ONE-PAN CHICKEN NOODLE PERFECTION

I can still picture my grandmother in her apron, humming as she stirred a pot on the stove. The aroma of chicken and butter always filled her kitchen, promising a comforting meal. It wasn’t fancy, but it was always made with love. Now, I’m thrilled to share my take on a classic comfort food: an Easy One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles that brings back all those warm memories. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles you’ll ever make!

The Magic of One-Pan Cooking

Let’s be honest, who loves doing dishes? Not me! That’s why I’m a HUGE fan of one-pan meals. They’re incredibly convenient, minimize cleanup, and still deliver incredible flavor. This Easy One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a perfect example of how you can have a delicious, satisfying dinner on the table without spending hours scrubbing pots and pans. It’s a weeknight game-changer, I promise!

Beyond the ease of cleanup, one-pan cooking allows flavors to meld together beautifully. The chicken juices infuse the noodles, creating a rich and savory sauce that you just can’t get from cooking everything separately. It’s truly a magical combination!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this culinary masterpiece. Don’t worry, the ingredient list is straightforward and you probably have many of these items in your pantry already!

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for quick and even cooking. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a richer flavor.
• Egg Noodles: I love the texture of egg noodles in this dish. They’re perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce.
• Chicken Broth: This forms the base of our flavorful sauce and helps cook the noodles to perfection.
• Butter: Because, buttered noodles! It adds richness, flavor, and a beautiful sheen to the dish.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for that classic, savory flavor.
• Onion: A yellow or white onion, diced, adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs adds a wonderful aroma and flavor complexity.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course!
• Optional: A squeeze of lemon juice at the end adds a bright, fresh touch. You can also add some chopped fresh parsley or Parmesan cheese for garnish.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Guide to One-Pan Chicken Noodle Bliss

Alright, let’s get cooking! Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. Remember, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned chef – this recipe is designed for everyone!

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from drying out.
2. Prepare the chicken. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them brown nicely. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Don’t be shy with the seasoning – it’s what gives the chicken its flavor!
3. Sauté the aromatics. In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal!), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. The onions should be translucent and fragrant.
4. Add the garlic. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
5. Nestle in the chicken. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet, nestled among the onions and garlic.
6. Add the noodles and broth. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the noodles are mostly submerged. If needed, add a little more broth to cover. The broth should come about halfway up the chicken breasts.
7. Bring to a simmer. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop. This helps everything get started before going into the oven.
8. Bake to perfection. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the noodles are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
9. Uncover and finish. Remove the lid or foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is lightly browned and the sauce has thickened slightly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the noodles from drying out.
10. Stir in the butter. Remove the skillet from the oven and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. This adds richness and creates a beautiful, glossy sauce. The butter will melt quickly from the residual heat.
11. Rest and serve. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken even further and the flavors to meld together.
12. Garnish (optional). Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top for brightness. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. I personally love a little sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Success Tips: Your Golden Rules for Perfect One-Pan Chicken and Noodles

Here are a few of my top tips to ensure your Easy One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles turns out perfectly every time. These are the secrets I’ve learned over years of making this dish, and they’ll help you achieve restaurant-quality results!

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Make sure the chicken breasts are arranged in a single layer. Overcrowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking and prevent the chicken from browning properly. If your skillet is too small, cook the chicken in batches.
• Use high-quality chicken broth: The flavor of the chicken broth will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish. Opt for a low-sodium broth so you can control the saltiness. Homemade chicken broth is always best, but a good-quality store-bought option will work just fine.
• Don’t overcook the noodles: Keep a close eye on the noodles while they’re baking. Overcooked noodles will become mushy and unpleasant. They should be tender but still have a slight bite to them.
• Adjust the seasonings to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or a dash of paprika for smokiness. Don’t be afraid to customize the dish to your liking!
• The Secret to Juicy Chicken: Making sure the chicken doesn’t dry out can be tricky. Always pat it dry before seasoning, and don’t overbake it. The resting period after cooking is also crucial, as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.

Variations: Spice It Up!

