One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Of course! Here is a small, enticing introduction for this recipe:

This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the ultimate comfort food for a busy weeknight.

Incredibly creamy, flavorful, and made entirely in a single skillet, it delivers the cozy satisfaction of a homemade meal with minimal effort and cleanup.

It’s a family-friendly dish that feels indulgent yet is deceptively simple to make.

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

2 tbsp olive oil

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

8 oz egg noodles

3 tbsp butter

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Prepare Noodles: In the same skillet, add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring to a simmer. Add egg noodles, cover, and cook until tender (8-10 minutes).

Combine: Stir in butter and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Return chicken to the skillet to heat through.

Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Of course! Here are detailed tips and storage instructions to ensure your One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles turns out perfectly every time.

Pro Tips for Success:

Pound the Chicken: For evenly cooked chicken that doesn’t dry out, pound the thicker ends of the breasts to an even ½-inch thickness before seasoning and cooking.

Don’t Skip the Sear: Getting a good golden-brown color on the chicken is crucial for flavor. Don’t move it around in the pan; let it sear undisturbed for those few minutes to develop a delicious crust.

Scrape the Pan: After cooking the garlic, when you add the broth and cream, use a whisk or wooden spoon to thoroughly scrape up all the browned bits (the “fond”) from the bottom of the pan. This is packed with flavor and will make your sauce incredible.

Lid On Tight: Keeping the lid on while the noodles cook is essential. It traps the steam, which is necessary to cook the noodles properly and absorb the liquid.

Al Dente Check: Start checking the noodles for doneness at the 8-minute mark. You want them al dente (tender but with a slight bite) as they will continue to soften slightly in the hot sauce.

Freshly Grated Parmesan: For the best melting and flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

Brighten It Up: The dish is rich and creamy. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley cuts through the richness perfectly.

Variations & Add-Ins:

Protein Swap: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a more flavorful and juicier option. Thinly sliced pork chops would also work well.

Add Vegetables: Make it a complete meal by adding veggies in the last few minutes of cooking.

Spinach: Stir in 2 large handfuls of fresh spinach when you add the butter and Parmesan.

Peas: Add 1 cup of frozen peas with the butter and Parmesan.

Mushrooms: Slice and sauté mushrooms right after cooking the chicken, then remove them and add back with the chicken at the end.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add ¼ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy punch.

Herbaceous Twist: Add 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning or a tablespoon of fresh chopped thyme, rosemary, or basil along with the garlic.

Storage:

Let the dish cool to room temperature (no longer than 2 hours) before storing.

Transfer to an airtight container.

It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing:

Not highly recommended. Cream-based sauces can separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated. The noodles will also become very soft and mushy.

Reheating:

Stovetop (Best Method): Place the desired portion in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a small splash of chicken broth, water, or cream to loosen the sauce, as the noodles will have absorbed most of it. Stir gently until heated through.

Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, add a tablespoon of liquid, cover loosely, and heat in 60-second intervals, stirring in between, until hot.