If you’re craving a comforting meal that’s just as simple as it is delicious, look no further than this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate—juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts paired with tender egg noodles bathed in a luscious butter and garlic sauce. What makes this recipe truly special is how effortlessly it comes together in a single pan, cutting down on cleanup without skimping on flavor. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or just want a fuss-free dinner that still impresses, this dish is bound to become a fast favorite in your repertoire.

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles plays an essential role, bringing simple, familiar flavors that work beautifully together. From the tender chicken seasoned just right, to the rich butter and fresh garlic that elevate the noodles, each component adds a layer of texture, aroma, or color to the dish.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, easy to cook and incredibly juicy when done right.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Perfect for searing the chicken to a golden-brown, adding a subtle fruitiness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm and savory depth without overpowering.
1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the background flavor and rounds out the seasoning.
1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a mild smokiness and a pop of color.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to highlight every ingredient.
4 cups chicken broth: The flavorful liquid base that cooks the noodles and infuses them with savory goodness.
8 ounces egg noodles: Silky and tender, these hold onto the buttery sauce beautifully.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Creates the luscious, rich coating that makes the noodles irresistible.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic sautéed in butter brings a fragrant kick to the dish.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional): A sprinkle of umami-packed cheese adds a subtle tang and creaminess.
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional): A dash of green freshness to brighten up the final presentation.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by generously seasoning both sides of your chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple spice blend forms the flavor foundation, ensuring each bite bursts with savory goodness. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until they develop a beautiful golden crust and are cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside—your kitchen is already smelling amazing!

Step 2: Cook the Noodles in Chicken Broth

Using the same skillet (no need to dirty another dish!), pour in the chicken broth and bring it up to a gentle simmer. This step is key to infusing your noodles with rich, savory flavor right from the start. Stir in the egg noodles, making sure they’re fully submerged in the broth. Cover the pan and let the noodles cook for about 7-8 minutes, or until they’re tender but still have a slight bite. The broth will reduce, soaking into every noodle strand, creating that perfect texture you’re aiming for.

Step 3: Prepare the Butter and Garlic Sauce

While the noodles soak up all that flavor, melt butter in a separate pan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until it’s fragrant and golden—this fragrant butter mixture is what will elevate the noodles to a whole new level. The aroma that fills your kitchen right now is exactly what comfort food dreams are made of.

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Once your noodles are cooked just right, pour the butter and garlic sauce into the skillet with the noodles. If you’re using Parmesan cheese, sprinkle it in now and give everything a good toss to combine, coating all the noodles in buttery, garlicky goodness. Finally, slice your perfectly cooked chicken breasts and arrange the pieces on top of your noodles, creating a beautiful, inviting dish that’s ready to be devoured.

How to Serve One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Garnishes

Adding a bit of fresh parsley gives this dish a lovely pop of color and a hint of brightness that cuts through the richness of the butter and cheese. Feel free to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan for good measure—this little touch takes the presentation and flavor up a notch, making it feel extra special even on a casual night.

Side Dishes

While the One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is hearty and satisfying on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like asparagus or broccoli adds a refreshing contrast. The crispness and freshness balance the rich noodles beautifully, making the meal feel well-rounded and complete.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the chicken sliced over the noodles in rustic bowls for a cozy vibe, or arrange the chicken whole alongside a nest of noodles for a more elegant plating. If you’re feeling indulgent, top each portion with a pat of herb butter or a drizzle of truffle oil to impress family or guests with a gourmet touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles reheats beautifully, making it a perfect candidate for next-day lunches or quick dinners. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the chicken moist and the noodles tender.

Freezing

If you want to keep this meal on hand for even longer, you can freeze leftovers. Place the cooled chicken and noodles in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving some space for expansion. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to refresh the noodles and prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep everything evenly warmed and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs can make this dish even juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through than breasts.

What type of noodles work best?

Egg noodles are ideal here because they absorb the buttery sauce so well while staying tender yet firm. However, you can also try other pasta shapes like pappardelle or wide fettuccine if you prefer.

Is Parmesan cheese necessary?

Parmesan adds a lovely depth and creaminess but it’s totally optional. If you’re avoiding dairy or want a lighter version, feel free to skip it or substitute with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy note.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta or noodles made from rice or quinoa, and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well. The rest of the flavors stay just as delicious.

How do I make the chicken extra crispy?

For crispier chicken, pat the breasts dry before seasoning and consider finishing them in a hot oven for a few minutes after searing. This helps lock in moisture while building an irresistible crust.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is one of those magical recipes that combines simplicity with mouthwatering flavor and minimal cleanup—perfect for any night of the week. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s so beloved: wholesome, comforting, and absolutely satisfying without any fuss. I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy every buttery, garlicky bite!