Why Make This Chicken Buttered Noodles
Chicken Buttered Noodles is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction with every forkful. It’s not just about feeding your hunger; it’s about enjoying a delicious meal that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or a laid-back weekend dinner, this dish combines tender chicken, buttery noodles, and a creamy sauce that tickles the taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining friends, this recipe will undoubtedly impress.
How to Make Chicken Buttered Noodles
Creating Chicken Buttered Noodles is not only easy but also fun! It involves just a few simple steps, and the result is a delicious meal that everyone will love. Start by cooking the chicken until golden brown, then prepare the egg noodles while you whip up a rich garlic butter sauce in the same skillet. Combine everything together, and you have a heavenly dish that is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients:
- Chicken Breasts: Lean and protein-packed, chicken breasts serve as the star of the dish. They’re quick to cook and versatile, absorbing the flavors of the garlic butter sauce.
- Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are the traditional pasta for this dish, but you can substitute with any pasta of your choice, like spaghetti or fettuccine.
- Butter: The key ingredient for a rich, velvety sauce that coats the noodles and enhances the chicken’s flavor.
- Chicken Broth: The broth brings in savory depth, ensuring the dish is perfectly balanced.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the sauce, creating a luxurious coating for the noodles.
- Additional Ingredients:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 2 teaspoons fresh thyme)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth (preferably low-sodium)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Grated parmesan cheese for topping
- Optional: Red pepper flakes for added spice
Directions:
- Cook the Chicken: Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme on both sides.
- Sear the Chicken: Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest. Once it cools a bit, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Noodles: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Melt the Butter: In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and allow it to melt while scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Sauté the Garlic: Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Chicken Broth and Cream: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes, reducing slightly. Then stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Toss the Noodles: Add the drained noodles to the skillet, tossing them gently in the butter sauce until evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Add the Chicken: Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Sprinkle the parsley over the top and add some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Buttered Noodles hot, topped with freshly grated parmesan cheese, if desired.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 580
- Total Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 32g
Nutrition information is approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
How to Serve Chicken Buttered Noodles
Chicken Buttered Noodles is versatile enough to be served on its own or with sides. Pair it with a fresh garden salad for a light meal, or add steamed vegetables to incorporate more colors and flavors. You can also serve it on a special occasion with garlic bread on the side and a glass of white wine for an elevated dining experience.
How to Store Chicken Buttered Noodles
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to prevent drying out. Just heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Buttered Noodles
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches the right temperature.
- For a deeper flavor, allow the garlic to sauté a little longer, but be vigilant to avoid burning.
- Don’t skip reserving the pasta water; it’s great for adjusting the sauce’s consistency.
- Experiment with different herbs like basil or oregano for a unique twist on flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with mushrooms or a mix of your favorite seasonal vegetables.
- Spicy Chicken Buttered Noodles: Add chili flakes or fresh jalapeños to the garlic for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Spin: Stir in some cream cheese or shredded mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can substitute any pasta you have on hand, like penne, rotini, or spaghetti.
2. Is it possible to make Chicken Buttered Noodles gluten-free?
Yes, just choose gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.
3. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with dairy-free margarine, use a plant-based cream, and omit any cheese toppings.
Conclusion
Chicken Buttered Noodles is not just a meal, but a warming embrace on a plate. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, making it a must-try recipe for everyone. So grab your ingredients, whip up this comforting dish, and gather your loved ones around the table to enjoy a scrumptious meal. We’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you create, so feel free to share your culinary journey with us!
Chicken Buttered Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme on both sides.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Once cooled, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter while scraping any flavorful bits from the bottom.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken broth and allow it to simmer for 3-4 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream and simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the drained noodles to the skillet, tossing gently in the sauce until evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss everything together.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Serve hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese if desired.