Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When those busy weeknights roll around, and you’re craving something warm, hearty, and utterly comforting without a mountain of dishes, my recipe for One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is your absolute hero. This dish is pure magic, bringing together tender, flavorful chicken and luscious, buttery noodles all in a single pan. Get ready for a simple yet incredibly satisfying meal that the whole family will adore!

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about a complete meal that cooks itself in one pan? I am completely head-over-heels for this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles because it’s the epitome of efficiency meets deliciousness. The chicken cooks right alongside the noodles, infusing them with savory flavor, and the minimal cleanup is a dream come true on a hectic evening. It’s a nostalgic, comforting dish that appeals to everyone, from picky eaters to seasoned foodies. The buttery noodles perfectly complement the seasoned chicken, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying experience. It’s truly a lifesaver that tastes like you spent far more time on it than you actually did!

The Allure of One-Pan Wonders

The concept of “one-pan” or “one-pot” meals has revolutionized modern home cooking, driven by a desire for convenience without sacrificing flavor. These dishes simplify cleanup, often allowing ingredients to cook together and meld their flavors in a way that creates a deeper, more cohesive taste profile.

Chicken and noodles, a classic comfort food pairing often found in casseroles or stovetop preparations, lends itself perfectly to the one-pan method. By cooking the noodles directly in the liquid released by the chicken and added broth, they absorb all the savory goodness, resulting in incredibly flavorful and tender pasta. This method highlights the efficiency and comforting simplicity that makes one-pan dishes such a cherished part of today’s culinary landscape, providing hearty, satisfying meals with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this quick and comforting One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cups chicken broth (low sodium recommended)
• 12 ounces egg noodles (medium or wide)
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pats
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: Both chicken breasts and thighs work wonderfully. Thighs tend to stay a bit juicier. Cut them into roughly equal-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Noodles: Medium or wide egg noodles are perfect for this dish as they cook relatively quickly and absorb flavor well. Other quick-cooking pasta shapes like rotini or penne could also work. Do NOT pre-cook the noodles! They cook directly in the pan.
• Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish. You can always add more salt at the end.
• Spices: Paprika adds color and a subtle smoky note. Thyme and garlic powder provide a classic savory flavor. Feel free to adjust to your preference. A pinch of onion powder could also be added.
• Butter: The butter is essential for that rich, comforting “buttered noodles” flavor. Don’t skimp!
• Veggies (Optional): For added nutrition and color, you could stir in 1 cup of frozen peas or corn during the last 5 minutes of cooking, or sauté some diced carrots or celery with the chicken initially.

Steps for the Recipe

Let’s get this delicious one-pan meal on the stove!

1. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large (12-inch or larger) high-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which steams rather than sears). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until lightly browned. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Combine & Simmer: Pour the chicken broth into the same skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon – these bits are packed with flavor! Add the uncooked egg noodles to the broth, spreading them out as much as possible.
4. Add Chicken & Cook Noodles: Return the seared chicken pieces to the skillet, nestling them among the noodles. Dot the top of the noodles and chicken with the pats of unsalted butter.
5. Cover & Cook: Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet tightly, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Check and stir gently once or twice to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.
6. Rest & Serve: Once the noodles are tender and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C), remove the skillet from the heat. Let it sit, covered, for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
7. Garnish & Enjoy: Uncover, fluff with a fork, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot directly from the pan.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Whether searing chicken or cooking noodles, giving ingredients space ensures they cook evenly and brown beautifully. If your skillet isn’t large enough, cook the chicken in two batches.
• Scrape Up Brown Bits: Those browned bits at the bottom of the pan (fond) are flavor gold! Deglazing the pan with broth helps incorporate them into your sauce.
• Monitor Liquid: Keep an eye on the liquid levels while the noodles cook. If it seems too dry, add a splash more broth (1/4 cup at a time). If too watery, remove the lid for the last few minutes to allow some evaporation.
• Use a Tight-Fitting Lid: This helps steam the noodles and cook the chicken thoroughly.
• Rest Time: The 5-minute rest allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to fully settle.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a complete meal, but these simple additions complement it beautifully:

• Simple Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness.
• Steamed Vegetables: A side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or carrots adds extra nutrition.
• Crusty Bread: While the noodles are hearty, a small piece of crusty bread can be nice for soaking up any extra sauce.
• Beverage Pairings: A tall glass of cold milk, iced tea, or even a light white wine like Pinot Grigio would be excellent choices.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles makes for a delicious and easy lunch the next day.

• Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The noodles will absorb more liquid and the dish will thicken.
• Reheat: To reheat, gently warm portions in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to help thin out the sauce and bring it back to a creamy consistency. Stir frequently. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through.
• Freezing: Freezing is generally not recommended for this particular pasta dish, as the noodles can become mushy upon thawing and reheating.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed the ease and comfort of this one-pan meal, you might also like these other hearty and time-saving recipes:

• For another fantastic one-pan dinner that’s always a hit, check out my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
• If you love classic comfort food pasta, my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce is a must-make.
• For truly simple, satisfying comfort food that lets your oven do the work, you’ll love These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays.
• And if you’re craving another deep, comforting bowl, my This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort is a winner.
• For a fun, cheesy, quick meal, try my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.

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Final Thoughts

This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a testament to how incredible a simple, comforting meal can be when prepared efficiently. It’s rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to clean up, making it the perfect solution for any busy weeknight. Get ready to enjoy maximum flavor with minimum fuss!

I hope you give this amazing one-pan wonder a try and enjoy every comforting bite! Let me know in the comments below if this becomes a new favorite in your household, or what your go-to one-pan meals are. I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!