Buttered Noodles with Chicken: A Quick & Easy Recipe

Buttered Noodles with Chicken: a symphony of simplicity and comfort on a plate! Have you ever craved a dish that feels like a warm hug? Something that’s both incredibly satisfying and surprisingly easy to prepare? Then look no further! This recipe for buttered noodles with chicken is about to become your new go-to meal.

While seemingly humble, buttered noodles have a rich history, evolving from simple pasta dishes enjoyed across Europe for centuries. The addition of chicken elevates this classic, transforming it into a complete and nourishing meal. Think of it as the ultimate culinary blank canvas – ready to be customized with your favorite herbs, spices, and vegetables.

What makes buttered noodles with chicken so universally loved? It’s the perfect combination of creamy, buttery goodness, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked noodles. The texture is divine – the smooth, silky noodles coated in a rich sauce, complemented by the savory chicken. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet comforting enough to serve on a special occasion. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use leftover cooked chicken, making it both delicious and economical. Get ready to experience the pure joy of simple, flavorful food!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound egg noodles
• 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish (optional)

Preparing the Chicken:

1. First, let’s get our chicken ready. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely when we cook them.
2. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is our simple but flavorful spice rub.
3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts. Make sure every part of the chicken is coated!

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want the skillet to be nice and hot before adding the chicken.
2. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; if your skillet isn’t big enough, cook the chicken in batches. Overcrowding will lower the temperature and the chicken won’t brown properly.
3. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it’s golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
4. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken.
5. While the chicken is resting, add the chicken broth to the skillet. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – these are called fond and they add tons of flavor to the sauce!
6. Let the broth simmer for a few minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and thicken into a light sauce.
7. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips or cubes.
8. Add the sliced chicken back to the skillet with the chicken broth sauce. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.

Cooking the Noodles:

1. While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt helps to season the noodles.
2. Add the egg noodles to the boiling water and cook according to the package directions, usually about 7-10 minutes, or until they are al dente (slightly firm to the bite).
3. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them well in a colander. Make sure to get rid of all the excess water.

Combining and Serving:

1. In the same pot you cooked the noodles in (or a large serving bowl), add the drained noodles and the butter. Toss until the noodles are evenly coated with butter.
2. Add the chicken and sauce mixture to the buttered noodles. Toss gently to combine everything. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the noodles sticky.
3. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Remember, we already seasoned the chicken, so taste before adding more.
4. Serve immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired. These additions add a nice pop of color and flavor.

Tips and Variations:

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add some vegetables to this dish! Sautéed mushrooms, peas, or broccoli would be delicious additions. Add them to the skillet after you remove the chicken, before adding the chicken broth.
• Use Different Herbs: Instead of parsley, try using other fresh herbs like chives, dill, or thyme.
• Creamy Sauce: For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese at the end. Be sure to do this over low heat to prevent curdling.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice rub for a little heat.
• Cheese Sauce: Make a simple cheese sauce by melting some cheddar or Gruyere cheese into the chicken broth.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the noodles from drying out.
• Chicken Thighs: You can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken thighs are often more flavorful and stay more moist during cooking. Just be sure to cook them to an internal temperature of 175°F (79°C).
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles to make this dish gluten-free. There are many great gluten-free noodle options available these days.
• Lemon Butter Sauce: For a brighter flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice and a tablespoon of lemon zest to the buttered noodles.
• Garlic Butter: Melt the butter with a clove or two of minced garlic for extra flavor.
• Browning the Butter: For a nutty flavor, brown the butter before adding the noodles. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t burn.
• Adding Wine: Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after cooking the chicken. Let it reduce slightly before adding the chicken broth.
• Using Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker meal, use shredded rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts. Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the chicken broth and simmer until heated through.
• Make it Ahead: You can cook the chicken and noodles separately ahead of time and then combine them when you’re ready to serve.
• Freezing: While the noodles can become a bit soft after freezing, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

Enjoy your delicious and comforting buttered noodles with chicken!

Conclusion:

So there you have it! This isn’t just another noodle dish; it’s a comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy buttered noodles with chicken recipe that’s destined to become a weeknight staple. I truly believe this is a must-try for anyone seeking a quick, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the depth of flavor you’ll achieve, and the versatility of the recipe makes it a winner in my book.

Why is it a must-try? Because it’s the perfect balance of comfort food and convenience. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, reminding you of simpler times while still delivering a satisfying and flavorful experience. Plus, it’s incredibly adaptable to your own tastes and preferences. Need a quick lunch? This recipe has you covered. Want a comforting dinner after a long day? Look no further. It’s a true culinary chameleon!

But the deliciousness doesn’t stop there! Feel free to experiment with different variations to make it your own signature dish. For a richer flavor, try using brown butter instead of regular butter. The nutty aroma and deeper flavor profile will elevate the dish to a whole new level. You could also add a splash of white wine to the sauce for a touch of sophistication.

Looking for some serving suggestions? This buttered noodles with chicken is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some steamed vegetables. For a more substantial meal, consider adding some roasted asparagus or broccoli. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try topping it with some grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives.

Another variation I love is adding a squeeze of lemon juice at the end for a bright and zesty finish. It cuts through the richness of the butter and adds a refreshing element to the dish. You could also incorporate some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added nutrients and flavor. The possibilities are truly endless!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
* Go green: Stir in some chopped spinach or kale for added nutrients.
* Cheesy goodness: Top with grated Parmesan, Romano, or Asiago cheese.
* Herb it up: Garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or basil.
* Lemon zest: Add a touch of lemon zest for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* Mushroom magic: Sauté some mushrooms and add them to the noodles.
* Garlic galore: Add some minced garlic to the butter for extra flavor.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of simple, delicious cooking. I truly believe that this buttered noodles with chicken will become a family favorite in your home, just as it has in mine.

So, what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece! And most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! Cooking should be an enjoyable experience, so relax, experiment, and let your creativity flow.

Once you’ve tried this recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Share your photos, your variations, and your thoughts in the comments below. Let me know what you loved, what you changed, and how you made it your own. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking!

---