Hello, food lovers! Get ready to treat your taste buds with this Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe. This comforting dish features tender, flavorful chicken breasts in a creamy mushroom sauce served over buttery noodles, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Let’s dive in and explore how to make this delightful recipe step-by-step.
Introduction
Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a hearty and satisfying meal that combines juicy chicken with a rich, creamy mushroom sauce and tender buttered noodles. The dish is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to serve for guests. With its blend of comforting flavors and creamy textures, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
To prepare this delicious Chicken with Buttered Noodles, you will need:
Chicken and Sauce
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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
Noodles and Garnish
- 12 ounces noodles, cooked and buttered
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
These simple ingredients come together to create a comforting, flavorful meal.
How to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Follow these steps to make your own Chicken with Buttered Noodles:
- Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Pound them to an even thickness to ensure even cooking. - Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. - Sauté the Mushrooms
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to brown and release their juices. - Add Aromatics
Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. - Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. Bring the broth to a simmer and allow it to reduce by half, about 5 minutes. - Make the Cream Sauce
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. - Combine the Chicken and Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Spoon the sauce over the chicken and let it warm through for a couple of minutes. - Prepare the Noodles
Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then toss them with butter for a rich, glossy finish. - Assemble and Serve
Serve the chicken and sauce over the buttered noodles. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for a final touch of flavor and elegance.
Helpful Tips
- Chicken Cooking Tip: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Mushroom Selection: Use cremini mushrooms for a deeper, earthier flavor, or substitute with white button mushrooms for a milder taste.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, whisk 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of water and stir it into the sauce during the simmering step.
Cooking Tips
Here are additional tips to ensure your Chicken with Buttered Noodles turns out perfect:
- Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the chicken breasts in batches if your skillet is too small. Overcrowding can prevent them from browning evenly.
- Pasta Options: Use fettuccine, linguine, or egg noodles for a luxurious feel, or opt for penne or rotini for a more casual presentation.
- Make It Lighter: Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce without sacrificing too much creaminess.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this dish with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. For a truly indulgent dinner, serve it with a glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, to complement the creamy sauce and chicken flavors.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional content for Chicken with Buttered Noodles:
- Calories: 520
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 40g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Potassium: 900mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 20%
- Vitamin C: 8%
- Calcium: 15%
- Iron: 12%
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to maintain the sauce’s consistency.
Leftovers are delicious served as-is or transformed into a casserole by layering the chicken, noodles, and sauce in a baking dish and reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken a day in advance and reheat them when ready to serve. Cook the noodles fresh to maintain their texture.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with boneless pork chops, turkey cutlets, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half, whole milk, or even unsweetened coconut milk can be used for a lighter sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed to balance the flavor.
Related Recipes
If you enjoyed this dish, you might love these recipes:
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta
- Lemon Herb Chicken with Rice
- Creamy Mushroom Risotto
- Parmesan Crusted Chicken Alfredo
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate recipe for Chicken with Buttered Noodles! This dish combines rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and buttery noodles for a truly comforting meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and let us know how you liked it!