Are you tired of bland chicken recipes that leave your taste buds disappointed after a long day? I completely understand that struggle! As a busy home cook myself, finding yummy dinner recipes with chicken that are both satisfying and simple to prepare has been my mission for years.
Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook. My journey with this one-pan chicken with buttered noodles began when I needed cheap weeknight meals for two that wouldn’t compromise on flavor. This recipe has become a staple in my household – perfect for those evenings when you want something comforting without the fuss of multiple pots and pans.
In this recipe, I’ll share my secrets for transforming basic chicken half breast recipes into a dinner that tastes like it took hours to prepare. You’ll discover how to create a dish that’s ideal for recipes for 3, learn my favorite techniques for keeping chicken moist, and find out why this has become one of my most requested chicken main dishes for dinner.
Ready to make weeknight cooking feel magical again? Let’s dive into this simple yet delicious recipe that proves chicken recipes for two easy options don’t have to be boring!
Why This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe Works
This recipe has become my go-to for busy weeknights for several compelling reasons:
- Uses affordable, everyday ingredients that won’t break your budget
- Combines protein and pasta in one pan for minimal cleanup
- Takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect for using cooked chicken recipes or starting fresh
- Creates a comforting meal that’s satisfying without being heavy
- Easily adaptable for recipes for 3 or scaled down for chicken recipes for two easy meals
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity – proving that recipes with noodles and chicken don’t need to be complicated to taste amazing. The buttered noodles create a delicate base that complements the seasoned chicken perfectly, making even bland chicken recipes taste extraordinary.
Choosing the Right Chicken for Your Buttered Noodles
Best Cuts for This One-Pan Recipe
When making chicken main dishes for dinner like this one, choosing the right cut makes all the difference. For this one-pan chicken with buttered noodles recipe, I recommend:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Perfect for quick cooking and absorbing flavors
- Chicken half breast recipes work beautifully when cooking for 1-2 people
- Chicken tenders: For even faster cooking time (great for truly last-minute meals)
- Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken: For using cooked chicken recipes when you’re extra short on time
Buying Tips
For the juiciest results in your chicken recipes for two easy dinners:
- Look for chicken that’s pink (not gray) with no strong odor
- Choose organic or free-range when possible for better flavor
- Buy chicken breasts of similar size for even cooking
- Consider buying in bulk and freezing portions for future cheap weeknight meals for two
Substitutions
Not a fan of chicken breast or need alternatives for your recipes with noodles and chicken?
- Boneless chicken thighs work beautifully (and are more forgiving if slightly overcooked)
- Turkey breast cutlets make an excellent substitute
- For a vegetarian version, substitute extra-firm tofu or mushrooms
Ingredients & Prep for One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Chicken Prep Essentials
Even the most bland chicken recipes can become extraordinary with proper preparation:
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels (crucial for proper browning)
- Pound chicken to even thickness (about ½-inch) for consistent cooking
- Season generously on both sides (don’t be shy with the seasonings!)
Looking for more amazing chicken pasta combinations? Check out my Creamy Marry Me Chicken Pasta for another weeknight favorite that’s guaranteed to impress!
Simple Yet Flavorful Seasoning
For this yummy dinner recipes with chicken, you’ll need:
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Paprika (sweet or smoked)
- Italian seasoning
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Pantry Staples for the Buttered Noodles
These everyday ingredients transform ordinary noodles into something special:
- Egg noodles (8 oz)
- Butter (4 tablespoons)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Chicken broth (2 cups)
- Fresh garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped)
- Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, grated)
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Pre-Cooking Chicken Prep
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness (about ½-inch)
- Season generously on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika and Italian seasoning
- Let chicken sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to take the chill off
Cooking Method for One-Pan Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Add seasoned chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown
- Remove chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm
Preparing the Buttered Noodles
- In the same pan, add remaining tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic
- Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan
- Add egg noodles, stirring to distribute evenly
- Cover and cook for 8-10 minutes until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally
Looking for more garlic-forward chicken recipes? My Garlic Butter Chicken Parmesan Pasta is ready in just 20 minutes and packed with flavor!
