One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles: Easy Weeknight Favorite

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is your new weeknight hero. If your evenings are anything like mine—racing the clock, juggling dinner, homework, and maybe a little self-care (ha!)—then this dish will feel like a warm hug. It’s comforting, easy to throw together, and (drumroll) only requires one pan. That means fewer dishes, less mess, and more time for, well, anything else.

The magic here is in the combo: juicy, golden chicken breasts paired with buttery, garlicky egg noodles that soak up all that chicken-y flavor from the pan. It’s hearty enough for the fam, but simple enough to make on a tired Tuesday. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, a hungry spouse, or just yourself, this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles fits the bill—every time.

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What is One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles?

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is exactly what it sounds like—chicken and noodles, cooked together in a single skillet. But it’s not just any chicken and noodles. We’re talking well-seasoned chicken breasts seared to a crispy golden finish, then sliced and served on a bed of silky egg noodles infused with garlic butter and a little optional Parmesan for flair.

It’s a meal that manages to be cozy and comforting without feeling heavy or fussy. Bonus: no separate pot for boiling noodles! The broth does double duty, cooking the pasta while absorbing flavor from the pan. This style of cooking isn’t just smart—it’s survival mode for busy nights and messy kitchens. It brings that homemade taste without the usual kitchen chaos.

Reasons to Try One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

You know those recipes that make you say, “Where have you been all my life?” This is one of them. First off, One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles keeps cleanup simple. One skillet. That’s it. Second, it’s budget-friendly and uses pantry staples (chicken, egg noodles, broth, butter—easy peasy). Third, the flavor is next level for such a straightforward dish—garlic, butter, and Parmesan are basically a love language. Plus, it’s endlessly flexible.

Want to toss in some spinach, peas, or mushrooms? Go for it. Need a dinner that pleases both a carb-loving teen and a protein-focused partner? Boom, done. And if you love other easy chicken recipes, check out our Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes—another crowd-pleaser without the stress.

Ingredients Needed to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Ready to make dinner without dirtying every pot in the kitchen? Let’s dive into the step-by-step process for making this easy, delicious One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles. We’ll walk you through each part, from seasoning the chicken to that final buttery toss of noodles, so you can cook with confidence—even if it’s been one of those days.

Step 1: Season the Chicken Like a Pro

Start by grabbing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and patting them dry with paper towels. This little trick helps you get that beautiful, golden crust when cooking—no sad, soggy chicken here. Once they’re dry, sprinkle both sides with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it’s doing all the heavy lifting for flavor in this simple recipe.

Want to switch things up? Feel free to explore seasoning swaps in our guide to chicken spice blends for more ideas.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken Until Golden and Juicy

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering (but not smoking), gently add your chicken breasts. Cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, flipping once. You’re aiming for a deep golden color and a fully cooked center (internal temp should hit 165°F).

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Cover loosely with foil to keep it warm. Don’t clean the pan—those brown bits left behind are pure flavor gold and will season the noodles beautifully.

Step 3: Simmer the Egg Noodles Right in the Pan

In that same pan, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Bring it to a simmer, using a wooden spoon to gently scrape up any browned bits from the bottom—this is where the magic lives. Once the broth is bubbling, add your 8 ounces of egg noodles. Make sure they’re mostly submerged in the liquid.

Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 7–8 minutes, stirring once halfway through to prevent sticking. The noodles should be just al dente and most of the broth absorbed. If needed, you can add a splash more broth or water to finish cooking.

Looking for a gluten-free swap? Check out our tips in the chicken and potato casserole recipe, which includes pasta alternatives that work well in one-pan meals.

Step 4: Make a Quick Garlic Butter Sauce

While the noodles cook, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan (or microwave if you’re keeping it ultra-easy). Once melted, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté over medium heat for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant. Keep your eye on it—garlic goes from perfect to burnt faster than you can say “takeout.”

You can even prepare this ahead of time and store it in the fridge—check out our garlic-infused butter ideas for ways to use leftovers.

Step 5: Combine Noodles, Garlic Butter & Cheese

Once the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is gone, pour the garlic butter directly into the skillet. Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (if using) and stir to coat the noodles in all that creamy, garlicky goodness. The cheese will melt into the sauce and cling to the noodles like a warm blanket.

Want extra richness? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream at this stage. It’s your skillet, your rules.

Step 6: Slice the Chicken and Add It Back In

Grab your cooked chicken breasts and slice them into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Nestle the sliced chicken right on top of the noodles or stir everything together if you prefer a homier look. Let everything sit for a minute so the chicken can soak up a bit of that buttered noodle flavor.

If you love this combo, you’ll probably be into our ultra-comforting chicken tetrazzini too—another noodle and chicken winner.

Step 7: Finish with Freshness and Serve

Top everything with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color and brightness. If you’re feeling fancy, add a bit more Parmesan on top. Serve the dish straight from the skillet for that rustic, cozy vibe—or plate it up if presentation is your thing.

And there you have it—One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles, fully prepped and served in seven easy step-by-step moves. Dinner’s done, dishes are minimal, and everyone’s full and happy.

For more one-pan wonders that save your sanity, you might love our Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner or go global with something fun like Chicken Ramen Stir Fry.

What to Serve with One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

This dish is hearty on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a simple green side salad works perfectly. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Steamed broccoli or roasted Brussels sprouts also pair nicely, especially if you’re trying to sneak more veggies into the meal (hi, moms of picky eaters). And if you’re feeding a crowd or want leftovers, serve this alongside some warm, crusty bread—ideal for soaking up that garlic butter sauce. Need more inspo? Try pairing it with our Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Casserole for a cozy dinner spread.

Key Tips for Making One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

• Don’t overcook the chicken. You want juicy, not rubbery. A meat thermometer is your BFF—165°F is the sweet spot.
• Use low-sodium broth if you’re adding Parmesan—it keeps things from getting too salty.
• Stir the noodles halfway through cooking to prevent sticking, especially near the bottom of the pan.
• Want extra creaminess? Stir in a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half right before serving.
• Make it your own. Add in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes to switch things up.

For another cozy one-pan option, don’t miss our Parmesan Crusted Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner—perfect for when you’re craving crispy edges and cheesy goodness.

Storage and Reheating Tips for One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Leftovers? Lucky you. Store everything in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water before microwaving or warming on the stove to bring the noodles back to life. The butter sauce can thicken as it chills, so loosening it up helps. If you’re reheating chicken, slice it first and heat gently to avoid drying it out. This dish doesn’t freeze super well (the noodles can go mushy), so best to enjoy it fresh—or just share with your neighbor. They’ll thank you.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs are juicy and forgiving. Just adjust cook time accordingly.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Sure thing. Just skip the Parmesan and use a dairy-free butter alternative for the garlic butter.

Is there a gluten-free option?
You bet—swap the egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Just adjust the cooking time and watch the broth absorption.

What veggies can I add in?
Spinach, peas, mushrooms, or even cherry tomatoes work great. Add them toward the end so they stay vibrant and fresh.

Final Thoughts

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles checks all the boxes: comforting, flavorful, minimal cleanup, and family-approved. It’s the kind of recipe that doesn’t try too hard but still tastes like it came from a cozy little bistro (or your childhood kitchen). Whether you’re new to cooking or just plain tired of dishes, this one’s going in the regular dinner rotation. Don’t forget to check out other quick winners like our Chicken Ramen Noodles if you’re loving that fast-and-filling vibe. Happy cooking!

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