If your weeknight dinner rotation could use a little magic (with minimal dishes to clean up), then you’re about to fall in love with One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles. This cozy classic brings together tender chicken, chewy egg noodles, and the richest, silkiest butter sauce, with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley to brighten up every bite. The whole thing comes together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze and letting the flavors mingle as if this dish had been simmering all day. One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the homemade comfort food you can count on anytime you want big flavor, little effort, and happy faces gathered around your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of everyday ingredients to create something truly satisfying! Each one plays a starring role, adding its own layer—be it flavor, creaminess, or color—to this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe.
- Olive oil: Gets the chicken started with a gorgeous golden sear and adds a hint of fruity richness.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The main protein, soaking up seasoning and becoming irresistibly tender in the skillet.
- Salt: Essential for coaxing out depth and bringing everything into balance.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle, warming heat that complements the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Garlic powder: Gives a round, savory backbone to both the chicken and noodles—no chopping required!
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Lends complexity and keeps everything juicy while infusing the noodles with extra savoriness.
- Egg noodles (uncooked): Their chewy texture and ability to soak up sauce is what makes every bite extra comforting.
- Unsalted butter: Melts in at the end for unbeatable creaminess and richness.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty oomph and finishes the sauce off with a perfect touch of luxury.
- Fresh parsley (chopped): The bright pop of green brings freshness and color to tie the whole dish together.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in your largest skillet over medium-high heat; you want that pan nice and hot so the chicken gets a beautiful sear. Add your chicken pieces, then sprinkle over the salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Give everything a quick toss and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring every now and then, until the chicken turns golden brown and is almost cooked through. Don’t worry about tiny bits sticking to the pan—those will add flavor to the sauce later!
Step 2: Add the Broth and Noodles
Once your chicken is looking lovely, pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Let it come to a gentle boil. Next, stir in the uncooked egg noodles and make sure they’re mostly submerged in the broth. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the pan with a lid, and let everything simmer away for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir once or twice during cooking so the noodles don’t clump and everything heats evenly.
Step 3: Stir in Butter, Cheese, and Parsley
When the noodles have softened and the sauce has thickened, stir in those glorious tablespoons of unsalted butter. The moment it melts, sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and finish with chopped parsley. Toss everything together so every noodle and chicken piece gets bathed in the velvety sauce. That’s it—One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is ready to serve hot!
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Garnishes
A final flourish can make your One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles look as irresistible as it tastes! A generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a handful of fresh parsley elevate each bowl with color and a burst of flavor. If you’re feeling fancy, a quick crack of fresh black pepper on top brings a restaurant-worthy finish.
Side Dishes
Even though this meal is pretty much perfect on its own, a big leafy green salad or a simple side of roasted vegetables makes a lovely pairing. Steamed broccoli or peas are easy to toss in as well—either stirred right into the noodles or served alongside for a pop of color and nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
Dress up One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles by serving it in shallow pasta bowls with a mound of noodles in the center and chicken artfully arranged on top. For a family-style feel, dish everything straight from the skillet at the table. If you’re serving guests, try adding a lemon wedge on the side for a hint of brightness and an elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Have leftovers? Just store your One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so your next-day lunch might be even tastier!
Freezing
If you want to freeze portions, let the dish cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to two months without losing its comforting charm. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen things up and bring back that glossy buttered sauce. Alternatively, microwave individual servings in one-minute bursts, stirring in between. Stir in a pinch of fresh parsley for that just-made sparkle.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are a fantastic swap for chicken breasts, bringing extra juiciness and flavor to your One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces and follow the recipe as written.
What type Main Course
If egg noodles aren’t available, medium-sized pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or even penne work well. Keep an eye on the cooking time and how much broth you use, since different shapes may absorb liquid differently.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
You can transform this recipe into a comforting vegetarian meal by swapping the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein, and using vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. It’s just as delicious and still easy!
Can I add extra vegetables into the pan?
Definitely! Stir in peas, baby spinach, or steamed broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for a boost of color and flavor. The beauty of One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is its flexibility.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
This dish is a huge hit with kids thanks to the mild, buttery flavor and slurpable noodles. If you have picky eaters, you can leave out the parsley or serve it on the side for customization.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving comfort and simplicity, don’t wait another night to try One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to whip up a bowlful of delicious, home-cooked goodness—with hardly any cleanup required! Give it a go and watch it become a family favorite.
