Hello, comfort food lovers! If you’re looking for a hearty, satisfying dish that’s simple yet elegant, this Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe is exactly what you need. With golden-seared chicken, a creamy, flavorful mushroom sauce, and buttery noodles, this dish is a guaranteed hit for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Let’s get started on creating this comforting classic!
Introduction
Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a dish that combines the simplicity of everyday ingredients with the indulgence of rich, creamy flavors. Perfectly seared chicken, a decadent mushroom and garlic sauce, and buttered noodles come together in harmony to create a meal that feels both familiar and sophisticated. This recipe is ideal for a quick family dinner or a romantic meal at home, proving that comfort food can also be elegant.
The origins of this dish lie in the timeless pairing of protein, pasta, and a creamy sauce—an unbeatable trio that has been a favorite across cuisines for generations. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
To make Chicken with Buttered Noodles, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Mushroom Cream Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
For the Buttered Noodles
- 12 ounces noodles, cooked and buttered
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
These ingredients come together to create a rich, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
How to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on each side and fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside, covering it lightly with foil to keep warm.
Step 2: Make the Mushroom Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter.
Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until they release their juices and begin to brown, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and oregano. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Deglaze the Pan
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits add incredible flavor to the sauce!
Bring the mixture to a simmer and allow the liquid to reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Cream
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer.
Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top to coat. Warm the chicken through for 2-3 minutes.
Serve the chicken over a bed of buttered noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an added burst of flavor.
Helpful Tips
Pounding Chicken Evenly: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly and remain juicy.
Butter Your Noodles Right: Tossing the noodles with butter right after draining keeps them from sticking together and adds a rich flavor.
Deglazing the Pan: Don’t skip the step of deglazing the pan with chicken broth. It’s the secret to a flavorful sauce!
Cooking Tips
Here are some extra tips to make your Chicken with Buttered Noodles even better:
Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh thyme or oregano, use them in place of the dried versions for an even brighter flavor.
Add a Splash of White Wine: For a more complex sauce, deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup of white wine before adding the chicken broth.
Experiment with Noodles: This dish works well with various types of noodles like fettuccine, egg noodles, or even spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Pair Chicken with Buttered Noodles with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
A glass of chilled white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
For an extra indulgence, serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content for this dish:
- Calories: 520
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 580mg
- Potassium: 750mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 15%
- Vitamin C: 10%
- Calcium: 20%
- Iron: 12%
This dish provides a great balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats for a filling and satisfying meal.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, place the chicken and noodles in a skillet over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy.
Repurpose Leftovers: Dice the leftover chicken and toss it with the noodles for a pasta dish, or use it to top a salad for a lighter meal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully in this recipe. They are juicy and flavorful, requiring slightly longer cooking time.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken in advance, storing them separately. When ready to serve, reheat and assemble with freshly buttered noodles.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter option, though the sauce may not be as thick.
Related Recipes
If you love Chicken with Buttered Noodles, here are some similar dishes to try:
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Creamy Mushroom Chicken
- Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken Alfredo
Conclusion
Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, savory, and buttery flavors in one harmonious dish. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to delight everyone at the table. Try it today and let us know how it turned out—happy cooking!