Chicken Buttered Noodles

Published: November 7, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Versatile Ingredients: Use your favorite pasta or add seasonal vegetables to customize the dish.
Kid-Friendly: With its creamy texture and mild flavor, Chicken Buttered Noodles is a hit with even the pickiest eaters.
Rich Flavor: The combination of butter, garlic, and chicken broth creates a savory sauce that coats every noodle.
Comfort Food Classic: This recipe embodies classic comfort food vibes, perfect for cozy dinners at home.

Tools and Preparation

To make Chicken Buttered Noodles successfully, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet
Pot for boiling noodles
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large Skillet: Ideal for searing the chicken and making the sauce in one pan, saving you time on cleanup.
Pot for Boiling Noodles: A large pot ensures the noodles have enough space to cook evenly without sticking together.
Cutting Board: Provides a safe and stable surface for slicing chicken and preparing ingredients.
Knife: A sharp knife allows for precise cutting of chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Noodles

8 oz (about 225g) egg noodles or your preferred pasta

For the Sauce

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley for garnish)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
½ cup heavy cream

To Taste

Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings

Grated parmesan cheese for topping
Red pepper flakes for added spice

How to Make Chicken Buttered Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme on both sides.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest. Once slightly cooled, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

While cooking the chicken, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles but reserve about ½ cup of pasta cooking water.

Step 4: Melt the Butter

In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and melt it while scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Sauté the Garlic

Once melted, add minced garlic to skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

Step 6: Add Chicken Broth and Cream

Pour in chicken broth; bring it to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly reduced. Stir in heavy cream; let sauce simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until thickening slightly.

Step 7: Toss in Noodles

Add drained noodles into skillet, tossing gently in butter sauce until evenly coated. If too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.

Step 8: Add Chicken

Return sliced chicken back into skillet; toss everything together allowing flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 9: Season and Garnish

Taste dish; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. Sprinkle parsley on top; consider adding red pepper flakes if you enjoy some heat.

Step 10: Serve

Serve your Chicken Buttered Noodles hot! Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy this delicious meal right away!

How to Serve Chicken Buttered Noodles

Serving Chicken Buttered Noodles can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful ways to present this dish that will impress family and friends alike.

Make It a Complete Meal

Add a Side Salad: A fresh green salad with light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors of the noodles.
Serve with Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.
Pair with Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans add a healthy touch and vibrant color to your meal.

Garnish and Extra Flavor

Top with Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or thyme adds freshness and enhances the visual appeal.
Sprinkle Parmesan Cheese: A dusting of grated parmesan cheese provides a savory finish to this dish.
Add Red Pepper Flakes: For those who enjoy heat, red pepper flakes can give an extra kick.

How to Perfect Chicken Buttered Noodles

Creating the perfect Chicken Buttered Noodles involves attention to detail. Follow these tips for outstanding results every time.

Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh chicken and high-quality butter make a significant difference in flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook them al dente for the best texture and to prevent mushiness when combined with the sauce.
Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning gradually, ensuring that the flavors balance perfectly without overpowering one another.
Let the Chicken Rest: Allow cooked chicken to rest before slicing; this keeps it juicy and flavorful.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Buttered Noodles

Complement your Chicken Buttered Noodles with these delicious side dishes that enhance your meal.

Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Bright and flavorful, asparagus roasted with garlic provides a crunchy contrast.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Rich mashed potatoes pair beautifully with buttery noodles for a comforting meal.
Zucchini Fritters: Lightly fried zucchini fritters offer a crispy, savory side that kids love.
Cauliflower Rice: A light alternative to traditional rice, cauliflower rice absorbs sauces well and adds texture.
Coleslaw: A crisp coleslaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing out the richness of the noodles.
Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing side dish bursting with flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Buttered Noodles, avoiding common mistakes can elevate your dish from good to great.

Bold seasoning: Skipping adequate seasoning can leave your dish bland. Always season each component—chicken, noodles, and sauce—for maximum flavor.
Overcooking the chicken: Cooking chicken too long can make it dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and remove it from the heat promptly.
Ignoring noodle instructions: Not following cooking instructions can lead to mushy noodles. Always cook them until al dente for the best texture.
Using cold ingredients: Starting with cold cream or broth can result in a less creamy sauce. Allow them to come to room temperature before adding to the skillet.
Neglecting to reserve pasta water: Failing to save some pasta water may leave you with a thick sauce. This starchy water can help loosen up the sauce if needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store Chicken Buttered Noodles in an airtight container.
They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Chicken Buttered Noodles

Place cooled noodles in freezer-safe containers or bags.
They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Chicken Buttered Noodles

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the noodles in a baking dish covered with foil until heated through.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a lid or plastic wrap, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Add a splash of chicken broth while reheating in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Chicken Buttered Noodles.

Can I use different types of pasta for Chicken Buttered Noodles?

Yes! While egg noodles are traditional, feel free to substitute with spaghetti, fettuccine, or any pasta you prefer.

How can I make Chicken Buttered Noodles healthier?

You can substitute heavy cream with low-fat milk or a dairy-free alternative. Adding extra vegetables like spinach or peas is also a great idea!

What variations can I try with Chicken Buttered Noodles?

Consider adding sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even fresh herbs like basil for different flavors.

Is Chicken Buttered Noodles kid-friendly?

Absolutely! This dish is creamy and flavorful, making it appealing to picky eaters.

How do I store leftover Chicken Buttered Noodles?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Buttered Noodles is a delightful and versatile dish that combines tender chicken with rich flavors and creamy noodles. It’s perfect for family dinners and easy enough for weeknight meals. Customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to match your taste!

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