There are some nights when the thought of cooking a complicated meal feels like climbing a mountain. You’re tired, you’re hungry, and you just want something that tastes like a warm hug.
This is the recipe for those nights. It’s the dish I turn to when my day has been long and my energy is low. It’s pure, uncomplicated comfort in a bowl.
We’re talking about tender, juicy chicken served over a bed of slippery, rich buttered noodles. It’s simple, it uses ingredients you probably already have, and it comes together faster than you can decide what to order for takeout.
Forget the fancy techniques and long ingredient lists. Let’s make something genuinely satisfying that will leave you feeling nourished and content.
What You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Here’s the short list of what you need to make this magic happen.
- Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
- Noodles: 1 lb of egg noodles (or your favorite pasta)
- Butter: 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, divided
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Herbs: 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice
Pro Tips
I’ve made this dish more times than I can count. Here are a few hard-won tricks to make sure yours comes out perfectly on the first try.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When cooking the chicken, give each piece its own space. If you cram them in, they’ll steam instead of sear, and you’ll miss out on that beautiful golden-brown crust. Use a large skillet or cook in batches if needed.
- The Magic of Pasta Water: Before you drain your noodles, save about a cup of the starchy cooking water. This stuff is liquid gold. When you add it to your butter sauce, the starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles, making it creamy and luscious instead of greasy.
- Cold Butter for a Better Sauce: When you make the butter sauce, add the cold butter to the pan off the heat or on very low heat. This allows it to melt slowly and emulsify, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. High heat can cause the butter to separate.
- Rest Your Chicken: This is non-negotiable! Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful, not dry.
Tools Required
- Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- Large skillet (for cooking chicken and making the sauce)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Tongs
- Colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Substitutions and Variations
This recipe is a fantastic starting point. Feel free to play around with it to make it your own or to use up what you have in the kitchen.
| Ingredient | Substitution Idea | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken Breast | Chicken Thighs | Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy. Cook time may be longer. |
| Egg Noodles | Any Pasta or Zoodles | Use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even zoodles for a low-carb option. |
| Fresh Parsley | Dried Parsley or Other Herbs | Use 1/3 the amount if using dried. Thyme or chives work well. |
| Garlic Cloves | Garlic Powder | Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, added with the butter. |
For some variations, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a little heat. You can also wilt a few handfuls of fresh spinach into the butter sauce before adding the noodles for some easy greens.
How to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Let’s get cooking. Follow these steps for a perfect meal.
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the noodles and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the water is coming to a boil, prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, carefully place the chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, without moving them, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 4: Rest the Chicken
Transfer the cooked chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This is a crucial step for juicy chicken. Don’t skip it!
Step 5: Make the Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat under the skillet to low. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter, the chopped parsley, and about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water. Whisk everything together as the butter melts to create a creamy sauce. Season with a little more salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the drained noodles directly to the skillet with the butter sauce. Toss everything together until the noodles are well-coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add another splash of pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Slice the rested chicken and serve it over the buttered noodles. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if you like.
Nutrition, Pairings, and More
This dish is great on its own, but it also plays well with others. Here’s a quick look at pairings and dietary adjustments.
| Category | Suggestion |
|---|---|
| Nutrition (Approx.) | Calories: ~650, Protein: ~45g, Carbs: ~55g, Fat: ~28g per serving. |
| Meal Pairings | A simple green salad with vinaigrette or steamed broccoli or asparagus. |
| Gluten-Free Swap | Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Cook according to package. |
| Low-Carb Swap | Serve the chicken and sauce over zucchini noodles (zoodles) or steamed cauliflower. |
| Time-Saving Tip | Use thin-sliced chicken cutlets. They cook in just 2-3 minutes per side. |
Make-Ahead Tips
If you want to get a head start, you can cook the chicken ahead of time. Let it cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
When you’re ready to eat, just boil the noodles and make the sauce. Slice the cold chicken and add it to the warm sauce to heat through while you toss the noodles.
Leftovers and Storage
Leftovers are fantastic, but they need a little care when reheating.
Store any leftover chicken and noodles together in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To reheat, it’s best to use a skillet over low heat. Add the leftovers to the pan with a splash of water or chicken broth. This will help loosen the sauce and bring the noodles back to life without making them gummy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. My chicken always comes out dry. What am I doing wrong?
Ans: The two most common culprits are overcooking and not resting the meat. Use a meat thermometer to pull the chicken off the heat the moment it hits 165°F. Then, let it rest for at least 5 minutes before you even think about slicing it. That rest is key!
Q2. Can I use rotisserie chicken to make this even faster?
Ans: Absolutely! This is one of my favorite shortcuts. Skip the chicken cooking steps. Just make the noodles and the butter sauce, then toss in the shredded rotisserie chicken to heat it through.
Q3. My butter sauce separated and looks oily. How can I fix it?
Ans: This usually happens if the heat is too high. Remove the pan from the heat and add a tablespoon or two of the starchy pasta water. Whisk vigorously. The starch and water will help bring the fat and liquid back together into a smooth, emulsified sauce.
Wrapping Up
There you have it—a meal that’s as easy as it is comforting. It proves that you don’t need a lot of fuss to create something truly delicious and satisfying.
This Chicken with Buttered Noodles is more than just a recipe; it’s a reliable friend on a busy weeknight. It’s a blank canvas for your own additions and a guaranteed win for the whole family.
I hope you give it a try. If you do, please come back and leave a comment below. I’d love to hear how it turned out for you or if you discovered any fun variations of your own!
