One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

If you’re like me, you love a good meal that doesn’t leave you drowning in dirty dishes. That’s why this One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is such a gem. It’s hearty, comforting, and—best of all—you only need one pan to make it happen. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone who’s just dipping their toes into the kitchen, this recipe is a lifesaver. Let’s get cooking, shall we?

Why I Love This Recipe

I’ll admit it: I’m a sucker for recipes that keep my kitchen tidy. Between work, family, and everything else, I just don’t have the time (or energy) to deal with a pile of pots and pans. This recipe checks all the boxes for me:

• Easy to make: No complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
• Quick clean-up: One pan = less time spent scrubbing.
• Absolutely delicious: Buttered noodles and juicy chicken? Yes, please.
• Family-approved: Even the pickiest eaters seem to love it.

It’s also incredibly versatile. You can add your own twist with veggies, spices, or even a different type of pasta. It’s like a blank canvas waiting for your creativity.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing dish:

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Noodles:

• 12 ounces egg noodles
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup water
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, but it looks fancy!)

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 cup peas
• 2 cups fresh spinach

These add-ins are totally optional, but they’re a great way to sneak in some veggies or add more texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken strips with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together so the chicken is well coated. Trust me, this little seasoning mix works wonders for flavor.

2. Sauté the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken strips. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside. Don’t worry about the little browned bits left in the pan—they’ll add extra flavor to your noodles.

3. Cook the Noodles

In the same skillet (don’t you love that?), add the chicken broth, water, butter, and minced garlic. Bring it to a gentle boil, then stir in the egg noodles. Let them cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 8-10 minutes or until the noodles are tender. If you’re adding mushrooms or peas, toss them in during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

4. Bring It All Together

Once the noodles are done, stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts into the buttery sauce. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss everything together. If you’re adding spinach, stir it in now and let it wilt for a minute or two. Sprinkle with fresh parsley if you’re feeling fancy.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Serve the One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles hot, with extra Parmesan on top for good measure. Pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies if you want to round out the meal. It’s also fantastic with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce.

Tips for Success

• Don’t skip the Parmesan: It adds so much flavor to the noodles and ties everything together.
• Use a large skillet: Make sure your skillet is big enough to hold the chicken and noodles without overflowing.
• Taste as you go: Adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences.
• Customize the veggies: Mushrooms, peas, or even cherry tomatoes work beautifully.
• Watch your noodles: Stir occasionally to make sure they don’t stick to the bottom of the pan.

Why This Recipe Works

What makes this dish so amazing is the balance of flavors and textures. The chicken is juicy and well-seasoned, the noodles are buttery and rich, and the Parmesan cheese adds that perfect savory touch. It’s simple, but it works.

Plus, the one-pan aspect is a total game-changer. You’re not juggling multiple pots and pans, which makes cooking (and cleaning up) so much easier. It’s a win-win. And let’s not forget how budget-friendly it is. With just a handful of ingredients, you’re getting a restaurant-quality meal without breaking the bank.

A Personal Note

I first tried a version of this recipe on a particularly hectic weeknight when I had about zero energy to cook. It was one of those “what’s in the fridge?” kind of meals, and it turned out so good that it’s become a staple in my dinner rotation. There’s something comforting about a dish that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying.

Over time, I’ve played around with the recipe, adding things like mushrooms, spinach, or even a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat. Every time, it’s a hit. My family loves it, and I love that it doesn’t leave me with a mountain of dishes to wash.

Pro Tip

If you want to take this dish to the next level, try adding some veggies. Sautéed mushrooms, peas, or even spinach would pair perfectly with the buttery noodles and chicken. For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze a little lemon juice over the top before serving. Trust me, it’s a game-changer.

Leftovers? Yes, Please!

This dish reheats beautifully, so don’t be afraid to make a little extra. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it’ll stay good for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the skillet to loosen up the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be sure to cover it to keep the noodles from drying out.

Final Thoughts

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s a total lifesaver on busy nights. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself, this dish is a guaranteed winner.

Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to recipes, too. And if you do make it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you add your own twist? Try new veggies? Share your tips and tricks in the comments below. Happy cooking!