Chicken with Buttered Noodles

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Why Make This Recipe

Chicken with buttered noodles is a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to the dinner table. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Children and adults alike will enjoy the flavors of seasoned chicken paired with rich, buttery noodles. It is versatile, allowing you to adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences or even add a few vegetables if you want to boost the nutrition. By choosing this dish, you are assured of a wholesome meal that remains simple but delightful.

How to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Cooking chicken with buttered noodles is a straightforward process that doesn’t require many steps or complicated techniques. Follow these easy directions for a delicious meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breasts or thighs – cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
12 oz egg noodles
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
1 lemon – cut into wedges (optional)

Directions

Step 1: Boil the Noodles.
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor of the noodles during cooking. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, carefully add the egg noodles. Check the package instructions for the recommended cooking time, which typically takes about 7-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together. After they are cooked and reach an al dente texture, drain them in a colander and set aside. If you like, drizzle a small amount of olive oil on them to keep them separate.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken.
While the noodles are cooking, it’s time to prep the chicken. Start by seasoning the bite-sized pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Ensure that all pieces are evenly coated with the seasonings for balanced flavor. Take a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the skillet. Cook the chicken for around 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly on all sides. Keep cooking until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked all the way through.

Step 3: Create the Butter Sauce.
With the chicken cooked, lower the heat slightly and add the unsalted butter to the same skillet. Let the butter melt and mix with the residual seasonings left in the pan, creating a savory sauce. Once the butter has completely melted, add the drained noodles to the skillet. Carefully toss the noodles to coat them with the butter sauce. Make sure every noodle is well-covered in the flavorful butter.

Step 4: Combine and Serve.
Now, it is time to bring everything together. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the buttered noodles. Use a spatula or tongs to gently stir everything together until combined. The goal is for each piece of chicken and noodle to be intertwined in deliciousness. Once mixed, it’s ready to serve! Garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and place some lemon wedges on the side for an extra citrusy kick.

How to Serve Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Serving chicken with buttered noodles is simple and can be tailored to suit the occasion. You can serve the dish directly from the skillet for a family-style meal. This approach promotes a cozy atmosphere, allowing everyone to help themselves. If you want to elevate the presentation for guests, serve the chicken and noodles on individual plates, ensuring each one has a good mix of chicken and buttery noodles.

For added freshness, top each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. If your guests enjoy a touch of acidity, the lemon wedges can be squeezed over the dish right before eating for a burst of flavor. Pairing this dish with a light salad or steamed vegetables can make for a balanced meal.

How to Store Chicken with Buttered Noodles

If you find yourself with leftovers after enjoying this delicious dish, no problem! Storing chicken with buttered noodles is quick and easy. Let the meal cool down to room temperature before storing it. Place the leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will be good for up to 3-4 days.

When it comes to reheating, you can either microwave the chicken and noodles in a microwave-safe dish or warm them on the stove over low heat. If the noodles seem a bit dry after storage, consider adding a small splash of chicken broth or a bit of butter while reheating to restore moisture.

Tips to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Make sure to cook the egg noodles al dente, as they will continue to soften when mixed with the butter sauce. Overcooking can lead to mushy noodles.
Customize Your Chicken: While this recipe uses basic seasonings, feel free to enhance the flavor with your favorite herbs and spices. Adding Italian seasoning, paprika, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a delightful twist.
Add Vegetables: If desired, you can incorporate vegetables into this dish for added color and nutrition. Consider adding peas, broccoli, or spinach at the same time as the noodles to cook them slightly.
More Cheese: If you and your family enjoy cheese, don’t hold back! Feel free to sprinkle more Parmesan over the top of the dish when serving.
Lemon Zest: For extra zing, consider adding some lemon zest to the butter sauce. It will give a lovely brightness to the overall flavor.

Variation

Chicken with buttered noodles is quite versatile, allowing for numerous variations. Here are a few ideas to change things up:

Creamy Chicken with Buttered Noodles: Add a splash of heavy cream when mixing the noodles with the butter in Step 3. This will create a rich and creamy sauce that clings deliciously to the noodles.
Herbed Chicken and Noodles: Use fresh herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, in place of or in addition to the garlic and onion powder for a fragrant twist.
Savory Mushroom Addition: For earthy flavors, you can sauté mushrooms in the skillet before adding the chicken in Step 2. This will add depth to your dish.
Pesto Chicken with Noodles: Stir in some pesto sauce with the butter for a delicious herby flavor.
One-Pan Variation: If looking to simplify cleanup, cook the noodles in the same skillet as the chicken by adding water to the pan after the chicken is cooked.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure that it is fully thawed before cooking! This will help the chicken cook uniformly.

2. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the egg noodles with gluten-free pasta. Make sure to check the packaging for the best cooking times, as they may differ from regular noodles.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best to serve it fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and noodles separately, then combine them just before serving. This can easily save you time on busy days.

4. What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
If Parmesan cheese is unavailable, you can substitute it with another hard cheese such as Pecorino Romano or even omit it altogether if desired.

5. Can I use other types of noodles?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different pasta types such as fettuccine, penne, or even whole wheat noodles—whatever you have on hand.

By following this recipe, you will have a delicious, hearty meal of chicken with buttered noodles that everyone in your family will love. It’s simple yet satisfying, making it a go-to dish for any weeknight dinner. Enjoy your cooking!