One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the ultimate comfort food dinnerโtender, juicy chicken cooked alongside buttery egg noodles in a rich, savory broth. This simple meal delivers incredible flavor with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or cozy weekend meals.
The noodles absorb the delicious chicken juices and seasonings as they cook, creating a creamy, buttery dish that tastes like it simmered all day. Best of all, everything cooks in a single skillet or Dutch oven, saving time and effort while delivering maximum flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-pan meal
- Minimal cleanup
- Family-friendly comfort food
- Tender, juicy chicken
- Rich buttery noodles
- Budget-friendly ingredients
- Ready in under an hour
- Perfect for meal prep
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35โ40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6
Equipment Needed
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs
- Wooden spoon
- Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1ยฝ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ยฝ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Noodles
- 12 ounces egg noodles
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ยฝ teaspoon salt
- ยผ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with:
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Italian seasoning
Allow the chicken to sit while heating the pan.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
Temperature
375ยฐF (190ยฐC)
Add chicken and sear for:
- 4โ5 minutes per side
until golden brown.
The chicken does not need to be fully cooked at this stage.
Transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Sautรฉ the Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium.
Add:
- Onion
- Garlic
Cook until softened.
Time
- 2โ3 minutes
Stir frequently.
Step 4: Add Broth and Noodles
Pour in chicken broth.
Bring to a gentle simmer.
Add:
- Egg noodles
- Butter
- Salt
- Black pepper
Stir to combine.
Step 5: Return the Chicken
Nestle the chicken pieces on top of the noodles.
Cover the skillet.
Cooking Temperature
Medium-Low Heat (300ยฐF / 150ยฐC)
Cook for:
18โ22 minutes
Stir the noodles once or twice during cooking.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
The noodles should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of:
165ยฐF (74ยฐC)
Step 7: Finish the Dish
Remove from heat.
Let stand for:
- 5 minutes
This allows the noodles to absorb any remaining liquid.
Fluff the noodles gently with a fork.
Step 8: Serve
Garnish with:
- Fresh parsley
- Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges
Serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect One-Pan Chicken and Noodles
Use Chicken Thighs
They stay extra juicy and flavorful during cooking.
Stir Occasionally
This prevents noodles from sticking together.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles
Check them near the end of cooking to maintain the perfect texture.
Use Good Quality Broth
The broth is a major flavor component in this dish.
Variations
Creamy Chicken Noodles
Add:
- ยฝ cup heavy cream
during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Garlic Parmesan Version
Add:
- ยฝ cup grated Parmesan cheese
before serving.
Vegetable Chicken Noodles
Add:
- Peas
- Carrots
- Spinach
during the final 10 minutes.
Lemon Butter Chicken Noodles
Add:
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
before serving.
Herb Butter Noodles
Mix in:
- Fresh thyme
- Rosemary
- Parsley
for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this comforting meal with:
- Garlic bread
- Green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
- Green beans
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Stovetop
Add a splash of broth and warm over medium-low heat.
Microwave
Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each.
Nutritional Information
Per Serving (Based on 6 Servings)
- Calories: 465
- Protein: 32g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Iron: 12% DV
Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes. Chicken breasts work well, but be careful not to overcook them.
Can I use different noodles?
Yes. Rotini, bowties, or other short pasta shapes may be substituted, though cooking times may vary.
What if my noodles absorb too much liquid?
Simply add a little extra warm broth near the end of cooking.
Can I make this ahead?
Absolutely. The flavors develop even more after resting overnight.
