Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the kind of meal that feels warm, familiar, and incredibly comforting after a long day. Tender pieces of chicken simmer gently with soft, buttery noodles that absorb every bit of savory flavor from the broth. The entire dish comes together in a single pan, which means minimal cleanup—a feature I appreciate deeply on busy evenings. Once, when I was short on butter, I tried adding a small splash of cream for richness, and it worked surprisingly well while keeping the dish velvety. This recipe is ideal for families, quick weeknight meals, or anyone who enjoys a classic, uncomplicated dinner that never disappoints. With its creamy, seasoned noodles and juicy chicken, this dish offers comfort with every bite. The one-pan method ensures the noodles cook directly in the broth, becoming deeply infused with flavor and creating a cohesive, satisfying meal.
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One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles: A Comforting Dinner Made Simple
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A cozy, family-friendly one-pan meal featuring tender chicken cooked alongside buttery, garlic-infused egg noodles for a simple but delicious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra butter for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken, season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, and cook until browned and mostly cooked through.
- Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the egg noodles, stirring to submerge them evenly in the liquid.
- Cover and cook for 7–9 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and most of the broth is absorbed.
- Stir in the remaining tablespoon of butter and fresh parsley.
- Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve warm with extra butter if desired.
Notes
- Use bone broth for richer flavor.
- Add peas or spinach in the last few minutes for extra veggies.
- Swap noodles for small pasta shapes like rotini or shells if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan / Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breast
Chicken breast provides lean, tender protein that cooks quickly and absorbs the buttery broth beautifully.
Egg noodles
Egg noodles offer a soft, comforting texture and cook evenly in the broth while absorbing flavor.
Chicken broth
Broth gives the noodles and chicken their savory depth and prevents the dish from drying out.
Butter
Butter creates a silky, rich coating for the noodles and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
Garlic
Garlic adds aroma and mild sharpness that balances the richness of the butter.
Onion
Onion brings sweetness and depth, forming a flavorful base for the entire dish.
Olive oil
Olive oil helps sear the chicken, adding color and flavor before simmering begins.
Salt and black pepper
Essential for seasoning, they bring out the natural flavors of the chicken and noodles.
Parsley
Parsley adds freshness and a gentle herbal note that brightens the dish.
Directions
Start by slicing the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is warm, add the chicken and cook until lightly browned on all sides, avoiding overcooking at this stage. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add butter and allow it to melt. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until softened and fragrant. Stir in minced garlic and cook briefly until aromatic. Return the chicken to the skillet, stirring to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure there is enough liquid to cook the noodles fully.
Add egg noodles directly into the skillet, pressing them gently into the broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and cook until the noodles soften and absorb much of the liquid, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the noodles are fully cooked and the broth has thickened into a light sauce, adjust seasoning as needed.
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in an additional small pat of butter to enrich the noodles. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and allow the dish to rest for a moment before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the noodles as they warm. If using the microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring between each round until fully warmed. The dish does not freeze well due to the texture of the noodles, so refrigeration is recommended for best results.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy One-Pan Version
Add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end for a richer, silkier consistency.
Garlic-Parmesan Style
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese before serving for a savory, nutty finish.
Chicken Thigh Upgrade
Use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful result.
Vegetable-Packed Variation
Add peas, carrots, or spinach in the final minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
Lemon-Herb Twist
Add fresh lemon juice and zest for a brighter, more refreshing flavor profile.
Mushroom Blend Option
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for earthy depth.
Spicy Buttered Noodles
Include a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Italian-Inspired Dish
Add Italian seasoning and top with shredded mozzarella before serving.
Brothy Comfort Style
Increase the broth to create a noodle soup-style dish.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free noodles and ensure the broth is certified gluten-free.
FAQs
Can I use different noodles?
Yes, wide noodles or rotini can work, though cooking times may vary.
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes, add cooked chicken during the last few minutes of cooking to avoid drying it out.
Is chicken broth necessary?
Broth provides essential flavor, but vegetable broth is an acceptable substitute.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, simply use a larger skillet and increase ingredients proportionally.
Does this dish need additional sauce?
The noodles absorb broth and butter to create a built-in sauce, so none is required.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, use dairy-free butter and ensure broth does not contain added dairy.
What vegetables pair best with this dish?
Peas, carrots, spinach, and broccoli complement the flavors well.
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Boneless chicken is recommended for even cooking and convenience.
How do I prevent noodles from sticking?
Stir occasionally while simmering and ensure enough broth is in the pan.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freezing is not recommended, as the noodles lose their texture once thawed.
Conclusion
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a simple, comforting dish that delivers warmth and satisfaction with every bite. The combination of tender chicken, buttery seasoned noodles, and a single-pan cooking method makes this recipe both convenient and deeply flavorful. Whether prepared on a busy weeknight or as a cozy weekend meal, it offers a reliable and delicious option that appeals to all ages. With its versatility and ease, this dish is one you will return to again and again.
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