One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a perfect weeknight dinner for anyone looking to create a quick, flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. The tender, seasoned chicken breasts pair beautifully with buttery, comforting egg noodles, making this dish both satisfying and simple. By cooking everything in one skillet, you save time and effort, while still enjoying a delicious and well-rounded meal that’s full of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 4 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Cook the Noodles: In the same skillet, add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions (about 7-9 minutes). Once cooked, drain the noodles and return them to the skillet.
- Combine the Butter and Noodles: Add the butter to the skillet with the noodles, tossing until the butter is fully melted and the noodles are coated.
- Serve: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the buttered noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken and buttered noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: If you want to freeze this dish, separate the chicken from the noodles and freeze them in individual airtight containers. The chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months, while the noodles are best eaten within 1 month for optimal texture.
Reheating Tips:
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken and noodles in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
- Stovetop: Reheat the noodles and chicken in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little extra butter or a splash of broth to keep the noodles moist and prevent sticking.
- Microwave: If using a microwave, cover the dish and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
20 FAQ About One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
- Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe; they may need slightly more time to cook.
- What can I substitute for egg noodles?
- You can use any type of pasta, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Use olive oil instead of butter and choose a non-dairy butter substitute.
- Can I add vegetables to this dish?
- Yes, sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers would make a great addition.
- Can I make this recipe with bone-in chicken?
- Bone-in chicken will take longer to cook. If using, ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- How can I make this spicier?
- Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning for an extra kick.
- What’s the best way to slice the chicken?
- Slice the chicken against the grain for the most tender pieces.
- Can I use a different type of noodle?
- Yes, you can use any pasta of your choice, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I add cheese to the buttered noodles?
- Yes, grated parmesan or shredded cheddar would complement the buttered noodles perfectly.
- How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F in the center.
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
- Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken and just reheat it before serving.
- Can I use a different oil for cooking?
- Yes, vegetable oil or avocado oil can be used instead of olive oil.
- How long will the leftovers last?
- Leftovers will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Can I freeze this dish?
- Yes, you can freeze the chicken and noodles separately and store them for up to 2 months.
- Can I skip the garlic powder or paprika?
- If you don’t have these spices, you can skip them or substitute with other seasonings like Italian seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- What can I serve with this dish?
- It pairs well with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.
- How can I make the chicken juicier?
- Try marinating the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking for extra moisture and flavor.
- Can I add cream to the noodles?
- Yes, a splash of heavy cream or milk would create a creamy buttered noodle dish.
- Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
- Absolutely! This dish stores well for lunch or dinner the next day.
- Can I make this dish with a different protein?
- Yes, this recipe works with turkey cutlets, pork chops, or even shrimp as an alternative to chicken.
20 Best Tips for Making One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the quickest and most tender chicken.
- Season the chicken generously with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to ensure it’s flavorful.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken; make sure there’s enough space for even cooking.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking so the juices can redistribute.
- Use a non-stick skillet for easier cleanup and to prevent the noodles from sticking.
- Opt for fresh egg noodles if possible, as they cook faster and have a better texture than dried.
- Toss the butter in the noodles while they’re still hot to help it melt evenly and coat them.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached the correct internal temperature (165°F).
- Add a splash of chicken broth to the pan when reheating to keep the noodles from drying out.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for a burst of color and flavor.
- Add a squeeze of lemon to the finished dish for a zesty touch.
- Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in the dish.
- Try adding grated cheese on top of the noodles before serving for a cheesy twist.
- Serve with a simple salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the buttered noodles.
- Make sure the noodles are well-drained before adding them back to the skillet to avoid excess water.
- Season the noodles with extra salt and pepper after buttering them for a perfect flavor balance.
- Use a large skillet to ensure that the chicken and noodles have enough space to cook properly.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy and tender.
- Use a higher quality olive oil for cooking to enhance the flavor.
- Make it a family-style meal by serving the chicken and noodles on a large platter, letting everyone dig in.
This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a go-to meal for busy nights when you want something easy, satisfying, and delicious. The combination of juicy chicken and buttery noodles makes for a comforting dinner that’s both simple to make and delightful to eat!
