Quick & Easy One Pan Chicken with Buttery Noodles Dinner

One Pan Chicken With Buttered Noodles is, without a doubt, a culinary marvel for anyone seeking both incredible flavor and effortless preparation. I often find myself marveling at how a single pan can transform simple ingredients into such a deeply satisfying and wholesome meal. Imagine tender, succulent chicken, perfectly seasoned and cooked to a golden crisp, nestled alongside rich, buttery noodles that absorb every delicious nuance of the pan drippings. This dish isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to reclaim your evenings, offering a gourmet experience with the absolute minimum of cleanup.

While the concept of cooking a complete meal in one vessel has gained immense popularity for its modern convenience, the comforting appeal of buttered noodles has a timeless charm, reminiscent of cherished family dinners and simple, hearty fare. Marrying this classic comfort with perfectly cooked chicken in a single pan creates a symphony of textures and tastes that truly elevates the everyday. I love how every component contributes to a harmonious whole, ensuring that each bite is packed with savory goodness.

Why This Dish Becomes an Instant Favorite:

People adore this particular One Pan Chicken With Buttered Noodles not only for its incredible convenience but also for its undeniable deliciousness. The chicken stays incredibly moist, the noodles are infused with a profound flavor that only comes from cooking in savory drippings, and the entire dish comes together with such elegant simplicity. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like a culinary wizard, even on your busiest night. Get ready to add this incredible recipe to your weekly rotation!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 – 2 pounds total), or boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra flavor and juiciness
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus extra for searing
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• For the Buttered Noodles:
  • 12 ounces egg noodles, medium width
  • 6 cups low-sodium chicken broth, or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided (1/4 cup for cooking, 1/4 cup for finishing)
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
• For the Aromatic Vegetables and Sauce:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio), optional, but highly recommended for deglazing and flavor
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth, or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (or cornstarch slurry for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, or half-and-half for a lighter sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Fresh chives or parsley, chopped, for garnish

Prepping the Chicken and Vegetables

1. Prepare the Chicken: First things first, let’s get our chicken ready. If you’re using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, I find that a little tenderizing goes a long way. Place each chicken breast between two pieces of plastic wrap and pound it to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a meat mallet or a heavy rolling pin. This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken absorb more flavor. If you’re using chicken thighs, you can skip the pounding step, as they are naturally more even in thickness and tend to stay juicier. Once flattened (if using breasts), pat the chicken pieces very dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear later on, preventing the chicken from steaming in the pan.
2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning generously over both sides of the patted-dry chicken. Gently rub the spices into the chicken, ensuring an even coating. Set the chicken aside while you prepare your other ingredients. Allowing the chicken to sit with the seasoning for a few minutes (even 10-15 minutes at room temperature) allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
3. Chop Your Aromatics: Dice the yellow onion finely. Mince the garlic cloves. Having these prepped and ready before you start cooking is what we call “mise en place” in the culinary world, and it makes the entire cooking process smoother and more enjoyable. Trust me, you don’t want to be frantically chopping an onion while something is sizzling in the pan!

Searing the Chicken to Perfection

1. Heat the Pan: Grab your largest, heaviest skillet or Dutch oven – this is our hero pan for our “One Pan Chicken With Buttered Noodles” adventure! Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and just begins to smoke lightly. You want a hot pan for a good sear.
2. Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts (or thighs) into the hot pan in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; if necessary, sear the chicken in two batches to ensure each piece gets proper contact with the hot surface. Sear for 4-6 minutes per side, or until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and caramelized on the outside, and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The internal temperature is key to food safety, but also to ensuring your chicken is perfectly tender and juicy.
3. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and transfer it to a clean cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This resting period is incredibly important as it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in much more tender and flavorful chicken. While the chicken rests, we’ll move on to building our incredible pan sauce right in the same skillet, capturing all those delicious browned bits left behind.

