Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites 🍜🧄
This dish is everything a comforting dinner should be—creamy noodles, rich buttery sauce, and juicy garlic chicken bites that make it feel both nostalgic and gourmet. These Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites are easy, fast, and packed with that old-school cafeteria flavor you secretly (or not-so-secretly) loved.
Why I Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest: some of the best meals aren’t fancy—they’re just warm, creamy, and full of flavor. This one hits the spot because:
- The noodles are ultra-creamy and savory
- The garlic butter chicken is tender and golden
- It comes together in under 30 minutes
- It’s made from pantry staples you probably have right now
🛒 Ingredients
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
For the Garlic Butter Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
🔄 Swaps & Notes
- Chicken: Thighs work great for juicier bites.
- Soup substitute: Use homemade roux and broth if you want a from-scratch sauce.
- Add veggies: Stir in peas, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
👨🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Noodles
Boil egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large skillet, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Stir in the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and salt. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until combined and creamy.
3. Add Noodles
Toss the drained noodles into the sauce. Stir well to coat. Let everything heat through while the chicken cooks.
4. Sauté the Chicken
In another skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 6–7 minutes, until golden and cooked through.
5. Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1–2 minutes, until fragrant.
6. Combine & Serve
Fold the garlic butter chicken into the creamy noodles. Toss to combine. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or extra pepper if desired.
✅ Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the noodles—they’ll continue to soak up sauce once mixed.
- Sear the chicken well for flavor-packed, golden bites.
- Use low-sodium broth to control the salt levels.
- Want it cheesier? Stir in shredded cheddar or a spoon of cream cheese.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This dish pairs well with:
- Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
- A crisp Caesar salad
- Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls
- A cool drink like Blueberry Lemonade
🧊 Storage & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave with a splash of broth or milk to revive the sauce.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 1 month (best without the noodles, to add fresh later).
🍴 More Recipes You Will Love
For more cozy, flavor-packed meals, check out:
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- This Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage Is My Favorite Quick Dinner Packed with Southern Flavor
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort
🔚 Final Thoughts
This Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites recipe is a full-on flavor fest—rich, creamy, buttery, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re looking for something kid-friendly, weeknight-easy, or just straight-up comforting, this dish brings big flavors with minimal effort.
Tried it? Tag us in your photos and let us know if you added your own twist—we love seeing your creations!
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