Introduction:
Chicken with buttered noodles is a classic comfort dish that never fails to satisfy. This hearty meal combines tender chicken with flavorful noodles coated in a rich, buttery sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
- Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the noodles: In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set aside.
- Make the butter sauce: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Allow the sauce to reduce slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Combine the dish: Once the sauce has reduced, stir in the heavy cream and chopped parsley. Return the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat them in the sauce. Slice the cooked chicken breasts and arrange them on top of the noodles.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with additional chopped parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Benefits of Chicken with Buttered Noodles:
- Protein: Chicken is an excellent source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
- Comfort Food: This dish provides the ultimate comfort with its warm, buttery noodles and tender chicken.
- Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this recipe can be whipped up in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or spices to the dish for extra flavor and nutrition.
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve Chicken with Buttered Noodles hot, straight from the skillet, for the best flavor and texture.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra pop of flavor and freshness.
- Pair this dish with a side salad or steamed vegetables to add some color and nutritional balance to your meal.
- Storage Instructions:
- If you have leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, simply microwave individual servings or reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent the noodles from drying out.
- Keep in mind that the noodles may absorb some of the sauce as they sit, so you may want to add a little extra broth or cream when reheating to maintain the desired consistency.
- Freezing:
- While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze any leftovers for future meals.
- Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, making sure to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- Frozen Chicken with Buttered Noodles will keep well for up to 2-3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above.
Variations of Chicken with Buttered Noodles:
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken:
- Add sliced mushrooms to the skillet along with the garlic when making the butter sauce.
- Sauté the mushrooms until they’re golden brown and tender.
- Proceed with the recipe as directed, adding the cooked chicken and noodles to the creamy mushroom sauce.
- Spicy Cajun Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning before cooking them in the skillet.
- For an extra kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the butter sauce.
- Toss the cooked noodles in the spicy butter sauce and serve with sliced Cajun chicken on top.
- Garlic Herb Chicken:
- Instead of minced garlic, use garlic powder to season the chicken breasts before cooking.
- Stir in a combination of fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano to the butter sauce for added flavor.
- Garnish the finished dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
- Lemon Pepper Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with lemon pepper seasoning before cooking them in the skillet.
- Add fresh lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice to the butter sauce for a citrusy twist.
- Toss the cooked noodles in the lemony butter sauce and serve with slices of lemon on the side for garnish.
- Vegetarian Option – Creamy Spinach Pasta:
- Substitute the chicken with sautéed spinach for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Add fresh baby spinach to the skillet along with the garlic and cook until wilted.
- Proceed with the recipe as directed, substituting vegetable broth for chicken broth if desired.
- Cheesy Chicken Alfredo:
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese to the butter sauce until melted and creamy.
- Toss the cooked noodles in the cheesy Alfredo sauce and serve with slices of cooked chicken on top.
- For an extra indulgent twist, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the finished dish before serving.
These variations offer creative ways to customize the classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Conclusion:
Chicken with buttered noodles is a timeless recipe that is both delicious and comforting. With its tender chicken, buttery noodles, and rich sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving some comfort food, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Chicken with Buttered Noodles:
- Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
- A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?
- A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of pasta you have on hand, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Just be mindful of differences in cooking times.
- Q: Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
- A: Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream if you’re looking for a lighter option. The sauce may be slightly less creamy but will still be delicious.
- Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
- A: No, this recipe contains egg noodles, which are made from wheat flour and are not gluten-free. However, you can use gluten-free noodles to make a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
- A: To add some heat, you can incorporate red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the butter sauce, or use a spicy Cajun seasoning to season the chicken.
- Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
- A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Q: What can I serve with Chicken with Buttered Noodles?
- A: This dish pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
- A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or peas, to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
- Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
- A: The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. You can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.
- Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving. Cook the chicken and noodles separately, and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Then, reheat the chicken and noodles in the butter sauce before serving.