Chicken buttered noodles have been my ultimate comfort food for as long as I can remember. There’s just something magical about tender chicken pieces nestled amongst soft, buttery noodles, seasoned with simple herbs. My mom used to whip this up on busy weeknights, and the aroma of garlic and butter filling the kitchen instantly made everything feel cozy and right. It’s one of those dishes that’s incredibly easy to make, yet feels so special. If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal that the whole family will adore, this easy chicken butter noodles recipe is exactly what you need. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Buttered Noodles

This recipe for chicken buttered noodles is a weeknight winner for so many reasons:

It’s incredibly quick to make, perfect for busy evenings.
The creamy chicken butter noodles are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially for kids.
It uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients.
The comforting flavors make it a go-to for a satisfying meal.
You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables.
It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken.
This buttered chicken pasta dish is pure comfort food.
It’s a simple buttered chicken pasta meal that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients for Chicken Buttered Noodles

Gather these simple ingredients for the best chicken buttered noodles. This recipe makes a wonderfully creamy chicken butter noodles dish that’s perfect for any night of the week.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts – about 1 lb total, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil – for searing the chicken
½ teaspoon garlic powder – adds a foundational savory flavor
½ teaspoon onion powder – complements the garlic for a deeper taste
½ teaspoon dried thyme – brings a subtle herbal note
Salt and black pepper to taste – to enhance all the flavors
8 ounces wide egg noodles – the classic choice for this dish
3 tablespoons unsalted butter – the star that makes these noodles buttery and delicious
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – for a burst of freshness and color
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional) – adds a salty, cheesy finish

How to Make Chicken Buttered Noodles

Making this delicious chicken buttered noodles recipe is a breeze, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. You’ll have a comforting bowl of buttery goodness ready in no time!

Step 1: Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil for your egg noodles. Cook the noodles according to the package directions until they are perfectly tender. I like to cook them just until al dente so they don’t get mushy. Once cooked, drain them well and set them aside.
Step 2: While your noodles are doing their thing, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear. Season both sides generously with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown crust and for the chicken to be cooked all the way through.
Step 4: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. This is crucial for keeping the chicken juicy! After resting, slice or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Now, back to that pot you used for the noodles! Melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Add the drained noodles back into the pot and toss them gently to coat them in all that glorious melted butter. This is where the magic of buttered chicken noodles recipe really starts to shine.
Step 6: Season the buttered noodles with a little more salt, pepper, and the chopped fresh parsley. Give them a good toss to distribute the herbs and seasoning evenly.
Step 7: Serve your easy chicken butter noodles immediately. Pile the buttery noodles into bowls and top generously with the cooked chicken pieces. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese is optional but highly recommended for an extra layer of flavor!

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Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Buttered Noodles

Want to elevate your chicken buttered noodles from good to absolutely amazing? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve that make a big difference. These simple techniques ensure your buttered chicken pasta dish is always a hit.

For extra flavor, sauté 2 cloves of minced garlic in the butter for about 30 seconds before adding the cooked noodles. Just be careful not to burn it!
Don’t overcook your egg noodles. They should be tender but still have a slight bite, as they’ll continue to cook a bit when tossed with the butter.
Using good quality butter makes a noticeable difference in the richness and flavor of your creamy chicken butter noodles.
If you have leftover cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken, you can shred or dice it and add it at the very end, just to warm through, for an even quicker meal.

What’s the secret to perfect Chicken Buttered Noodles?

The real secret to perfect chicken buttered noodles is creating a flavorful pan sauce. Sautéing minced garlic in the butter before tossing with the noodles adds a wonderful depth of flavor that truly elevates this simple dish. For more pasta inspiration, check out this spaghetti with garlic and oil.

Can I make Chicken Buttered Noodles ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare some components ahead! Cook the chicken and noodles separately, then store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the chicken and noodles, then toss them together with the butter and parsley.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Chicken Buttered Noodles?

Avoid mushy noodles by cooking them just until al dente. Also, don’t skip resting the chicken after cooking; this keeps it tender and juicy. Lastly, ensure you don’t over-mix the noodles with the butter, as this can break them. For more tips on cooking pasta, you might find this guide on barley helpful for understanding different grains.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Buttered Noodles

This simple buttered chicken pasta dish is so versatile! It’s a complete meal on its own, but I love pairing it with a few simple sides to round out the meal. For a fresh contrast, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is fantastic. You could also serve it with steamed broccoli or green beans for a bit of color and extra nutrients. This easy buttered chicken pasta meal is also a hit when served alongside garlic bread for dipping into any extra buttery goodness!

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Nutrition Facts for Chicken Buttered Noodles

Here’s a nutritional breakdown for a serving of our delicious chicken buttered noodles. This recipe offers a balanced and comforting meal.

Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
Fat: Approximately 20g
Saturated Fat: Approximately 8g
Protein: Approximately 30g
Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
Fiber: Approximately 2g
Sugar: Approximately 3g
Sodium: Approximately 300mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on nutritional content, you can refer to resources like the USDA FoodData Central.

How to Store and Reheat Chicken Buttered Noodles

Leftovers of this delightful chicken buttered noodles dish are fantastic, and storing them properly ensures they stay delicious. Once the noodles and chicken have cooled down a bit, transfer any remaining portions into airtight containers. These containers are perfect for keeping the dish fresh in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you find yourself with more than you can eat in a few days, don’t worry! You can also freeze this buttered chicken pasta dish for up to 3 months. Just make sure the container is freezer-safe and well-sealed.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. For refrigerated portions, you can warm them gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk if they seem a bit dry, or pop them in the microwave for a minute or two until heated through. If reheating from frozen, it’s best to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight first. This homemade chicken buttered noodles recipe reheats beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep! For other pasta dishes, consider trying our pappardelle with beef ragu.

Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Buttered Noodles

What makes chicken buttered noodles so comforting?

The combination of tender chicken, soft noodles, and rich butter creates a classic comfort food experience. It’s simple, familiar, and deeply satisfying, making it a go-to for many when they need a warm hug in a bowl.

Can I use different types of noodles for this recipe?

Absolutely! While wide egg noodles are traditional for this buttered chicken pasta, you can definitely experiment. Fettuccine, linguine, or even penne work well. Just ensure they are cooked al dente so they hold up to the butter and chicken.

How can I make this recipe creamy chicken butter noodles?

To achieve a creamier texture, you can whisk in a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream or half-and-half with the butter at the end, before adding the noodles. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese also adds to the creamy, cheesy goodness of this easy chicken butter noodles dish.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, this is a wonderfully kid-friendly chicken buttered noodles recipe! The mild, savory flavors and soft textures are usually a hit with children. You can even cut the chicken into very small pieces for picky eaters.

Variations of Chicken Buttered Noodles You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, there are so many fun ways to switch up your chicken buttered noodles! These variations add new flavors and textures, keeping this comfort food favorite exciting.

Garlic Butter Chicken Noodles: Amp up the garlic flavor by sautéing 2-3 cloves of minced fresh garlic in the butter for about 30 seconds before adding the cooked noodles. This makes for an incredibly aromatic and savory dish.
Cheesy Chicken Butter Noodles: Stir in about 1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan or shredded mozzarella cheese with the butter and noodles. This creates a wonderfully cheesy, gooey coating that’s irresistible.
Chicken Butter Noodles with Vegetables: Add a cup or two of your favorite steamed or sautéed vegetables, like broccoli florets, peas, or chopped carrots, along with the noodles and butter for a more complete and colorful meal.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Noodles: For an even richer, creamier experience, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half with the butter before tossing with the noodles. This transforms it into a decadent pasta dish.