Chicken with Buttered Noodles: A Cozy Comfort Food Delight
There’s something profoundly comforting about the aroma of chicken sizzling in a pan, the gentle bubbling of buttered noodles, and the warmth that envelops a kitchen filled with love. Chicken with Buttered Noodles is not just a dish; it’s a ritual of comfort, a family favorite that graces our table during both ordinary weeknights and festive gatherings. This homemade recipe is an embrace on a plate, a nostalgic reminder of those chilly evenings when my grandmother would whip it up, filling our home with intoxicating smells that promised warmth and togetherness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family Bonding: This dish brings everyone together, whether it’s a casual dinner or a more festive occasion.
- Versatile and Customizable: Adjust ingredients easily to ensure everyone at the table is satisfied and happy.
- Indulgent yet Wholesome: The creamy buttered noodles paired with perfectly seasoned chicken create a dish that feels special without being overly rich.
- Comforting: Each bite is a hug, reminiscent of family gatherings and cherished memories.
Ingredients with Notes
To create this magical dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh for the best flavor; they stay juicy and tender.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing the chicken’s natural flavors.
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil: Adds a lovely crispiness to the chicken.
- 1 cup of butter: The star of the noodles; for a lighter option, you can swap some for olive oil.
- 8 ounces of egg noodles: These are key for the perfect buttery finish, but you can use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles if desired.
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced: For depth of flavor – the scent alone will elevate your kitchen experience.
- 1/4 cup of fresh parsley, chopped: Adds brightness and color to the dish; feel free to substitute with dried herbs if needed.
- 1 lemon (for zest and juice): A hint of citrus complements the richness beautifully.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Perfect for a quick family meal or an indulgent treat that’s surprisingly simple to make!
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
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Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This is your first layer of flavor.
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Sear the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until perfectly golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest on a cutting board.
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Cook the Noodles: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
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Make the Butter Sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to incorporate. If the noodles seem dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
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Finish with Lemon and Parsley: Squeeze the juice of half the lemon over the noodles and toss in the chopped parsley for freshness.
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Serve: Slice the chicken and serve it atop a bed of the buttered noodles, garnished with lemon zest and more parsley if desired.
As you plate this dish, take a moment to breathe in the blending scents of garlic, butter, and lemon; it’s pure bliss.
Tips and Variations
- Healthier Swaps: Substitute Greek yogurt for butter in the noodles for a lighter, creamy texture.
- Seasonal Twist: Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or peas to the noodles for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Flavor Upgrade: Consider a splash of white wine in the butter sauce for added depth.
Serving Ideas
Imagine serving Chicken with Buttered Noodles alongside a crisp, fresh green salad, a chilled glass of white wine, or even a cozy herbal tea. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying, or for special gatherings where you want to impress your guests while ensuring they’re comfortable and welcomed.
Storage and Reheating
To save any leftovers (if there are any!), store the chicken and noodles in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture.
Chef’s Pro Tips
- Rest the Meat: Allow the chicken to rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: Always add fresh herbs at the end to maintain their vibrant flavor.
- Perfectly Cooked Noodles: Ensure you don’t overcook the noodles; they should have a slight bite for the best texture.
- Lemon Zest After Cooking: Always add lemon zest after cooking for maximum flavor impact.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully – they’re juicier and add additional flavor.
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What can I substitute for egg noodles? Any pasta of your choice works; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
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Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While fresh is best, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead, then reheat and add freshly cooked noodles before serving.
Conclusion
Chicken with Buttered Noodles is more than just a dinner choice; it’s a comforting experience that invites family and friends to gather around the table. I encourage you to try this recipe, feel its warmth envelop you, and share it with your loved ones. After all, every meal is an opportunity to create cherished memories. Happy cooking!
Contents
Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts Choose fresh for the best flavor; they stay juicy and tender.
- to taste Salt and pepper Essential for enhancing the chicken’s natural flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil Adds a lovely crispiness to the chicken.
For the Noodles
- 1 cup butter The star of the noodles; for a lighter option, you can swap some for olive oil.
- 8 ounces egg noodles These are key for the perfect buttery finish, but you can use whole wheat or gluten-free noodles if desired.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced For depth of flavor – the scent alone will elevate your kitchen experience.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped Adds brightness and color to the dish; feel free to substitute with dried herbs if needed.
- 1 lemon For zest and juice.
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until perfectly golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest on a cutting board.
Cooking the Noodles
- Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Making the Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss to incorporate. If the noodles seem dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Finishing Touches
- Squeeze the juice of half the lemon over the noodles and toss in the chopped parsley for freshness.
- Slice the chicken and serve it atop a bed of the buttered noodles, garnished with lemon zest and more parsley if desired.
Notes
Written by khadija — founder of Dailypan, sharing easy, cozy homemade recipes for every occasion.