Chicken Buttered Noodles

Chicken Buttered Noodles is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with rich, buttery noodles in a creamy sauce. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings and is sure to please both kids and adults alike. The flavors are simple yet satisfying, making it a go-to recipe for anyone who loves a hearty pasta dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 30 minutes of cooking, this meal is ready in under an hour.
• Creamy Delight: The combination of butter and heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that coats every noodle.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap the egg noodles for your favorite pasta or add vegetables for extra nutrition.
• Kid-Friendly: This dish is a hit with picky eaters, making dinner time stress-free.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it as a main course or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or salads.

Tools and Preparation

To make Chicken Buttered Noodles, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: This is crucial for cooking the chicken and creating the sauce all in one pan, maximizing flavor.
• Pot for boiling noodles: A large pot allows you to cook the noodles evenly without overcrowding, ensuring they turn out perfectly al dente.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to prepare Chicken Buttered Noodles:

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

For the Pasta

• 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

Seasoning

• 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 them for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove from the pan and let them rest. Once cooled slightly, slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

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

Step 4: Melt the Butter

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

Step 5: Sauté the Garlic

With butter melted, add minced garlic to skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but be careful not to burn it.

Step 6: Add Chicken Broth and Cream

Pour in chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until it reduces slightly. Then stir in heavy cream and let it simmer an additional 3-4 minutes until thickened.

Step 7: Toss in Noodles

Add drained noodles to skillet, gently tossing them in butter sauce until coated evenly. If too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 8: Incorporate Chicken

Return sliced chicken to skillet; toss everything together so that chicken absorbs sauce flavors.

Step 9: Season and Garnish

Taste dish; adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle parsley on top; add red pepper flakes if you like some heat.

Step 10: Serve

Serve your Chicken Buttered Noodles hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve Chicken Buttered Noodles

Serving Chicken Buttered Noodles can be a delightful experience that enhances the meal’s overall appeal. Here are some creative ways to present this delicious dish.

Family Style

• Serve the Chicken Buttered Noodles in a large bowl, allowing everyone to help themselves. This encourages sharing and creates a warm atmosphere.

Individual Plates

• Plate the Chicken Buttered Noodles in individual servings. Top each plate with freshly grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of parsley for an elegant touch.

With Fresh Salad

• Pair the noodles with a light salad on the side. A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette complements the richness of the dish nicely.

Garnished Bowls

• Use colorful bowls for serving and garnish each portion with red pepper flakes for an added kick, appealing to spice lovers.

Side of Vegetables

• Add steamed or sautéed vegetables as a side. Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add color and nutrients to your meal.

How to Perfect Chicken Buttered Noodles

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Chicken Buttered Noodles, follow these helpful tips:

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley enhance flavor significantly compared to dried ones.
• Don’t overcook pasta: Cooking noodles until al dente ensures they maintain a firm texture that holds up in the sauce.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste your sauce before serving; it may need more salt or pepper for balance.
• Warm serving dishes: Pre-warm your serving dishes to keep the chicken buttered noodles hot while served.
• Experiment with toppings: Try adding different toppings like crushed nuts or lemon zest for extra flavor and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Buttered Noodles

Pairing side dishes with Chicken Buttered Noodles can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread adds a crunchy texture that complements the creamy noodles perfectly.
2. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with creamy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to the rich noodles.
3. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies like carrots and zucchini bring color and nutritional value to your plate.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a healthy green touch and pairs well with chicken and butter flavors.
5. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity that balances out the richness of the dish.
6. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes can soak up any leftover sauce, making them an indulgent side option.
7. Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad brings protein and fiber, along with a nutty flavor that complements the dish.
8. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn adds a burst of sweetness that pairs delightfully with savory chicken buttered noodles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chicken Buttered Noodles can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the dish’s final taste and texture.

• Bold Seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken properly can lead to bland flavors. Always generously season both sides of the chicken before cooking.

• Bold Overcooking Noodles: Cooking the noodles too long can make them mushy. Follow the package instructions and aim for al dente texture for best results.

• Bold Skipping the Sauté Step: Neglecting to sauté the garlic can result in an underwhelming sauce. Sauté until fragrant but be careful not to burn it.

• Bold Using Cold Ingredients: Adding cold cream or broth can lower the temperature of your dish. Always use room temperature or warmed ingredients for a better sauce consistency.

• Bold Forgetting to Save Pasta Water: Discarding pasta water means missing out on a great thickener for your sauce. Reserve some before draining the noodles.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Chicken Buttered Noodles in an airtight container.
• It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Chicken Buttered Noodles

• For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container.
• The dish can be frozen for up to 2 months; just ensure it’s completely cooled before freezing.

Reheating Chicken Buttered Noodles

• Bold Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warmed through.
• Bold Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
• Bold Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen up the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Chicken Buttered Noodles.

What is Chicken Buttered Noodles?

Chicken Buttered Noodles is a comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken tossed with egg noodles in a creamy garlic butter sauce.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes! While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute any pasta like fettuccine or spaghetti based on your preference.

How do I customize Chicken Buttered Noodles?

Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach or peas for more nutrition. You can also experiment with different herbs beyond thyme and parsley.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The creamy texture and mild flavors make Chicken Buttered Noodles appealing to kids. Plus, they can help make it!

How do I make it healthier?

To make it lighter, consider using less butter or substituting heavy cream with a lower-fat alternative like half-and-half or milk.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Buttered Noodles is a delightful recipe that balances rich flavors with creamy textures. It’s versatile enough for family dinners or quick meals during busy nights. Customize it with your favorite vegetables or spices to make it uniquely yours!