Easy One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles Dinner

Few meals bring comfort and satisfaction like a warm plate of chicken and buttered noodles. This Easy One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles Dinner is perfect for those evenings when you want a hearty, homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s ideal for cozy family dinners, quiet nights at home, or casual gatherings where everyone just wants something simple and delicious.

This recipe is inspired by classic home-style cooking, where affordable ingredients and easy techniques came together to create filling, memorable meals. Buttered noodles have long been a staple in many households, and pairing them with golden-seared chicken turns a simple side dish into a complete, protein-packed dinner. Best of all, everything cooks in one pan, giving you bold, savory flavors with minimal cleanup.

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Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles Recipe

This recipe is designed to be practical, flavorful, and stress-free. It uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients to deliver a meal that feels special but takes very little effort. The chicken stays juicy, while the noodles cook directly in the savory broth and butter, absorbing every bit of flavor.

This dish is perfect because it is:

• Quick enough for busy weeknights

• Made with simple, affordable ingredients

• Rich and comforting without being complicated

• Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or seasonings

• Cooked in one pan for easy cleanup

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Ingredients for Easy One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles

Here are the exact measurements you’ll need for this recipe:

• 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

• 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

• 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season and Sear the Chicken

Begin by placing your chicken strips into a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle the chicken evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Use clean hands or a spoon to gently toss the chicken so every piece is coated with the seasoning blend. This step is important because it ensures that the chicken is flavorful all the way through, not just on the surface. Allow the seasoned chicken to rest for about 5 minutes while you prepare your skillet. This short resting time helps the spices cling to the meat and creates a more intense flavor once cooked.

Place a large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let the butter melt completely and begin to foam slightly. Once the pan is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can cause the chicken to steam instead of sear. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes, turning the pieces occasionally so both sides become golden brown. You’ll notice the chicken developing a light crust on the outside while staying juicy inside. Once the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center, transfer it to a clean plate and set it aside for later.

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2. Build the Flavor Base

Using the same skillet without washing it, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. As the butter melts, it will pick up all the flavorful browned bits left behind by the chicken, which adds extra depth to the dish. Once the butter has fully melted, add the minced garlic to the pan.

Stir the garlic constantly for 30–60 seconds, just until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. This step requires close attention because garlic can burn very quickly and turn bitter. The goal is to gently cook the garlic so it releases its natural aroma and flavor into the butter, creating a rich and savory base that will flavor the noodles.

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3. Cook the Noodles

Slowly pour 3 cups of chicken broth into the skillet with the garlic butter. As the liquid hits the hot pan, you may hear a soft sizzling sound as the broth loosens the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Stir gently to scrape up those bits and mix them into the broth, as they contain a lot of flavor.

Bring the broth to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once boiling, add the 12 ounces of egg noodles directly into the skillet. Push the noodles down slightly so they are mostly covered by the liquid. Stir the noodles every 1–2 minutes as they cook to prevent sticking and to help them cook evenly. Allow the noodles to simmer for 7–10 minutes, or until they are tender but not mushy. As they cook, they will absorb the savory broth, becoming more flavorful with every minute.

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4. Create the Buttery Coating

When the noodles have softened and most of the liquid has been absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Gently stir the noodles to loosen them and coat them in the concentrated buttery broth mixture that remains in the pan. At this point, you should see the noodles becoming glossy and silky.

If the pan looks too dry or the noodles seem sticky, add an extra 1/4 cup (60 ml) of chicken broth. Pour it in slowly while stirring to help create a smooth, light sauce that evenly coats each noodle. This step transforms the dish from simple noodles into rich, buttery perfection with a soft, luxurious texture.

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5. Combine Everything

Take the cooked chicken that you set aside earlier and slice it into bite-sized pieces, if it isn’t already. Return the chicken to the skillet with the noodles. Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss everything together so the chicken and noodles are evenly distributed. Continue stirring for 2–3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and to warm the chicken back through.

As a final touch, sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley over the dish for a pop of color and a fresh, lightly herbal flavor. Give everything one last gentle stir, then remove the skillet from the heat. Your Easy One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles is now ready to serve, hot, flavorful, and perfectly coated in a rich, buttery sauce.

Tips for Perfect One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles

Use room-temperature chicken for even cooking and pat it dry before seasoning to ensure a golden sear. Stir the noodles regularly while they cook to prevent sticking. If the noodles absorb too much liquid too quickly, simply add small splashes of broth to keep everything smooth and silky.

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Best Side Dishes to Serve with This Recipe

Pair this comforting dish with light, fresh sides to create a balanced meal:

• Steamed green beans with a pinch of salt

• A crisp garden salad with cucumbers and tomatoes

• Roasted carrots, zucchini, or broccoli

• Warm dinner rolls or soft bread

These sides keep the meal feeling complete without overpowering the main dish.

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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating on the stovetop, add 2–3 tablespoons of chicken broth or a small bit of butter to refresh the noodles. Heat over low heat, stirring gently.

For microwave reheating, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until warmed through.

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Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Ideas

You can prepare the chicken in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before using. This allows you to cook the noodles fresh when you’re ready to serve. You can also portion the finished dish into containers for quick lunches or dinners during the week.

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Popular Variations of Chicken & Buttered Noodles

This recipe is very adaptable. You can add:

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms for extra savory flavor

• 1 cup baby spinach stirred in at the end

• 1/2 cup sweet corn for a touch of natural sweetness

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness

Each variation keeps the dish comforting while adding a new twist.

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Healthier Ingredient Swaps

To make this dish lighter, use whole wheat noodles or gluten-free pasta. You can reduce the butter to 2 tablespoons total and add an extra 1/2 cup chicken broth to maintain moisture and flavor. Adding extra vegetables like peas or diced carrots can also increase the nutritional value.

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Why One-Pan Dinners Are Perfect for Home Cooking

One-pan meals make it easier to cook at home more often. They reduce prep time, simplify cleanup, and make it easier to enjoy fresh, homemade food without stress. This Easy One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles Dinner is a great example of how flavorful, satisfying meals don’t need to be complicated.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay tender and juicy and work perfectly in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can replace the butter with a dairy-free butter substitute or olive oil using the same measurements.

What if my noodles absorb too much liquid?

Simply add 2–3 tablespoons of chicken broth at a time until the noodles loosen and become silky again.

Is this recipe good for kids?

Yes, the mild, buttery flavor makes it very kid-friendly and great for picky eaters.

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Conclusion

Easy One-Pan Chicken & Buttered Noodles Dinner is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can create a truly comforting meal. With juicy chicken, tender noodles, and a rich buttery finish, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, and everything in between.

This recipe is easy to follow, budget-friendly, and highly shareable, making it a great addition to any food blog or recipe collection. Once you try it, it will quickly become a go-to dinner in your household.

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