Chicken with Buttered Noodles

There’s something undeniably comforting about the combination of tender chicken and buttery noodles. Maybe it’s the simplicity, or maybe it’s just the way it takes you back to the kind of meals grandma used to make—no stress, no fuss, just warm, satisfying food that makes everything feel a little better. That’s exactly what this Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe delivers: a classic, cozy dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy Sundays, or anytime you’re craving something hearty without the heavy lifting.

I first threw this dish together on one of those evenings when the fridge was nearly empty, and I just couldn’t muster the energy for anything elaborate. I had chicken breasts, egg noodles, and butter—which honestly, is a pretty solid trio. A few spices and herbs later, it turned into a meal that my family now requests on repeat. And I get it—it’s rich, buttery, and balanced with just the right amount of herby flavor. Best of all, it comes together in about 30 minutes. Yes, really!

Let’s dive into the first steps of making this dish. If you’re looking for a dependable, family-friendly dinner that doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques, this one’s for you.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Noodles:

• 8 ounces wide egg noodles

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended)

STEP 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your egg noodles and cook them according to the package instructions until they’re tender but not mushy. Usually, that’s about 7 to 8 minutes. Once done, drain them and set aside—but don’t rinse them. You want those warm noodles ready to soak up the buttery goodness later.

Pro Tip: If you want to speed things up even more, start boiling your water while you prep the chicken. Multitasking for the win!

STEP 2: Season the Chicken

While the noodles are cooking, grab your chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear nicely in the pan. Then, season both sides with the garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

This simple seasoning combo adds a gentle savory note without overpowering the buttery noodles. It’s mild enough for kids but still flavorful enough for the adults at the table.

STEP 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (you should see a slight shimmer), add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through in the center.

The key here is not to mess with them too much while they’re cooking—let them get that nice crust. Once they’re done, remove them from the pan and let them rest on a cutting board for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep the juices locked in, so your chicken stays moist and tender.

Alright, so by now your chicken is golden and juicy, and your noodles are perfectly cooked and waiting patiently. This is where things start to come together—and trust me, it’s about to get really delicious. This part of the recipe is all about that buttery magic and tying everything together with just a few more simple touches.

What I love most about this recipe is how forgiving and customizable it is. Don’t have fresh parsley? Dried will do. Want to add garlic? Go for it. Craving a little more richness? A sprinkle of Parmesan never hurts. It’s the kind of dish that invites you to make it your own while still delivering that comforting, cozy flavor every single time.

Let’s finish it up.

STEP 4: Butter Those Noodles

In the same pot you used to cook the noodles (yes, fewer dishes to wash!), melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, return the drained egg noodles to the pot and gently toss to coat them in that buttery goodness.

Season the noodles with salt and pepper to taste, and stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a nice pop of color and a bit of freshness that balances the richness of the butter.

Optional but delicious: If you love garlic (and who doesn’t?), try sautéing a clove of minced garlic in the butter for about 30 seconds before adding the noodles back in. It brings a deeper flavor that’s so satisfying.

STEP 5: Slice the Chicken and Serve

Now that your noodles are buttery and seasoned, it’s time to slice that beautiful, rested chicken. Use a sharp knife to slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces—whatever you prefer. I personally like to keep the slices on the thicker side so they stay juicy.

Plate the noodles and top them with the sliced chicken. Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese if you have it on hand. It adds a salty, savory element that pairs so well with the butter and herbs.

Make It Your Own: Easy Add-Ons & Swaps

One of my favorite things about this dish is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few ideas if you’re feeling creative or want to stretch it into a more complete meal:

• Add Veggies: Toss in steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed spinach right into the noodles for a pop of color and nutrition.

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: In a serious time crunch? Shred some rotisserie chicken and toss it in instead of cooking from scratch. It’s still delicious and cuts prep time in half.

• Try Different Herbs: No parsley? Try fresh basil, chives, or even dill. They each add their own flavor twist.

• Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a spoonful of sour cream into the butter for a creamy version of the noodles. Totally indulgent—and totally worth it on chilly nights.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they hold up really well. Just store everything in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or a tiny pat of butter to help loosen up the noodles. A quick warm-up in the microwave or a few minutes in a skillet over low heat does the trick.

And if you’re prepping ahead, the chicken can be cooked a day in advance and kept in the fridge until ready to use. You can even freeze the cooked chicken for longer storage and just cook fresh noodles when you’re ready.