Building the Flavorful Pan Sauce

1. Sauté the Aromatics: With the chicken resting, reduce the heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon of fresh olive oil to the same skillet, if needed, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – those are pure flavor! Add the diced yellow onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
2. Deglaze the Pan (Optional, but Recommended): This is where the magic happens! If you’re using white wine, pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine into the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up all those wonderful browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. This process, called deglazing, infuses the sauce with incredible depth of flavor. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. If you prefer not to use wine, you can use an extra 1/2 cup of chicken broth for this step.
3. Create the Roux and Thicken the Sauce: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour over the softened onions and garlic. Stir constantly for about 1 minute, allowing the flour to cook out its raw taste. This creates a roux, which will help thicken our sauce. Gradually whisk in 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth, stirring continuously to prevent any lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Finish the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. Continue to stir gently until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and freshly ground black pepper as needed. This sauce is the heart of our “One Pan Chicken With Buttered Noodles”, so make sure it tastes absolutely perfect to you! Keep it warm over very low heat while you prepare the noodles.

Cooking the Buttered Noodles

1. Prepare the Cooking Liquid: In the same skillet (after you’ve transferred the sauce to a bowl if you like, or if your pan is large enough, push the sauce to one side, but for best results, having a clean space for the noodles is ideal. For a true one-pan experience, we can cook the noodles after sauce is made, it just means you have to be careful with space!), or a separate large pot if your pan isn’t quite large enough for everything, combine 6 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and 1/4 cup of unsalted butter. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. The butter will melt and infuse the broth with a lovely richness that will coat our noodles beautifully.
2. Cook the Egg Noodles: Add the 12 ounces of egg noodles to the boiling broth. Stir well to ensure the noodles are fully submerged and don’t stick together. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, according to the package directions, or until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, about 8-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on them – you want them perfectly al dente, not mushy. They will continue to soak up liquid even after you remove them from the heat.
3. Butter and Cheese the Noodles: Once the noodles are cooked and most of the broth has been absorbed, remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining 1/4 cup of unsalted butter until it’s completely melted and coats every strand of noodle. Then, mix in 1/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the noodles, adding a savory, creamy dimension. Taste and adjust with a pinch more salt and pepper if desired. These buttered noodles are incredibly simple, yet provide such a comforting and delightful base for our chicken.

Bringing It All Together: The Grand Assembly

1. Slice the Chicken: Take your rested chicken breasts (or thighs) and slice them against the grain into 1/2-inch thick pieces. Slicing against the grain helps to break up the muscle fibers, making the chicken even more tender and enjoyable to eat.
2. Combine and Finish: Gently add the sliced chicken back into the skillet with the buttered noodles. Pour the warm pan sauce you prepared earlier over the chicken and noodles. Toss everything together very gently to coat the chicken and noodles evenly with the luscious sauce. You want to make sure every forkful of our “One Pan Chicken With Buttered Noodles” is bursting with flavor!
3. A Moment of Harmony: Allow everything to gently warm through together for 1-2 minutes over low heat, ensuring the chicken is reheated and all the flavors have a chance to truly meld into a cohesive, delicious dish. This final step is really where all the hard work pays off, bringing together the savory chicken, the rich sauce, and the comforting noodles.

Serving Suggestions and Final Touches

1. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the “One Pan Chicken With Buttered Noodles” immediately to serving plates or bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley or chives. The fresh herbs not only add a pop of color but also a wonderful burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the dish.
2. Extra Cheese, Please! For those who love cheese (and who doesn’t?), offer extra freshly grated Parmesan cheese at the table for an additional sprinkle. It adds a lovely salty, nutty finish.
3. What to Serve With: This dish is quite hearty and complete on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or some steamed green beans or asparagus to add a fresh, crisp counterpoint to the creamy noodles and chicken. A crusty baguette on the side is also fantastic for soaking up any extra sauce. Enjoy this incredibly satisfying and relatively easy-to-clean-up meal! It’s truly a comforting classic that will become a staple in your rotation.

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve reached the delicious culmination of our culinary journey, and I genuinely hope you’re feeling inspired and ready to get cooking. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s an invitation to experience sheer comfort and convenience, perfectly balanced with incredibly satisfying flavors. What truly makes this dish a non-negotiable addition to your weekly rotation is its ingenious simplicity. Imagine: a single pan, minimal fuss, and an explosion of delightful tastes that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this method, ensuring that every bite delivers tender, juicy chicken married beautifully with sumptuously rich, buttered noodles. It’s the kind of meal that promises a warm hug in a bowl, without demanding hours of your precious time.

