Why You’ll Love One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
This recipe delivers everything you want in a cozy homemade dinner with minimal effort and cleanup. The chicken is juicy and flavorful, the noodles are perfectly coated in a buttery sauce, and the whole meal comes together in one pan. It’s a satisfying, well-balanced dish that pleases both kids and adults, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Olive oil or butter
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Chicken broth
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Egg noodles
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Unsalted butter
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Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
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Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Directions
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Season the chicken on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
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Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4–5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil.
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Add egg noodles to the broth, cover, and cook for 7–9 minutes or until noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Stir in the butter until melted and the noodles are evenly coated.
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Return the chicken to the pan and nestle it into the noodles.
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Garnish with chopped parsley and Parmesan if using.
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Serve hot directly from the pan.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
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Creamy Chicken Noodles: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream at the end for a richer texture.
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Add Vegetables: Toss in peas, spinach, or mushrooms while the noodles cook for a more complete meal.
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Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
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Herbed Butter Noodles: Mix in Italian seasoning or fresh thyme for a more aromatic dish.
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Cheesy Noodles: Add shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a cheesy twist.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes, covered.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just slice or shred it and add it to the noodles during the final step to heat through.
What type of noodles work best?
Egg noodles are ideal for their quick cooking time and tender texture, but you can use any short pasta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
It’s best fresh, but you can make it a day ahead and reheat gently with extra broth or butter.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but it will require longer cooking time and should be removed before adding noodles to finish cooking separately.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, use oil instead of butter and skip the Parmesan cheese.
Can I add more flavor to the broth?
Absolutely. Add a splash of white wine, a bouillon cube, or fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary.
How do I keep the noodles from sticking?
Stir occasionally while cooking and make sure there’s enough broth for the noodles to absorb.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended as noodles can become mushy when thawed and reheated.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild flavors and buttery noodles are generally a hit with children.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Definitely. It’s a great shortcut—just add it at the end to warm through.
Conclusion
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a simple, satisfying meal that proves comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With juicy chicken, tender noodles, and rich buttery flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up and even easier to clean up. Keep this recipe in your weeknight rotation—you’ll be glad you did.
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a comforting, easy dinner recipe the whole family will love. Juicy seared chicken breasts are simmered with buttery, garlicky noodles all in one pan for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan, Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 tablespoons butter, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 oz egg noodles (or other quick-cooking pasta)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add chicken and sear until golden and cooked through (about 5–6 minutes per side). Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add egg noodles, stir, and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 7–8 minutes or until noodles are tender.
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and Parmesan cheese (if using) until creamy and coated.
- Slice or shred the chicken and return to the pan. Mix to combine or serve over the noodles.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Add spinach or peas at the end of cooking for a veggie boost.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese.
- Substitute chicken thighs if preferred.
