Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. It is simple, hearty, and incredibly satisfying. The beauty lies in its minimal effort: everything cooks in a single pan, allowing the noodles to absorb the savoury flavours of the chicken while remaining wonderfully tender. This makes cleanup effortless and transforms a humble dish into something deeply comforting and flavourful.
The ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy evenings, yet the result tastes like you put in much more work than you actually did. The buttery, silky noodles pair beautifully with juicy, seasoned chicken, creating a balanced and comforting meal. I once tried replacing part of the broth with a splash of cream, and it produced an even richer, more indulgent sauce without complicating the recipe. Whether you are feeding a family or preparing a cosy dinner for one, this one-pan meal delivers both convenience and flavour in equal measure.
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One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles: A Comforting Weeknight Favourite
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A cozy one-pan dish featuring tender seared chicken cooked alongside buttery, brothy noodles for a simple, comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 boneless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter and the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden and mostly cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining butter to the skillet and sauté the onion until soft. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add the egg noodles, stirring to ensure they are submerged. Cook according to package directions until tender.
- Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the noodles. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked and the broth has reduced to a saucy consistency.
- Stir in Parmesan and sprinkle with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use wide egg noodles for the best texture.
- Add extra broth if you prefer saucier noodles.
- Replace Parmesan with cream for a richer sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 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 breasts or thighs
Chicken serves as the protein base of the dish. Both breasts and thighs work well, but thighs tend to stay more tender during cooking.
Egg noodles
Egg noodles absorb the cooking liquids beautifully, becoming tender and coated in buttery richness while maintaining their structure.
Butter
Butter forms the heart of the sauce, giving the noodles their signature glossy texture and rich flavour.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth infuses the noodles with savoury depth as they cook. It also helps keep the chicken juicy and flavourful.
Garlic
Garlic adds aromatic richness and enhances both the chicken and the noodles, making the dish more vibrant.
Onion
Onion contributes mild sweetness and depth, blending seamlessly into the dish as it cooks down.
Salt
Salt balances and enhances the flavours of the chicken, noodles, and broth.
Black pepper
Black pepper provides gentle heat and aromatic warmth without overwhelming the mildness of the noodles.
Parsley
Parsley adds a bright, fresh finish that cuts through the richness and completes the dish.
Directions
Start by seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat butter in a large, deep skillet over medium heat and place the chicken in the pan. Cook until it turns golden on the outside, then remove it temporarily to make space for the aromatics.
Add more butter if needed, then sauté the onion until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the chicken broth. Allow the broth to come to a gentle simmer before adding the egg noodles. Make sure the noodles are mostly submerged so they cook evenly.
Cover the skillet and let the noodles simmer alongside the chicken. As they cook, they will absorb the broth, becoming tender and flavourful. Stir occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking. Continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked and the noodles are coated in a light buttery sauce.
Finish the dish with a final pat of butter and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve warm directly from the skillet. The result is a comforting one-pan meal with minimal effort and maximum flavour.
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
This recipe serves 4. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 20 minutes, making the total time around 30 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. The dish can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy chicken and noodles
Add a splash of cream or a spoonful of cream cheese to create a richer, thicker sauce.
Lemon-herb twist
A squeeze of lemon and extra herbs give the dish a bright, refreshing finish.
Garlic-parmesan upgrade
Stir grated Parmesan into the noodles for a savoury, cheesy note.
Vegetable addition
Add peas, carrots, or spinach to increase nutritional value and add colour.
Mushroom version
Sauté mushrooms with the onions for an earthy, flavourful variation.
Spicy kick
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for gentle heat.
Swap the noodles
Use small pasta shapes like rotini or shells if egg noodles are unavailable.
Herb butter finish
Stir in herb-infused butter at the end for added aromatic complexity.
Broth blend
Half broth and half stock create a deeper, richer flavour base.
Crispy chicken option
Sear the chicken longer before simmering to create deeper browning and richer flavour.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw fully before cooking for even results.
Are egg noodles required?
No, but they work best. Substitute with small pasta shapes if needed.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Replace butter with a neutral oil and ensure your broth is dairy-free.
How do I keep the noodles from sticking?
Stir the noodles occasionally as they simmer.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, thighs remain moist and add extra flavour.
What can I add for more richness?
A splash of cream or Parmesan works beautifully.
Do I need to cook the noodles separately?
No, they cook in the broth, absorbing flavour and reducing cleanup.
Can I meal-prep this dish?
Yes, it reheats well with a little added broth.
Should I cover the pan while cooking?
Yes, covering helps the noodles cook evenly.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Freezing is possible, though noodles may soften slightly when reheated.
Conclusion
One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles is a comforting, reliable dish that suits any busy schedule without sacrificing flavour. With tender chicken, buttery noodles, and minimal cleanup, it offers everything you want in a weeknight meal. Its simple technique, adaptable ingredients, and warm flavour profile make it a recipe worth revisiting again and again. Whether you are cooking for your family or preparing a quick dinner after a long day, this one-pan dish delivers satisfying comfort with very little effort.
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