There’s nothing quite like the feeling of sliding into a cozy dinner that feels both indulgent and downright comforting. Juicy herb-rubbed chicken breasts seared to a golden brown rest atop a bed of silky egg noodles, all bathed in a garlicky, buttery sauce that clings to every twist and curl. Weeknight Wonder: Juicy Herb-Rubbed Chicken with Luscious Buttered Noodles transforms a simple pantry of staples into a dish that feels like a warm embrace after a long day. As you bring this meal together, you’ll find those everyday ingredients—olive oil, garlic, thyme, Parmesan—elevating each other, creating layers of flavor that dance on your tongue. The chicken soaks up the savory herb blend beautifully, while the noodles become luxuriously coated in a glossy butter-and-broth blend that’s almost too good to share.
On those busy evenings when time seems to slip through your fingers, this recipe is your trusty companion. With just 10 minutes of prep, 25 minutes of cooking, and a quick five-minute rest, you’ll plate up a dish that feels like you spent hours in the kitchen. And the best part? Customizing is a breeze. Want a little extra green? Toss in fresh spinach before the final toss. Craving more zing? A squeeze of lemon juice adds that bright pop of freshness. Every bite delivers a melody of textures and tastes—from the tender chicken that yields under your fork to the gratifying chew of the egg noodles. By the end of the meal, you’ll be reaching for seconds, and maybe even a third helping, convinced that life is simply better when there’s butter involved. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s make magic happen in your skillet tonight!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHICKEN WITH BUTTERED NOODLES
Before jumping into the cooking process, let’s break down the essentials that make this dish shine. Each component plays its part in building depth, texture, and that crave-worthy richness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Lean and versatile, these chicken breasts take on the herb seasoning beautifully and develop a golden crust in the skillet, ensuring each slice stays moist and flavorful.
- Egg noodles
Tender, ribbon-like noodles that cook in just minutes and provide the perfect canvas for soaking up the buttery, garlicky sauce.
- Olive oil
A heart-healthy fat that helps you achieve a crisp, golden sear on the chicken while infusing subtle fruity notes into the dish.
- Unsalted butter
The key to creating a rich, glossy sauce; it melds with the broth and pasta water to coat each noodle in silky goodness.
- Garlic
Adds a punch of savory aroma and flavor; when sautéed just right, it lends a warm, slightly sweet complexity to the sauce.
- Dried thyme
Offers a gentle earthiness that complements the chicken, brightening the overall herb profile without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Dried parsley
Contributes a mild, grassy freshness that rounds out the seasoning blend and pairs beautifully with the thyme.
- Salt
Essential for enhancing all flavors, it ensures the chicken, sauce, and noodles each taste vibrant and well-seasoned.
- Black pepper
Provides a subtle heat and aromatic kick, balancing the richness of the butter and Parmesan.
- Chicken broth
Delivers savory depth and serves as the liquid foundation for the sauce, adding moisture and flavor without extra fat.
- Grated Parmesan cheese
Melts into the sauce for an extra creamy finish, contributing a nutty, salty note that ties everything together.
- Fresh parsley
Brightens each plate with a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish when sprinkled on top before serving.
- Lemon juice (optional)
A dash of acidity that can lift the richness and add a zesty contrast, making every bite feel lighter and more vibrant.
HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN WITH BUTTERED NOODLES
Let’s walk through the simple yet transformative steps that bring all these ingredients together. You’ll move from searing succulent chicken to tossing dreamy, buttery noodles in one skillet, streamlining cleanup and maximizing flavor.
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, dried thyme, and dried parsley, ensuring an even coating that will turn fragrant as it cooks.
2. Once the skillet is properly heated and the oil shimmers, add the chicken breasts. Sear for 6–7 minutes on each side, or until the exterior is deeply golden and the interior reaches a safe temperature. Transfer the chicken to a plate and allow it to rest—this helps retain all those flavorful juices.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly and watching closely to prevent the garlic from burning, which can introduce a bitter taste.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow the liquid to reduce slightly over 2–3 minutes, concentrating the flavor and creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
5. Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions (usually 7–8 minutes) until al dente. Drain the noodles, reserving 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water.
6. Transfer the drained noodles into the skillet with the garlic-broth mixture. Stir in the unsalted butter, letting it melt completely, then pour in the reserved pasta water. This starchy liquid helps the sauce cling to the noodles, creating a luxuriously silky consistency.
