Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Introduction

This Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe has been a favorite in our household for weeks now. I first tried it on a busy evening, looking for something that was both simple and comforting, but still packed with flavor. The tender chicken medallions, combined with a creamy mushroom sauce and served over buttery noodles, were an instant hit. The richness of the sauce paired with the soft noodles creates a deliciously satisfying meal that everyone in the family loves. It’s quick to prepare, easy to make, and, most importantly, it tastes incredible. Whether you’re feeding your family after a long day or entertaining guests for dinner, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Sauce:

• 1 lb chicken breasts, sliced into medallions
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Buttered Noodles:

• 8 oz egg noodles
• 2 tbsp butter
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Noodles:
   Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until they are tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the noodles and toss them with butter, salt, and pepper. Set aside and keep warm.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
   Season the chicken medallions with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Mushroom Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and diced onions, cooking until they have softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
4. Create the Sauce:
   Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to add extra flavor to the sauce. Let the broth simmer for 2-3 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream. If you’re using thyme or rosemary, add them now. Allow the sauce to simmer until it thickens slightly.
5. Return the Chicken:
   Place the chicken back into the skillet and simmer it in the sauce for another 5 minutes or until it is fully cooked through and has absorbed the flavors of the sauce.
6. Serve:
   Spoon the buttered noodles onto plates and top with the chicken medallions and mushroom sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: 480
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 33g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

• Family Dinner: Serve the chicken medallions and mushroom sauce over the buttered noodles for a comforting family meal.
• Special Occasions: This dish also works great for a dinner party or special occasion. Just garnish with extra fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.
• Add a Side Salad: Pair with a side salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
• Serve with Bread: Complement with garlic bread or a baguette to soak up the delicious mushroom sauce.

Additional Tips

1. Chicken Alternatives: You can substitute the chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.
2. Mushroom Variations: Try using other mushrooms like cremini or portobello for a different flavor and texture.
3. Herb Substitutes: If you don’t have thyme or rosemary, fresh basil or parsley can be used as an alternative to add freshness to the dish.
4. Lighten the Sauce: If you want to lighten the dish, use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
5. Make It Spicy: For a kick of heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.

Recipe Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and make this dish with just the mushroom sauce and buttered noodles for a vegetarian option.
• Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a richer, cheesier flavor.
• Lemon Chicken: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the chicken after cooking to brighten the flavors of the dish.
• Chicken Alfredo: Turn this dish into a creamy Alfredo by increasing the amount of heavy cream and adding some Parmesan cheese to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

• With Green Vegetables: Serve this dish with steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach to add some green and balance out the richness.
• For a Fresh Touch: Pair it with a citrusy salad, such as a mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette, to cut through the creamy texture of the dish.
• Wine Pairing: This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover chicken with buttered noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the chicken and mushroom sauce together for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat gently on the stovetop. It’s best to freeze the buttered noodles separately, as they may become mushy upon reheating.
• Reheating: To reheat, warm the dish on the stove over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to prevent it from drying out.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with any type of pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti.
2. Can I use frozen chicken?
   It’s best to use fresh chicken for this recipe, but if using frozen chicken breasts, be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
3. Can I use store-bought chicken broth?
   Yes, store-bought chicken broth works perfectly for this recipe. If you prefer homemade, that’s an even better option!
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the chicken and mushroom sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat before serving and cook the noodles fresh.
5. Can I use low-fat cream?
   Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with a lower-fat option like half-and-half, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.
6. What if I don’t like mushrooms?
   You can omit the mushrooms and replace them with another vegetable such as zucchini, spinach, or bell peppers.
7. Can I make this gluten-free?
   Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and checking that your chicken broth is gluten-free.
8. How do I prevent the chicken from being dry?
   To ensure the chicken stays moist, be sure not to overcook it. Cooking it for 3-4 minutes on each side should yield a juicy result.
9. Can I add other herbs to the sauce?
   Absolutely! You can experiment with herbs like oregano, basil, or tarragon for a different flavor profile.
10. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
    Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to be juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts.

Conclusion

Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. The tender chicken medallions cooked in a creamy, savory mushroom sauce served over buttery noodles make for a dish that’s both rich and satisfying. It’s quick to prepare, versatile, and can be made ahead of time, making it ideal for busy evenings or special occasions. The combination of savory chicken, creamy sauce, and tender noodles will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress!

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