Chicken with Buttered Noodles – Simple, Comforting, and Perfectly Satisfying

This Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—easy to make, cozy, and timelessly delicious. Tender, juicy chicken paired with buttery, seasoned noodles creates a dish that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, quick lunches, or when you just need something simple that still feels homemade. I once added a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon juice to this dish, and it gave it a bright, elegant finish without losing that classic comfort-food feel.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish proves that sometimes the simplest meals are the most satisfying. It’s made with pantry staples, comes together in under 30 minutes, and can easily be customized to fit your tastes. The buttered noodles are silky, flavorful, and pair beautifully with the savory, seasoned chicken. It’s versatile, affordable, and family-friendly—perfect for when you need dinner on the table fast but don’t want to sacrifice flavor.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken Breasts or Thighs
Use boneless, skinless chicken for quick cooking and tender results. Thighs bring extra juiciness, while breasts stay lean and mild.

Butter
The star of the dish, adding richness and flavor to both the noodles and chicken. Use real butter for the best results.

Olive Oil
Helps sear the chicken to a golden crust without burning the butter.

Garlic
Adds depth and aroma to the butter sauce.

Egg Noodles or Fettuccine
Perfect for absorbing that silky butter sauce—choose your favorite shape for texture.

Chicken Broth
Adds flavor and moisture to the chicken while keeping it tender.

Salt and Black Pepper
Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient in the dish.

Parsley
Adds color and a touch of freshness to balance the rich butter flavor.

Parmesan Cheese (optional)
For an extra layer of creaminess and a subtle salty bite.

Lemon Juice (optional)
Brightens up the flavors and balances the richness of the butter.

Directions

1. Cook the noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss lightly with a bit of butter to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Season the chicken. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder (optional).
3. Sear the chicken. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C). Remove and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. Make the butter sauce. In the same skillet, melt the remaining butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in a splash of chicken broth and stir, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. Combine noodles and sauce. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the butter sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve. Slice the chicken and serve it over the buttered noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley, grated Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or a pat of butter to restore creaminess. Avoid microwaving too long—it can dry out the chicken.

Variations and Customizations

Garlic Butter Herb Version: Add thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning for extra aroma and depth.

Creamy Upgrade: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to turn it into a light Alfredo-style dish.

Lemon Butter Chicken: Add more lemon juice and zest for a bright, tangy twist.

Parmesan Crusted Chicken: Dredge the chicken in Parmesan before searing for a crispy, cheesy crust.

Vegetable Boost: Toss in steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed spinach for added color and nutrients.

Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning to the butter sauce for heat.

Mushroom Blend: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for a rich, earthy layer of flavor.

Garlic Parmesan Noodles Only: Skip the chicken for a simple vegetarian side dish.

Low-Carb Option: Replace noodles with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.

Baked Version: Arrange seared chicken and noodles in a baking dish, top with Parmesan, and bake for 10 minutes until golden.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, just warm it in the butter sauce before serving.

What noodles work best?

Egg noodles are traditional, but fettuccine, linguine, or rotini all work well.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

You can, but real butter gives the best flavor and texture.

How do I make it extra buttery without greasiness?

Use both butter and a touch of olive oil—it gives richness without being heavy.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter and skip the Parmesan cheese.

Is this kid-friendly?

Absolutely—it’s mild, simple, and always a hit with children.

Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-searing?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes until cooked through.

How can I prevent dry chicken?

Avoid overcooking—use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness.

What sides go well with this dish?

Steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or a light salad pair beautifully.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger skillet and cook the chicken in batches for the best sear.

Conclusion

This Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the kind of simple, satisfying meal that never goes out of style. With tender chicken, perfectly seasoned noodles, and rich garlic butter, it’s pure comfort food that comes together in minutes. It’s the perfect go-to recipe for busy nights, family dinners, or whenever you crave something warm and homey. Once you make it, it’ll quickly earn a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner rotation.

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