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add vegetables: Toss in some chopped broccoli, carrots, peas, or mushrooms along with the noodles for a more nutritious and colorful meal.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
• Use different proteins: Substitute the chicken breasts with sausage, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
• Make it cheesy: Sprinkle some shredded cheese over the top before baking for a cheesy, comforting dish.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• A simple green salad: A light and refreshing salad provides a nice contrast to the richness of the chicken and noodles.
• Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are all great choices.
• Garlic bread: Because who doesn’t love garlic bread with pasta?
• Crusty bread: For soaking up all that delicious sauce.

Make-Ahead & Storage Instructions

This dish is perfect for meal prepping! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Here’s how:

• Make-ahead: Prepare the dish according to the instructions, but don’t bake it all the way. Stop after step 7 (bringing to a simmer) and let it cool completely. Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra tablespoons of chicken broth if needed and bake as directed.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through. Add a little extra chicken broth if needed to prevent the noodles from drying out.

A Deliciously Simple Alternative

If you’re looking for another incredibly easy and flavorful chicken dish, you absolutely have to try Lemon Garlic Chicken Bites & Pasta. It’s another one-pan wonder that’s packed with zesty, garlicky goodness and comes together in just 30 minutes. It’s a fantastic alternative when you’re craving something bright and lemony!

More Chicken & Pasta Inspiration

Craving even *more* delicious chicken and pasta combinations? Here are a few other recipes I know you’ll love:

For a comforting and cheesy twist, try BBQ CHICKEN MAC HEAVEN. It’s the ultimate comfort food mashup!

If you’re in the mood for something creamy and indulgent, you can’t go wrong with ULTIMATE CHICKEN BACON PASTA. It’s rich, savory, and incredibly satisfying.

And if you just want a quick and easy weeknight dinner, check out Delicious Chicken Pasta. It is what the title says, a quick, easy and delicious weeknight dinner!

Beyond Chicken: One-Pan Adventures

Once you’ve mastered the art of one-pan chicken and noodles, why not explore other one-pan recipes? The possibilities are endless! You can create flavorful stir-fries, roasted vegetable medleys, and even hearty casseroles, all in a single pan. It’s a great way to save time and effort in the kitchen while still enjoying delicious, home-cooked meals.

If you like the one-pan cooking method, I’d suggest you try ONE-PAN BEEF BROCCOLI TAKEOUT. This recipe is a great way to get that takeout flavor from home without leaving the house!

And for something completely different, try BANG BANG CHICKEN BOWLS!. These are a tasty way to enjoy chicken!

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Weeknight Dinner

There you have it – my Easy One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe! I truly believe this will become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. It’s simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. The best part? The cleanup is a breeze! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Happy cooking, friends!

Lady Maria

One-Pan Chicken Noodle Perfection

This one-pan chicken and noodle recipe is a comforting and easy weeknight meal. Chicken breasts and egg noodles are cooked together in a flavorful chicken broth with butter, garlic, and Italian seasoning for a satisfying dish with minimal cleanup.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley optional
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

• Large oven-safe skillet (cast iron preferred)
• Lid for skillet or aluminum foil
• measuring cups and spoons
• knife
• Cutting board
• paper towels
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. In a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron is ideal!), melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
4. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. The onions should be translucent and fragrant.
5. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6. Arrange the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet, nestled among the onions and garlic.
7. Pour in the chicken broth, making sure the noodles are mostly submerged. If needed, add a little more broth to cover. The broth should come about halfway up the chicken breasts.
8. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop.
9. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the noodles are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
10. Remove the lid or foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the chicken is lightly browned and the sauce has thickened slightly. Keep a close eye on it to prevent the noodles from drying out.
11. Remove the skillet from the oven and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. This adds richness and creates a beautiful, glossy sauce.
12. Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken even further and the flavors to meld together.
13. Squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the top for brightness. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes, if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, brown the chicken breasts in the skillet before adding the onions and garlic. Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the dish. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a little extra chicken broth if needed to prevent the noodles from drying out. For a creamier sauce, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream at the end. Add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or peas for a more nutritious meal.