If you’re craving comfort food that’s both satisfying and quick to make, Chicken with Buttered Noodles is pure weeknight magic. This beloved dish combines juicy, golden-seared chicken strips with a bed of rich, silky egg noodles, all tossed in real butter and finished with a sprinkle of Parmesan. It’s simple, utterly delicious, and the kind of meal everyone wants seconds of—plus, it’s a total kid-pleaser and a surefire hit for any table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make the most flavorful Chicken with Buttered Noodles, you’ll want to use a handful of everyday ingredients that truly shine together. Each plays an important role—giving you protein, creaminess, and a pop of color and flavor without any fuss.
- Chicken Breasts: Sliced into tender strips, they soak up the seasoning beautifully and cook in a flash.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps the chicken sear to that gorgeous golden brown.
- Garlic Powder: Brings warm, aromatic depth without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.
- Onion Powder: Offers subtle sweetness and enhances the savory flavors in both chicken and noodles.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life—don’t be shy!
- Egg Noodles: Their delightfully soft, chewy texture is perfect for soaking up melted butter.
- Unsalted Butter: The heart of the noodles—choose good-quality butter for best results.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty kick and lets the noodles cling together in the most delicious way.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (Optional): Gives a bright, fresh finish and a lovely splash of green.
How to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breast strips dry—this little move makes all the difference when getting that crispy, golden outside. Sprinkle them evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper so every bite is full of flavor. This is the moment to get your hands in there and make sure the seasoning really coats the chicken.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Lay the chicken strips in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed until they release easily from the pan and turn golden, about 5 to 7 minutes per side. Once cooked through, transfer them to a plate—it’s okay if you have to do this in batches for even browning.
Step 3: Boil the Noodles
While your chicken cooks, bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until they’re al dente and tender, usually around 7 to 8 minutes. Drain thoroughly—no soggy noodles here—then return them straight to the warm pot.
Step 4: Butter the Noodles
Add those pats of unsalted butter to the hot noodles and give everything a good toss. The noodles will glisten as the butter melts, sticking to each strand. Now stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, tossing until the cheese melts just enough to coat everything in incredible, creamy flavor.
Step 5: Assemble and Finish
Divide the buttery noodles among your plates, then pile the golden chicken strips right on top. If you have some on hand, a shower of fresh chopped parsley brings brightness and a finishing touch. You’ll want to serve Chicken with Buttered Noodles piping hot—trust me, it’s absolutely irresistible right out of the pan!
How to Serve Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan and a handful of fresh parsley will instantly make Chicken with Buttered Noodles look and taste restaurant-worthy. If you like a bit of zing, a twist of fresh cracked black pepper or even a tiny squeeze of lemon can highlight the butter’s richness.
Side Dishes
This cozy meal goes wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette, or some simply roasted veggies like broccoli or carrots. Warm dinner rolls on the side will make the meal feel extra special—perfect for scooping up those last bits of buttery noodle goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Chicken with Buttered Noodles in individual bowls with big swirls of noodles and the chicken nestled on top. Or, pile everything onto a family-style platter and let everyone dive in. If you want to impress, top each portion with a few lemon zest curls or a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers are a real treat! Transfer cooled Chicken with Buttered Noodles to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch will be just as delicious.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away, freeze the cooked chicken and buttered noodles in separate containers for up to two months. Thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat with a splash of broth or a pat of fresh butter to revive that creamy texture.
Reheating
For the best results, gently reheat Chicken with Buttered Noodles in a skillet over low heat with a teaspoon of butter or a splash of water. This keeps everything from drying out and restores the noodles’ silky finish. A microwave works, too—just cover to retain moisture and stir halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful, and make a great swap in Chicken with Buttered Noodles. Just keep in mind they might take an extra minute or two to cook through.
How can I add more vegetables?
Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even some frozen peas tossed in with the noodles will effortlessly boost nutrition and color. Try adding roasted broccoli on the side for a well-rounded plate.
What kind of noodles work best?
Classic egg noodles are ideal for Chicken with Buttered Noodles thanks to their wide, tender shape and buttery texture. If you need to substitute, fettuccine or rotini are tasty options.
Is there a way to add more flavor?
Try finishing the dish with a little lemon juice, a dash of chili flakes, or even some finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or chives for an extra flavor punch.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can use vegan butter and skip the Parmesan, or sprinkle in a little nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor if you’re avoiding dairy.
Final Thoughts
Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the kind of comforting, crowd-pleasing dish you’ll want to add to your regular rotation. It’s quick, uncomplicated, and always a hit—whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a satisfying dinner after a long day. Give it a try and watch it become a staple at your table!
Print
Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and flavorful dish featuring juicy chicken strips served atop buttered egg noodles, garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. This easy and satisfying meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Buttered Noodles:
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken strips with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil egg noodles, drain, return to pot, add butter, stir until coated, then mix in Parmesan cheese.
- Serve: Divide buttered noodles onto plates, top with cooked chicken, and garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
- Add lemon juice for a zesty touch or incorporate sautéed vegetables for added flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 310 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
