chicken with buttered noodles: 5 steps to comfort food bliss

Name: chicken with buttered noodles: 5 steps to comfort food bliss
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts; 8 ounces egg noodles; 4 tablespoons butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

By:

Christina R. Jones

October 15, 2025

This image was generated using artificial intelligence to illustrate the appearance of the recipe.

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Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: chicken with buttered noodles! This dish is reminiscent of cozy family dinners when I was growing up. It’s incredibly simple yet so satisfying – just the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug! Picture tender chicken breasts paired with silky egg noodles, all tossed in rich, buttery goodness. It comes together in about 30 minutes, which means you won’t be stuck in the kitchen for ages, and the aroma that fills your home while it cooks is just divine.

chicken with buttered noodles - detail 1

I often whip this up on busy weeknights or serve it when friends drop by unexpectedly. The best part? You can easily customize it with whatever you have on hand. Toss in some veggies, swap the chicken for turkey, or even add spices to give it a personal twist! Trust me, once you try this chicken with buttered noodles, it’ll become a staple in your home, just like it is in mine. Let’s dive right into this delicious recipe and get cooking!

Ingredients List

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 ounces egg noodles
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

How to Prepare Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Cooking the Noodles

Let’s start with the noodles, shall we? Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt helps flavor the noodles from the inside out, so don’t skimp here! Once the water is bubbling, toss in your 8 ounces of egg noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions, usually around 7-10 minutes. You’ll want to check for doneness a minute or two before the timer goes off. Just grab a noodle and give it a taste – it should be tender but still have a slight bite, also known as ‘al dente.’ When they’re perfect, drain the noodles in a colander and set them aside, but don’t rinse them! We want that starchy goodness to help the butter cling later.

Preparing the Chicken

Now onto the star of the dish: the chicken! First, make sure your two boneless, skinless chicken breasts are patted dry with paper towels. This helps them brown beautifully in the skillet. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper; this is where the flavor starts! Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. When the butter is sizzling and fragrant, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s lightly golden. Be careful not to burn it! This step infuses the butter with garlicky goodness.

Next, gently place the seasoned chicken breasts into the skillet. You should hear a lovely sizzle! Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that beautiful golden color, and importantly, the chicken should be cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, making your chicken super juicy!

Combining Noodles and Chicken

Alright, the best part is coming up! In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt and then toss in the cooked egg noodles, stirring to coat them in that rich, buttery sauce. This is where the magic happens! If you want to take it up a notch, you can add a splash of the pasta cooking water to help create a silky texture. Slice your chicken into strips and layer it on top of the buttered noodles. Just look at that presentation!

For a little freshness, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top if you’re feeling fancy. And there you have it – a beautiful plate of chicken with buttered noodles that’s ready to be devoured. Trust me, the combination of flavors is simply irresistible!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk numbers! This chicken with buttered noodles dish is not only delicious but also packs a nutritious punch. Each serving, which is about one plate, has an estimated 550 calories. You’ll also get around 25 grams of fat, with 10 grams being saturated fat. Don’t worry, it’s the good kind of comfort food fat!

As for protein, this dish serves up a hearty 35 grams, thanks to the chicken, while carbohydrates come in at about 50 grams. And if you’re watching your sodium, keep in mind there’s around 600 mg per plate. Of course, these values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes, so consider this a tasty estimate. Enjoy every bite with the peace of mind that you’re enjoying a well-rounded meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This chicken with buttered noodles comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal in a hurry.
Comfort Food Heaven: The combination of tender chicken and silky egg noodles tossed in buttery goodness is the ultimate comfort food that warms your soul.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap in turkey or tofu. This recipe adapts to whatever you have on hand, making it versatile and fun!
Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will fall in love with this dish. Kids and adults alike can’t resist the simple, satisfying flavors!
Delicious Leftovers: If you happen to have any leftovers, they’re just as tasty the next day, making for an easy lunch option!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your chicken with buttered noodles turns out absolutely perfect! Here are my top tips to avoid any kitchen mishaps:

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Keep an eye on the clock! Chicken breasts can dry out quickly, so make sure you don’t cook them past that golden 165°F internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer if you have one; it’s a game-changer!
Perfectly Cooked Noodles: When cooking the egg noodles, remember to taste them a minute or two before the package says they’re done. You want them to be al dente, with a little bite, so they hold up well when tossed in that buttery sauce.
Use the Right Pan: A good, heavy skillet helps achieve that beautiful sear on the chicken. Non-stick pans can work, but a regular skillet gives you those lovely brown bits that add flavor to the noodles later on!
Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, don’t skip the resting step! This allows the juices to redistribute, making your chicken juicier and more flavorful.
Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to get creative! Add herbs or spices to the chicken before cooking or toss in some veggies with the noodles for an extra pop of color and nutrition.

With these tips in hand, you’re all set to create a delicious meal that’s sure to impress!

Ingredient Notes/Substitutions

Let’s chat about the ingredients in this chicken with buttered noodles dish and how you can make it your own! The star here is definitely the chicken breasts. If you’re looking for a lighter option, feel free to swap in turkey cutlets, or for a vegetarian twist, tofu works beautifully—just make sure to press it first to remove excess moisture!

As for the egg noodles, they give that comforting texture, but if you need a gluten-free option, gluten-free pasta or even zucchini noodles can be fantastic alternatives. The butter adds richness, but for a dairy-free version, you can use olive oil or vegan butter. Lastly, don’t forget the fresh parsley; it brightens up the dish, but if you don’t have any, dried herbs like thyme or oregano can work in a pinch. Get creative and make this dish your own!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve got your delicious chicken with buttered noodles all ready to go, let’s think about what to serve alongside it to make your meal even more delightful! A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect complement. It adds a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the buttered noodles.

If you’re feeling a bit fancy, a side of steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus drizzled with lemon juice can bring in some vibrant color and nutrition. For something heartier, consider serving some warm garlic bread to soak up any leftover buttery goodness on your plate. And don’t forget a nice glass of white wine or a sparkling water with a slice of lemon – it elevates the whole experience! With these sides, you’ll have a meal that’s not just satisfying but beautifully balanced too!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the chicken breasts before cooking. If they’re still frozen, it’s best to cook them from frozen in a longer cooking time, but for this recipe, thawing will help achieve that juicy texture we all love.

Q2: What can I substitute for egg noodles?
If you’re not a fan of egg noodles or need a gluten-free option, you can use any pasta you like! I’ve had great success with whole wheat pasta or even spiralized zucchini for a lighter twist. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Q3: How can I make this dish more flavorful?
Great question! You can add herbs like thyme or rosemary while cooking the chicken, or toss in some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or spinach with the noodles. A splash of lemon juice at the end brightens everything up beautifully!

Q4: Can I make chicken with buttered noodles ahead of time?
Yes, you can! This dish is perfect for meal prep. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little splash of water or broth to keep everything moist. It’s just as delicious the next day!

Q5: Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Chicken with buttered noodles is a kid-friendly meal that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The flavors are simple and comforting, making it a hit at family dinners!