Name: One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs); 8 oz egg noodles; 4 tbsp real butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste

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I cook this meal on busy weeknights and on slow Sundays. I like one pan dinners because cleanup is fast and food is ready fast. I learned the steps years ago when I had less time. Now I use the same plan. It fits weeknight schedules and small kitchens. I like the simple flavors.

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One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles became a go-to for simple dinners. I can make it with items I usually have. It fills plates and stays mild for kids. I make a larger batch sometimes to save time later. It works when I plan no big cooking. It heats well the next day.

This dish is a simple chicken and noodle meal cooked in one pan. It has tender chicken, soft egg noodles, garlic, butter, and a light broth. The taste is mild, buttery, and a little garlicky. People often make it on weeknights, for quick family dinners, or when they want low-effort comfort food. For a different noodle idea, try the best chicken spaghetti recipe as another weeknight option.

Why make this recipe

This recipe saves time and cuts cleanup. You cook chicken and noodles in one pan. The flavors are plain but rich from real butter. It works with store-bought broth and pantry noodles. This makes it easy to change for what you have. It pairs well with frozen veggies or a simple salad. For a richer seafood twist idea, see buttered lobster pasta with garlic and herbs. The One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles approach keeps the meal simple and flexible.

How to make this recipe

Start by getting the pan hot and the chicken patted dry. Brown the chicken to lock in juices. Then add garlic, broth, and noodles so they cook in the same pan. Watch the noodles so they become tender but not mushy. Finish with butter and parsley for a glossy sauce. For another one-pan chicken idea, check a creamy smothered chicken and rice one-pan dinner. Expect about 25–30 minutes from start to table.

Ingredients

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs), 8 oz egg noodles, 4 tbsp real butter, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth, ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped, Salt and pepper to taste

Chicken breasts give the meal protein and hold shape when seared. Egg noodles cook fast and soak up the butter and broth. Real butter adds flavor and a smooth finish. Garlic gives a mild bite. Low-sodium broth keeps the salt level easy to control. Fresh parsley adds color and a light herb note. Salt and pepper are for basic seasoning. These items are common and make the dish simple and reliable.

Directions

Prep your ingredients by chopping garlic and any desired vegetables., Sear chicken in a large skillet over medium-high heat with 1 tbsp butter until golden brown (5 minutes per side). Season with salt and pepper., Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant., Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil., Stir in egg noodles, simmering for 8-10 minutes until al dente., Remove from heat; stir in remaining butter and sprinkle with parsley before serving.

Searing makes a brown crust that adds flavor. Let the pan stay hot but not smoking. Adding garlic after searing keeps it from burning. Boiling the broth first cooks the noodles evenly. Stirring helps noodles not stick. Finish with butter off the heat so it melts and coats the noodles. This helps the One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles taste rich without extra sauce.

How to serve this recipe

Serve on warm plates so the noodles stay soft. Add a green side like steamed broccoli or a simple salad. A squeeze of lemon on top brightens the butter. For kids, cut the chicken into strips before serving. This meal works for casual dinners, quick lunches, or small gatherings. Leftover portions are good warmed and make a simple packed lunch. Keep plates plain and let the buttered noodles be the main flavor.

How to store this recipe

Cool the meal to room temperature for no more than two hours. Put it in airtight containers for the fridge. Use within 3–4 days for best taste. For longer storage, portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat gently on low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the noodles. Stir while warming so the butter and juices mix back in.

Tips to make this recipe

Use room-temperature chicken so it cooks evenly and stays juicy. Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing. If needed, sear in two batches. Watch the noodles near the end to avoid overcooking. Save a little broth if the pan dries out while simmering. Taste and add salt at the end since broth may already have sodium. Let the pan rest a minute before serving so the butter melts into the noodles. These small steps help the One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles come out well every time.

Variation

Swap egg noodles for fettuccine or wide pasta if you prefer. Add sliced mushrooms or spinach for more veg. Use thighs instead of breasts for a richer taste. For a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup cream at the end. Keep in mind that some swaps change the cooking time. Noodles and chicken cook at different speeds. If you change proteins or pasta too much, cook them separately and combine at the end.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?

A: Yes. Thaw first for even cooking.

Q: Can I use other noodles?

A: Yes. Adjust cooking time for thicker or thinner pasta.

Q: Is low-sodium broth required?

A: It is suggested. It makes salt control easier.

Q: Can I add vegetables?

A: Yes. Add quick-cook veg like peas near the end.

Q: How to keep noodles from sticking?

A: Stir often and keep enough liquid while simmering.

Conclusion

This simple one-pan meal works for busy nights and small kitchens. It gives good flavor with little fuss and only basic ingredients. For more similar ideas and inspiration, see One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles – Recipes By Charlotte for a close version, and read tips at One Pan Tipsy Chicken and Noodles Recipe – Allrecipes for another take on the method. These links add simple variations and extra tips to keep this meal part of the routine.