I know life gets busy, and sometimes the thought of preparing a wholesome, delicious meal can feel like an insurmountable challenge. That’s precisely why I’m so passionate about this particular recipe. It cuts through the chaos, offering a straightforward path to culinary success. No complicated steps, no intimidating ingredients, just pure, unadulterated comfort food that comes together with remarkable ease. The clean-up alone is a dream come true for anyone tired of facing a mountain of pots and pans after dinner. This truly is a marvel for those evenings when you crave something extraordinary but need it to be effortlessly attainable. The aroma filling your kitchen as it cooks is just a preview of the deliciousness to come, promising a truly memorable meal without the usual culinary commitment.

Elevate Your Meal: Serving Suggestions and Creative Variations

While the One Pan Chicken With Buttered Noodles is a complete meal in itself, there are always wonderful ways to customize it and make it uniquely yours, or simply to present it with a little extra flair. For a vibrant contrast and a touch of freshness, I highly recommend serving it alongside a crisp, green salad with a light vinaigrette. The bright, tangy notes of the salad will beautifully cut through the richness of the noodles and chicken, creating a perfectly balanced plate. Another fantastic addition is some warm, crusty bread – ideal for soaking up every last drop of that incredible pan sauce. If you’re looking to sneak in more vegetables, a simple side of steamed asparagus, broccoli florets, or green beans would be delightful, adding both color and nutrients without much extra effort. Think about a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives right before serving for a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbiness.

Now, let’s talk about making this recipe your own. The beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different herbs; a sprig of fresh rosemary or a dash of dried Italian seasoning can introduce new dimensions of flavor. For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred in with the butter or sprinkled on top can awaken the palate. Feeling cheesy? A generous grating of Parmesan, Gruyère, or even a sharp cheddar over the finished dish would melt into a gooey, savory topping that’s simply irresistible. You could also stir in some fresh spinach or chopped bell peppers during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added color and vegetable goodness. For those who enjoy a bit of tang, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken and noodles right before serving will brighten the entire dish and truly make the flavors sing. If you’re looking for a creamier texture, a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese can be stirred in at the very end, transforming the sauce into an even more decadent experience. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor this versatile recipe to your family’s preferences and whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!

So, what are you waiting for? I genuinely believe that once you try this One Pan Chicken With Buttered Noodles, it will quickly become a cherished favorite in your household. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a commitment to delicious, stress-free dining that delivers on every promise. Don’t let another weeknight go by without experiencing the pure joy and simplicity of this incredible meal. Gather your ingredients, prepare your single pan, and get ready to be amazed by how much flavor and comfort can come from such an easy process. I’m truly excited for you to discover the magic that happens when wholesome ingredients come together in such a harmonious and straightforward way.

I absolutely encourage you to give this recipe a try tonight, or very soon! And when you do, please, please share your experience with me and our community! I love hearing about your kitchen adventures. Did you add a unique twist? Did your family rave about it? Did you find another clever serving suggestion? Tag me on social media, leave a comment below, or send me an email. Your feedback, photos, and personal variations are not just inspiring; they help all of us grow and discover new ways to enjoy our food. Let’s build a community around delicious, easy-to-make meals that bring joy and comfort to our tables. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear all about your delicious journey!

One Pan Chicken with Buttery Noodles

Tender, seasoned chicken and rich, buttery noodles cooked together in one pan for an easy, deeply satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
30 Minutes

Total Time
50 Minutes

Servings
2-4 servings

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Pound chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness (if using). Pat dry. Combine 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, salt, and pepper. Season chicken generously. Mince 2 cloves garlic.
2. Step 2
   Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear seasoned chicken 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C). Remove chicken, tent with foil, and let rest.
3. Step 3
   Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet; cook 1 minute until fragrant, scraping up browned bits. Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Bring to a rolling boil. Add 8 ounces egg noodles. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender and most liquid is absorbed (approx. 8-10 minutes).
4. Step 4
   Remove from heat. Stir in 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese (if using). Slice rested chicken into 1/2-inch pieces. Add sliced chicken back to the skillet with noodles. Gently toss to combine and warm through for 1-2 minutes over low heat.
5. Step 5
   Transfer to plates. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley (if using). Serve immediately.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.