Finishing Your One-Pan Meal
- Once noodles are tender, add butter and stir until melted
- Slice chicken into strips and return to the pan
- Toss gently to combine and warm the chicken
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese
Pro Tips for Perfect One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Avoiding Dry Chicken
The most common complaint with chicken half breast recipes is dryness. Here’s how to avoid it:
- Don’t overcook! Use a meat thermometer and remove chicken at 160°F (it will reach 165°F while resting)
- Pound chicken to even thickness for consistent cooking
- Let chicken rest before slicing to retain juices
- If using already cooked chicken recipes, add it at the very end just to warm through
For those times when you’re really craving a hearty meal, browse through my collection of comfort food recipes on Pinterest where I share all my favorite weeknight dinner ideas and more!
Tool Recommendations
For the best results with your chicken main dishes for dinner:
- 12-inch skillet with lid (cast iron or non-stick both work well)
- Meat mallet or heavy rolling pin for pounding chicken
- Instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness
- Silicone tongs for flipping chicken without piercing
Storage & Reheating
This recipe for cheap weeknight meals for two often yields leftovers:
- Store in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to revive the sauce
- Reheat gently in microwave at 50% power to prevent tough chicken
- Not recommended for freezing as noodles may become mushy
Flavor Variations for One-Pan Chicken and Noodles
Herb & Lemon Twist
Brighten up your bland chicken recipes with:
- Add zest and juice of 1 lemon to the sauce
- Stir in fresh herbs like thyme, dill or basil at the end
- Finish with a splash of cream for richness
Mediterranean Variation
Transform your chicken main dishes for dinner with these Mediterranean-inspired additions:
- Add halved cherry tomatoes and spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking
- Stir in chopped kalamata olives and crumbled feta instead of Parmesan
- Season with oregano and a pinch of red pepper flakes
Asian-Inspired Option
Give your recipes with noodles and chicken an Asian flair:
- Use rice noodles instead of egg noodles
- Add sliced mushrooms, snow peas and bell peppers
- Season with soy sauce, a touch of honey and ginger
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds
If you love easy one-pan meals, you might also enjoy my Cheese Steak Hamburger Helper for another quick 20-minute dinner option!
| Variation | Key Ingredients | Prep Time | Cooking Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Buttered | Butter, garlic, parsley | 5 min | 20 min | Weeknight comfort |
| Herb & Lemon | Lemon zest, fresh herbs | 7 min | 20 min | Spring/summer meals |
| Mediterranean | Tomatoes, olives, feta | 10 min | 22 min | Date night dinner |
| Asian-Inspired | Soy sauce, vegetables | 12 min | 20 min | International flavor |
Serving Suggestions for One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
This versatile dish pairs beautifully with:
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus for added nutrients
- Garlic bread for sopping up any remaining sauce
- Steamed green beans tossed with a little butter and almonds
For beverages, consider:
- A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc
- Sparkling water with lemon
- Unsweetened iced tea with herbs
FAQs About One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Q: Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, but thaw completely first. Pat dry thoroughly before seasoning and cooking to ensure proper browning.
Q: How do I make this recipe work for a family of four?
A: This recipe easily doubles for recipes for 3 or more people. Use a larger pan and increase all ingredients proportionally.
Q: What if I don’t have egg noodles?
A: For recipes with noodles and chicken, you can substitute fettuccine, linguine, or even rotini pasta. Just adjust cooking time according to package directions.
Q: My chicken always comes out dry. What am I doing wrong?
A: The most common reasons for dry chicken are overcooking, not pounding to even thickness, or skipping the resting period. Use a meat thermometer and remove chicken from heat at 160°F.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the components separately (cook the chicken and refrigerate), then assemble the dish just before serving. However, the noodles are best made fresh.
Enjoy Your One-Pan Wonder!
This one-pan chicken with buttered noodles proves that chicken recipes for two easy meals don’t have to be complicated or bland. With just a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can transform everyday ingredients into a dish that feels special enough for company but easy enough for weeknights.
I hope this recipe brings the same joy to your kitchen that it has to mine! Whether you’re cooking for yourself, making recipes for 3, or preparing cheap weeknight meals for two, this versatile dish delivers comfort and satisfaction with minimal effort.
Don’t forget to let me know how it turned out for you, and be sure to check out my other recipes that transform simple ingredients into extraordinary meals. Happy cooking!