One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. But no worries, my friend, because I’ve got just the thing for you. Let me introduce you to One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles, the ultimate lazy day meal that won’t drag you into a black hole of dirty dishes. This dish is basically the culinary equivalent of a warm hug after a long day.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
First of all, this recipe is idiot-proof. If you, like me, have a tendency to end up with smoke alarms blaring or food stuck to the ceiling, fear not. Even I didn’t mess it up, and let’s be real, I’m more of a takeout gal! Plus, everything happens in one pan, which means you won’t feel like you need a degree in dishwashing after getting dinner on the table. And let’s not ignore the fact that it tastes like a gourmet meal, all while only taking about 30 minutes. It’s a total win!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather the following glorious items, and prepare to be amazed by your culinary prowess:
- 2 chicken breasts – Because we need our protein, right?
- 8 oz egg noodles – The star of the noodle show!
- 3 tablespoons butter – Yes, please. More butter.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Just enough to keep the vampires away.
- 1 teaspoon salt – To make everything pop.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – A little kick never hurt anyone.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Get ready for some fabulous flavor.
- 1 cup chicken broth – For that extra layer of yum.
- Fresh parsley for garnish – Because we want our dish to look fancy, duh.
Yeah, you can totally whip this up with pantry staples and a few fresh items. Let’s turn up the heat!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to become a one-pan magician? Let’s get cracking:
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. While that’s heating up, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remember, seasoned chicken is happy chicken.
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. You want these guys golden and crispy. Once they are done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Get that sizzle going.
Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions. While we’re at it, why not use this time to pretend you’re on a cooking show?
In the last minute of cooking, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Yes, you heard me right. Stir to combine and let that garlic make your kitchen smell like heaven.
Slice the chicken and serve it over the buttery noodles. Don’t forget to garnish with some fresh parsley. It’s like the little green bow on top of your delicious present!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
All right folks, let’s talk about the classic blunders that could happen if you’re not paying attention.
- Skipping the seasoning – Trust me when I say that no one wants bland chicken. It’s like inviting someone over for dinner and serving them cardboard.
- Not letting the skillet heat up – If your skillet isn’t hot enough, your chicken will just sit there, pondering its existence instead of getting crispy.
- Overcooking the noodles – Nothing worse than mushy noodles, am I right? Follow the package instructions folks.
- Being a butter hater – I get it; you wanna watch your waistline, but this is a buttered noodle dish! Don’t skimp here.
- Ignoring the garlic – Minced garlic is your friend. Don’t you dare forget to add it.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Now, maybe you’re looking at those ingredients and thinking, “What if I don’t have this or that?” No problemo. Here are some alternatives that are just as tasty:
- Chicken thighs instead of breasts – Thighs are juicier anyway and they can handle a little extra cooking time without getting dry.
- Whole wheat noodles – You can totally swap those egg noodles for whole wheat ones if you wanna feel a little healthier about your choices.
- Veggie broth – Want this dish to be vegetarian? Switch out the chicken broth for veggie broth, and add some sautéed mushrooms for an extra kick.
- Herbs de Provence – No Italian seasoning? No worries! Herbs de Provence is a delicious alternative.
You can mix it up however you feel. Just remember, cooking is all about being creative and having fun!
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Let’s clear up some burning questions you may have.
Can I use margarine instead of butter? Well, technically yes, but why hurt your soul like that? Butter is everything.
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Totally! Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to eat. It might be slightly less buttery, but hey, it’s still a solid option.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through? You’re looking for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Or you can cut into it and check. If the juices run clear, you’re golden.
Can I add vegetables? Absolutely! Throw in a handful of spinach or some cherry tomatoes in the last few minutes of cooking.
What wine pairs well with this? In my humble opinion, a glass of white wine is perfect. But hey, if you prefer red, who am I to judge?
How long can leftovers last? If you can keep your hands off it, leftovers are good for about three to four days in the fridge. Just reheat the noodles with a bit of broth to keep them from getting too sad.
Can I skip the garlic? Sure, but your dish will lose some of that fantastic flavor. Just saying.
Final Thoughts
Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! You just whipped up an easy, delicious meal that’s loaded with flavor. Remember, cooking is about having fun and trying new things, so don’t take it too seriously. You’ve got this, chef! Enjoy every last bite of your One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles. Happy cooking!
Print
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious one-pan meal featuring chicken and buttery egg noodles, perfect for a lazy day.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions.
- In the last minute of cooking, add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Stir to combine.
- Slice the chicken and serve over the buttery noodles. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Notes
This dish can be customized with chicken thighs, whole wheat noodles, or veggie broth for a vegetarian version.