The way the butter melts into the perfectly cooked noodles, creating a silken sauce that coats every strand, is pure magic. This isn’t just buttered noodles; it’s an experience.
This Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe transforms a simple classic into a comforting and satisfying meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it the ultimate easy weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Why This Recipe Works
- Flavor Harmony: The combination of savory chicken, rich butter, and a hint of garlic creates a flavor profile that’s both comforting and delicious.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast.
- Kid-Friendly Appeal: Buttery noodles are a classic kid dinner favorite, and adding chicken makes it a complete and nutritious family meal.
The Essential Components
Using high-quality ingredients makes all the difference in this Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe. Fresh herbs, good butter, and flavorful chicken elevate this simple dish to something truly special. This is one of those chicken recipes that really shines when you use the best you can find.
- Chicken Breast: (Provides lean protein and a savory base for the dish.)
- Egg Noodles: (Their wide surface area soaks up the buttery sauce perfectly.)
- Butter: (Unsalted, for richness and flavor control.)
- Garlic: (Freshly minced, for a pungent aromatic boost.)
- Chicken Broth: (Adds depth of flavor and helps create a light sauce.)
- Heavy Cream: (Optional, for extra creaminess.)
- Parmesan Cheese: (Grated, for a salty, umami finish.)
- Fresh Parsley: (Chopped, for freshness and color.)
- Salt & Pepper: (To taste, essential for seasoning.)
Swaps & Alternatives
Sometimes you need to make a few adjustments based on what you have on hand. No problem! Here are a few easy substitutions:
- If you don’t have egg noodles, use fettuccine, spaghetti, or even rotini.
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breast; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- For a dairy-free version, use olive oil instead of butter and skip the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.
- Vegetable broth can be used in place of chicken broth.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Level Up This Recipe
Want to take your Chicken Buttered Noodles to the next level? Here are a few gourmet variations to try:
- Brown Butter: Brown the butter before adding the garlic for a nutty, complex flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Stir in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of umami flavor.
- Fresh Herbs: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or sage.
Step-by-Step Instructions
This Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe is incredibly easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. Get ready for a delicious and satisfying meal in just a few simple steps! It’s a great addition to your collection of easy weeknight dinner recipes.
1. Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken
Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Garlic
Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. If using, stir in the heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine and Serve
Add the cooked noodles and chicken back to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting family meal! You might also like One-pan Chicken With Buttered Noodles for an even easier clean up.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Noodles: Cook the noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Burning the Garlic: Keep a close eye on the garlic while sautéing, as burnt garlic can ruin the flavor of the dish.
- Not Seasoning Properly: Taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process to ensure the dish is well-balanced.
Serving Ideas
This Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread. For another delicious pasta dish, try Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken & Linguine In Alfredo Sauce. It’s another great option for a quick and satisfying dinner.
This dish is also great with a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes for added flavor. It’s a versatile base that can be customized to your liking. This is a perfect dish for kids dinner, as it’s both familiar and comforting. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken With Egg Noodles, another easy and delicious option.
For a lighter meal, try serving it with a side of roasted asparagus or broccoli. The possibilities are endless! This is one of those chicken recipes that everyone will love. You can also try Chicken Orzo Recipe for a different take on chicken and pasta.
If you’re looking for more family meals, this Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe is a great place to start. It’s quick, easy, and satisfying, making it the perfect choice for a busy weeknight. For a skillet version, check out Chicken Buttery Noodle Skillet. And if you love garlic and parmesan, you’ll definitely want to try Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own unique version. This is a dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your household. It’s a classic take on buttered noodles with a delicious twist.
The ease of preparation makes it a go-to for those nights when you need something quick and satisfying. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
The rich, buttery sauce combined with the tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles is a match made in heaven. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe is sure to please.
Know someone who loves Chicken Buttered Noodles? Share this recipe with them!
How long does it take to make the Chicken Buttered Noodles?
This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
What are some substitutions I can make if I don’t have egg noodles?
If you don’t have egg noodles, you can use fettuccine, spaghetti, or even rotini.
What are some common mistakes to avoid when making this recipe?
Avoid overcooking the noodles, burning the garlic, and not seasoning properly.
What are some ways to elevate the flavor of this dish?
You can try browning the butter, adding lemon zest, stirring in sun-dried tomatoes, or experimenting with different fresh herbs.

Chicken Buttered Noodles: Silky Weeknight Perfection
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1 pound egg noodles
- 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup heavy cream optional
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in the same skillet.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
- Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- If using, stir in the heavy cream.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked noodles and chicken back to the skillet.
- Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
- Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
