to balance out the richness. It’s always a hit with my family, especially on busy days when I want to serve something tasty fast. Honestly, it’s a dish that brings a bit of nostalgia, reminding me of cozy home-cooked meals where everyone happily comes back for seconds.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Egg Noodles: These are great for their soft, tender texture that holds butter well. If you can’t find egg noodles, try wide pasta like pappardelle or fettuccine. For a gluten-free option, rice noodles or gluten-free pasta work too.
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay tender when sliced. You can swap for thighs if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful bite. Rotisserie chicken also works for a shortcut.
Butter: Butter is key for richness and coating the noodles. Use unsalted butter so you can control salt levels. If needed, olive oil or a mix of butter and oil is a fine substitute, but butter gives the best flavor.
Parsley & Garlic Powder: Parsley adds a fresh touch and garlic powder brings mild depth. Fresh garlic can replace powder for more punch. Add a pinch of onion powder or Italian seasoning for a flavor twist.
Parmesan Cheese (Optional): Parmesan adds a little saltiness and extra flavor. Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese are tasty alternatives, or just leave it out if you want to keep it simple.
How Can You Get the Chicken Perfectly Juicy and Golden?
Cooking chicken can be tricky—you want it cooked through but still juicy and browned.
- Pat the chicken dry before seasoning—this helps it brown nicely.
- Heat your pan and oil until shimmering before adding chicken—this seals in juices.
- Cook on medium-high heat without moving it too soon to get a golden crust.
- Flip after 5-7 minutes depending on thickness; cook fully but avoid drying it out.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This lets the juices settle, so it stays moist when sliced.
Try slicing against the grain—that makes each piece tender and easy to eat. These simple steps make the chicken a nice contrast to the soft, buttery noodles.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large pot – perfect for boiling the noodles quickly and easily draining them once cooked.
- Skillet or frying pan – good for cooking the chicken and browning it to a golden color.
- Cooking tongs or slotted spoon – helpful for flipping the chicken and removing it from the pan.
- Meat thermometer (optional) – ensures the chicken is fully cooked without overdoing it.
- Mixing bowl – useful for tossing the noodles with butter and herbs.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked shrimp or sausage to mix up the protein and add different flavors.
- Mix in sautéed vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms for more color and nutrients.
- Add a splash of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to give it a zesty or spicy kick.
- Use shredded cheese like mozzarella or cheddar on top for a cheesy twist.
Chicken Buttered Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp dried parsley (or fresh parsley, chopped)
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Topping:
- Grated Parmesan cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20-25 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the noodles and 10-15 minutes preparing and cooking the chicken. It’s quick and perfect for a weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package directions until they are tender but still have a little bite (al dente). Drain the noodles and set them aside.
2. Prepare and Cook the Chicken:
While the noodles are cooking, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried parsley. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and nicely browned on the outside. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest a few minutes before slicing into strips.
3. Combine Noodles and Butter:
In the pot or a large bowl, melt the butter over low heat. Add the cooked noodles and toss gently until the noodles are fully coated with the buttery goodness and sprinkled with parsley.
4. Assemble and Serve:
Place the buttered noodles on plates or in bowls. Top with the sliced chicken. If you like, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese or extra parsley. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting Chicken Buttered Noodles!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better browning.
Can I Make Chicken Buttered Noodles Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Cook the noodles and chicken separately, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a little butter or olive oil to keep it moist.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating and to restore the buttery coating.
Can I Substitute Another Pasta for Egg Noodles?
Yes! Wide pasta shapes like pappardelle or fettuccine work well, as do any noodles you have on hand. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.
