Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a comforting and simple dish that combines tender chicken with rich, buttery noodles. It’s an easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want something quick and delicious.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for finishing)
For the Buttered Noodles:
- 8 oz egg noodles (or pasta of your choice)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for added flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, paprika, salt, and pepper on both sides.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
- Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and melt it, scraping up any browned bits from the pan (these add great flavor).
- Return the chicken to the pan for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing it to soak in the buttery flavor.
2. Prepare the Noodles:
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the noodles, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
3. Make the Buttered Noodles:
- In the same pot (or a separate pan), melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, but be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the cooked noodles to the pan, tossing them in the melted butter. If the noodles seem dry, add a little reserved pasta water to help coat them.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Assemble the Dish:
- Slice the chicken into strips or serve it whole alongside the buttered noodles.
- Serve the noodles with the chicken on top or on the side, and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for added freshness.
Tips:
- You can easily make this dish with other pasta types, such as spaghetti or fettuccine, if you prefer.
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the buttered noodles.
- You can also add sautéed vegetables like spinach, peas, or broccoli to the buttered noodles for more variety.
Enjoy:
Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a simple, satisfying meal that’s rich in flavor yet easy to prepare. The tender, seasoned chicken paired with buttery noodles makes for a comforting dish that everyone will love!