7. Toss the noodles vigorously in the skillet to ensure every strand is coated in the buttery sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue tossing until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, imparting a creamy finish.
8. Slice the rested chicken breasts on a diagonal to reveal the juicy interior, then arrange the slices directly on top of the buttered noodles for a beautiful presentation.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately, enjoying the contrasting textures and harmonious flavors in each bite.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHICKEN WITH BUTTERED NOODLES
Presenting this dish is all part of the joy. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet meal at home, consider these four ways to elevate your plates and create a memorable dining experience.
- Bright Mixed Green Salad
Pair the rich noodles with a crisp salad of baby arugula, spinach, and watercress dressed lightly in olive oil and lemon juice. The bright acidity cuts through the butter’s richness and refreshes the palate between bites.
- Steamed Seasonal Vegetables
Offer a side of al dente broccoli florets, sugar snap peas, or carrots tossed in a whisper of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt. These vibrant veggies add color, crunch, and nutrients to the meal.
- Crusty Garlic Bread
Serve slices of warm, toasted baguette rubbed with garlic and brushed with herb-infused butter. It’s perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce on the plate, ensuring none of that delicious garlic-butter gets wasted.
- Lemon-Herb Garnish
Place thin lemon zest curls and additional sprigs of fresh parsley atop each serving. This extra pop of citrusy aroma and verdant green makes the dish look restaurant-worthy and adds a lively finishing note.
HOW TO STORE CHICKEN WITH BUTTERED NOODLES
Storing leftovers properly ensures your next meal tastes just as good as the first. With the right methods, you’ll maintain the dish’s texture and flavors, so reheated portions feel freshly made.
- Airtight Containers
Transfer cooled chicken and noodles into sealable, airtight containers. This prevents moisture loss and keeps aromas locked in. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days, and always cool dishes to room temperature before sealing to avoid condensation.
- Separate Components
For best texture, store the noodles and chicken broth mixture apart from the chicken slices. Reheat the noodles and sauce together, then top with the chicken to help prevent the meat from drying out.
- Freezer-Friendly Portions
Place individual or family-size portions in freezer-safe bags, pressing out excess air before sealing. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth.
- Gentle Reheating
Reheat on medium-low heat in a sauté pan, adding a small drizzle of olive oil or chicken broth to revive the sauce’s silkiness. For microwave reheating, cover the dish loosely and zap in 30-second intervals, stirring in between for even warmth.
CONCLUSION
Chicken with Buttered Noodles has everything you could want in a weeknight dinner: succulent herb-rubbed chicken, tender, buttery egg noodles, and a garlicky broth enriched with Parmesan. We’ve taken you from selecting the freshest chicken breasts and best-quality egg noodles, through each step of searing, simmering, and saucing, to plating up a bowl that’s bursting with rustic charm. From prep to plate in under 45 minutes, you’ve created a cozy, crave-worthy meal worthy of any dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or savoring a solo supper, this recipe is as forgiving as it is delicious—perfect for beginner cooks eager to impress and seasoned chefs seeking straightforward comfort food.
Feel free to print this article and save it for your recipe binder or digital folder, so you can revisit this Weeknight Wonder anytime the craving strikes. You’ll also find a handy FAQ below to answer common cooking questions and troubleshoot any hiccups you might encounter. If you give this dish a try, I’d love to hear how it turns out—drop a comment, share your variations, or ask questions if you need clarification on any step. Cooking is all about experimentation and sharing experiences, so your feedback helps our community grow and keeps the conversation sizzling hot. Enjoy every buttery, herby bite, and happy cooking!
Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Description
Savory herb-seasoned chicken crowns a bed of silky buttered egg noodles, finished with garlicky broth, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley for a cozy, crave-worthy meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, thyme, and parsley.
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Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
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In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute, being careful not to burn the garlic.
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Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes.
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Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, usually 7-8 minutes. Drain the noodles, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
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Add the cooked egg noodles to the skillet with the garlic and broth mixture. Stir in the butter, allowing it to melt into the noodles, then add the reserved pasta water to create a smoother sauce.
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Toss the noodles well to coat them in the buttery sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese for extra creaminess.
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Slice the chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the buttered noodles.
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Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately.
Note
- The chicken can be marinated in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for an hour before cooking to enhance flavor.
- Use fresh egg noodles for an even richer, silkier texture.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.
- For an extra indulgent version, add a dollop of cream to the sauce while simmering the chicken broth.
- Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more garlic or herbs for stronger flavor.
