If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s both fuss-free and full of flavor, this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts nestled atop velvety egg noodles bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce, all cooked in one skillet for minimal mess and maximum satisfaction. This dish strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and indulgence, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but come together to create a dish bursting with savory depth, creamy texture, and vibrant color. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s seasoning, richness, or that golden, glossy finish.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, easy to cook through and juicy when handled right.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken perfectly without sticking.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses gentle, savory flavor into every bite.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds an underlying sweetness to the seasoning blend.
1 teaspoon paprika: Brings warmth and a subtle smoky note, plus lovely color.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and enhancing the other spices.
4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that softens the noodles and infuses the whole dish.
8 ounces egg noodles: Tender and chewy, these soak up all the delicious broth and butter.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates the luscious buttered sauce that coats the noodles.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic elevates the richness with aromatic depth.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds salty, nutty complexity and helps bind everything together.
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A pop of vibrant green and fresh herbal brightness to finish.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts dry, then generously season both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for 5-6 minutes per side. This will create that golden brown crust that locks in juiciness while adding incredible flavor. Once done, remove and set aside – your chicken is halfway to perfection.

Step 2: Simmer the Noodles in Broth

Using the same skillet with all those wonderful browned bits left behind, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Nestle the egg noodles into the liquid, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover with a lid and let everything cook for about 7-8 minutes until the noodles are tender but still have a slight bite, and most of the broth has been absorbed, soaking up all those savory flavors.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter

While the noodles are cooking, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic, stirring frequently for 1-2 minutes. The goal is to soften the garlic and awaken its fragrance without browning, so your butter sauce stays smooth and bright. This step transforms simple butter into a luscious, aromatic sauce that will tie everything together.

Step 4: Combine and Finish the Dish

Once the noodles are perfectly cooked, pour the garlic butter mixture into the skillet. Add the Parmesan cheese if you’re using it, and give everything a good toss to coat the noodles evenly in creamy, garlicky goodness. Then slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange the pieces elegantly on top. This is when your One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles truly shines, inviting you to dig right in.

How to Serve One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Garnishes

Fresh parsley sprinkled over the top adds a pop of vibrant color and a light, herbaceous note that complements the richness beautifully. For an extra touch, you might even add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or more Parmesan cheese. These small details make the dish look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This hearty main is fantastic on its own, but for a well-rounded meal, consider pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. These sides provide bright contrast and fresh textures that balance the creamy noodles and tender chicken.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving guests or looking to elevate weeknight dinner, try plating the noodles in a shallow bowl with chicken slices fanned out on one side. Drizzle any extra garlic butter sauce over the top and garnish with parsley. You could also add a twist by topping with sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a gourmet touch that still feels comfortingly familiar.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken and noodles together lets the flavors meld even more overnight, making for an easy next-day meal.

Freezing

If you want to keep this dish for longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When freezing, slightly undercook the noodles so they don’t get mushy when reheated. Label and date the container to keep track, and you’ll have a delicious homemade meal ready whenever you need it.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent drying. Stir occasionally until heated through. Avoid microwaving for better texture and flavor unless you’re in a rush; if microwaving, cover loosely and stir halfway through heating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will add even more juiciness and flavor, and the cooking time will be similar. Just be sure they’re cooked through before moving to the next step.

What type of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are perfect here because they soak up the broth and butter without falling apart. However, you can swap in pappardelle or fettuccine broken into smaller pieces if you prefer.

Is it necessary to add Parmesan cheese?

Parmesan cheese is optional but highly recommended as it adds a savory, nutty depth that elevates the dish. If you prefer to skip it, the garlic butter still makes this meal wonderfully flavorful.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The buttered noodles and garlic flavor will still be delicious.

How do I keep the noodles from sticking?

Cooking the noodles directly in broth and stirring once or twice during cooking helps prevent sticking. Also, the final toss in garlic butter and Parmesan coats each noodle, keeping them separate and glossy.

Final Thoughts

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is such a welcoming dish — it feels like a warm hug on a plate, with every bite reminding you how comforting homemade food can be. Whether you’re short on time or just want something satisfying without a mountain of dishes, this recipe is your go-to. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how quickly it becomes a household favorite!

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 28 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a simple, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender, seasoned chicken breasts are cooked to golden perfection and served over buttery egg noodles infused with garlic and Parmesan. Made entirely in one pan, this recipe minimizes cleanup while delivering satisfying, rich flavors that the whole family will love.

Instructions

Season the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to impart a balanced blend of flavors.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Simmer the noodles: In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the egg noodles and ensure they are fully submerged in the broth for even cooking.
Cook noodles covered: Cover the skillet and let the noodles cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente and most of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Prepare garlic butter: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, enhancing the sauce’s aroma.
Combine noodles and sauce: Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the garlic butter mixture along with the grated Parmesan cheese if using. Toss to coat the noodles evenly in the rich sauce.
Slice and serve chicken: Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the buttery noodles in the skillet or on serving plates.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness, then serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth or low-sodium broth to control salt levels.
If you prefer a creamier noodle dish, add a splash of cream or milk when mixing in the butter and garlic.
Parmesan cheese is optional but highly recommended for added umami and depth.
To make the dish gluten free, substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta alternatives.
Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-pan stove-top skillet
Cuisine: American