If you’re craving a dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Lemon Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, tender chicken breasts bathed in a luscious, zesty lemon cream sauce pair perfectly with silky, buttery egg noodles. It’s comfort food elevated with bright, fresh flavors that brighten your table and your mood. Every bite offers a delightful balance of tangy creaminess and rich, savory goodness that’s easy enough for any weeknight but special enough to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether adding depth, creaminess, or that fresh lemony pop. These elements come together effortlessly to create layers of flavor you’ll want to savor again and again.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, juicy and easy to cook evenly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle spicy warmth.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For richness in the skillet and sauce base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Lends an aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with lemon.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Creates the flavorful foundation for the sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Brings that irresistibly creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the sauce with fresh citrus zing.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a gentle herbal note to balance the creaminess.
- 8 ounces egg noodles: Silky, tender noodles that soak up the sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for noodles): Coats the noodles with luscious buttery flavor.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a salty, nutty finish.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, vibrant garnish.
How to Make Creamy Lemon Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Season and Sear Your Chicken
Begin by generously seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. This simple step ensures your chicken is flavorful right from the start. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This flavorful crust locks in the juices and creates a tasty base for your sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Build the Sauce
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside while you build the sauce in the same pan. Adding minced garlic to the hot oil provides an immediate fragrance that wakes up the senses. Sauté with care for about a minute, making sure it doesn’t burn. Then, pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and lemon juice. Stir in thyme for that subtle herbal lift. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to meld into a smooth, creamy base.
Step 3: Simmer Chicken in Creamy Lemon Sauce
Return the seared chicken to the skillet nestling it gently into the sauce. Spoon some sauce over the chicken to coat it evenly. Let everything simmer together for about 5 minutes so the chicken soaks up some of that divine lemon cream flavor, resulting in a harmony of tastes with every bite.
Step 4: Cook and Butter the Noodles
While the chicken simmering, cook the egg noodles in a pot of generously salted boiling water until tender, following the package’s instructions. Once drained, toss the hot noodles immediately with butter until melted and coating each strand with a glossy, buttery sheen. This step is key to giving those noodles their signature richness.
Step 5: Plate and Garnish Your Dish
Serve the luscious chicken breasts atop a comforting bed of buttered noodles. Drizzle the skillet’s creamy lemon sauce generously over everything for maximum flavor delight. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley, adding a savory tang and fresh pop of color that makes this dish look as incredible as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Lemon Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is an excellent choice to brighten the dish visually and add a mild herbal touch. Grated Parmesan cheese melts slightly into the warm noodles and sauce for a salty, savory boost that complements the creamy lemon flavor perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, crisp sides like a green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette or roasted vegetables such as asparagus or broccoli, which add texture and a fresh contrast to the richness of the chicken and noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try plating the noodles in a neat nest on each plate, then sit the chicken breast on top and drizzle the sauce artistically around the plate’s perimeter. Garnish with a lemon wedge for an extra splash of color and a hands-on hint of citrus zest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken and noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce might thicken over time but gently reheating with a splash of broth or milk will bring it back to perfect consistency.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken and noodles separately. Seal them tightly in freezer bags or containers to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Add a bit of broth or cream to loosen the sauce and maintain the dish’s signature creaminess during warming.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and stay juicier but may require slightly longer cooking time. Just be sure they reach a safe internal temperature.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option. Keep in mind this may slightly change the creaminess and flavor profile.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and reheat it gently before adding the cooked chicken and noodles. This saves time on busy nights without sacrificing flavor.
What kind of noodles work best?
Egg noodles are preferred for their silky texture and ability to soak up sauce, but you can also use fettuccine, pappardelle, or even wide rice noodles for a gluten-free twist.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Feel free to toss in sautéed spinach, peas, or roasted cherry tomatoes either into the sauce or alongside the buttered noodles for added color, nutrition, and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Lemon Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that balances comfort and sophistication with effortless ease. The creamy lemon sauce lifts simple ingredients into a dish that feels special, no matter the occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and experience the delightful flavors and textures that make this recipe a fast favorite in my kitchen. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Lemon Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 45m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and creamy Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe featuring tender pan-seared chicken breasts in a flavorful garlic cream sauce served over rich butter-coated egg noodles, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Noodles
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (for noodles)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and hot, ready for searing the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook each side for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove Chicken: Transfer the cooked chicken from the skillet onto a plate and set aside to rest.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant and golden but not burnt.
- Make Sauce: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, lemon juice, and sprinkle with dried thyme. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spoon some sauce over them, and let everything simmer together for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
- Cook Noodles: While the chicken simmers, cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water following package instructions; then drain and return noodles to the pot.
- Butter the Noodles: Add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the hot noodles and toss until the butter is fully melted and noodles are evenly coated.
- Plate and Serve: Arrange the buttered noodles on plates, place the chicken breasts on top, and drizzle with the creamy sauce from the skillet.
- Garnish: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley over the plated dish just before serving for extra flavor and color.
Notes
- For best results, use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked to 165°F.
- You can substitute fresh thyme for dried thyme if available, using about 1 tablespoon fresh.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal flavor and texture.
- Leftover chicken and noodles can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, warm the chicken and noodles gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce if needed.
