If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that lands on the table in just 30 minutes, One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles might just be your new weeknight hero. It’s everything we crave — golden-brown chicken, buttery noodles, and a glossy, savory sauce that hugs every bite. The best part? Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, perfect whether you’re feeding a busy family or simply treating yourself to an easy, soul-warming meal. Once you’ve made this dish, you’ll want it on repeat!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles lies in the simplicity of its ingredients — each one is chosen for the flavor, comfort, and color it brings. They all work together to create a dinner that feels both effortless and special.
- Olive oil: Adds a gorgeous golden hue and helps sear the chicken beautifully.
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts): Juicy, flavorful, and quick-cooking — you can use either, depending on your preference.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken and noodles with a mellow, savory complexity.
- Onion powder: Adds depth and brings all the flavors into savory harmony.
- Paprika: Provides a gentle warmth and a pop of color to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance every bite.
- Unsalted butter: The key to luscious, silky noodles and a beautifully glossy sauce.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Soaks into the noodles for superior flavor, without being too salty.
- Egg noodles: Tender, comforting, and perfect for soaking up the butter and broth.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A savory finish that melts right into the noodles.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Brightens the dish and adds a lovely fresh color at the end.
How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in your favorite large, deep skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. While the pan heats up, season the chicken thighs (or breasts) generously on both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Once the oil shimmers, add the chicken and sear each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. This step locks in flavor and creates those tempting crispy edges. The chicken doesn’t have to be fully cooked through yet, so don’t worry about a little pink — it’ll finish cooking later.
Step 2: Make the Buttery Broth
Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and melt the butter in the same pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits. Pour in the chicken broth and crank up the heat to bring it to a lively boil. This fragrant, buttery mixture will form the base sauce and infuse the egg noodles with rich, savory flavor as they cook.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Add the egg noodles right to the bubbling broth. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook, uncovered, for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. The noodles will absorb the broth and become beautifully silky and tender, soaking up all the buttery goodness.
Step 4: Finish Cooking the Chicken
Snuggle the chicken thighs back into the pan, nestling them among the noodles. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer together for another 7 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (165°F if you’re checking). This step brings all the flavors together and makes the noodles extra luscious, with every bite infused with both chicken and buttery sauce.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Parsley
To finish your One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles, sprinkle everything generously with grated Parmesan cheese and (if using) fresh parsley. The cheese melts into the sauce, adding a nutty, salty finish, while the parsley gives a refreshing pop of color and flavor.
How to Serve One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Garnishes
The quickest way to make this dish restaurant-worthy is with a finishing touch of bright green parsley and extra Parmesan. Even a little lemon zest or cracked black pepper right before serving brings the whole meal to life and makes every plate look (and taste) irresistible.
Side Dishes
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is totally satisfying on its own, but if you’d like, some simply steamed broccoli, green beans, or a crisp salad are perfect complements. Garlic bread or a warm roll is wonderful for soaking up every last bit of buttery sauce, too!
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or family-style meals, bring the skillet straight to the table — it’s rustic, homey, and inviting. Or, plate each portion in a shallow bowl with extra parsley and Parmesan. If you’re feeling extra creative, nestle the chicken over a bed of noodles and set a wedge of lemon or a sprig of thyme on top for a more elegant touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles cool to room temperature, then transfer everything to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to three days, making it a great candidate for lunch or quick dinners throughout your week.
Freezing
If you want to make this dish ahead, you can freeze individual portions (noodles and chicken together) in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to two months. Just be aware that noodles might soften a bit upon reheating, but the flavors will still sing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the chicken and noodles together in a covered skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to keep everything moist and evenly warmed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While egg noodles add a wonderful silky texture, you can use any short pasta you have — just keep an eye on the cooking time, as it may need to be adjusted slightly depending on the pasta shape and thickness.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
No worries! Dried parsley works in a pinch, or you can skip it entirely. A sprinkle of chopped scallions or chives also brightens the dish nicely if you’re looking for a touch of fresh green.
Can I make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and the noodles will still be rich and satisfying for everyone at the table.
Is it possible to use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes! If you’re in a hurry, shred some leftover rotisserie chicken and stir it into the noodles just before serving to warm it through. It’s a wonderful shortcut for busy weeknights.
Can I add vegetables to the skillet?
Of course. Stir in frozen peas, fresh baby spinach, or even diced bell peppers during the last few minutes of cooking. This adds color, nutrition, and extra flavor to your One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles enough — it’s one of those magical recipes that makes you feel like a dinnertime hero with hardly any fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the kitchen, give this dish a try and let it become a staple in your easy, delicious rotation!
Print
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy one-pan meal featuring tender chicken and buttered noodles cooked in a flavorful broth, topped with Parmesan and parsley.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Buttered Noodles:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Sear in a skillet until golden brown. Set aside.
- Cook the Noodles: In the same skillet, melt butter, add chicken broth, and bring to a boil. Add noodles, simmer, then return chicken to the pan. Cover and cook until chicken is done and noodles are tender.
- Finish and Serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.
- For added nutrition, consider adding peas or spinach at the end.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
