I still remember the exact moment this One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles became my go-to weeknight hero. It was one of those “I don’t know what to cook” evenings, and with limited ingredients and zero desire for a long kitchen session, I grabbed a handful of simple staples and gave this recipe a whirl. The result? Comfort food chicken recipes don’t get much better than this—juicy chicken seared right in the pan, bathed in a buttery sauce, and paired with those soul-soothing buttered noodles that practically beg for seconds. I remember looking around the dinner table and thinking, “Yep, this is a keeper.”
This dish fits into my foodie life perfectly because it’s all about quick skillet meals that feel like a warm hug after a busy day. It’s simple enough to throw together even if you’re new to cooking, but it’s also layered with flavors that make it feel like a special treat. Plus, clean-up is a breeze since it’s all one pan!
If you’re anything like me and you love simple chicken dinners that don’t skimp on taste, this One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles is going to be your next obsession. I’m excited for you to give it a try and maybe even make it your own little kitchen classic. Ready to make some magic happen? Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need:
This One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated. Here’s exactly what you’ll want on hand:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts (about 1½ pounds) – thighs add more flavor, but breasts work just fine!
- 8 ounces egg noodles – the perfect base for that buttery goodness
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – for that silky sauce and, of course, the buttered noodles side dish
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced – adds a sweet, savory depth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – the flavor foundation every great skillet meal needs
- 2 cups chicken broth – helps cook the noodles right in the pan and keeps everything saucy
- Salt and pepper to taste – because seasoning is everything
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning – my secret little upgrade that takes this One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles from good to “wow”!
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish – optional, but I love the fresh pop it adds
Out of onion or prefer a little crunch? No problem, bell peppers or sliced mushrooms work great in this One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles too!
You can grab all these staples at any regular grocery store without breaking the bank. It’s pretty kind to your wallet, especially since you’re using just one pan and pantry basics.
Quick prep tip: get your noodles measured out and garlic minced before starting — it smooths out the flow!
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge, and they’re good for 3-4 days. For a tasty twist the next day, try warming with a splash of chicken broth or reheat gently in a skillet with a pat of butter to revive that buttery vibe.
Let’s Cook This Together:
Alright friend, here’s where our One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles really comes alive—right in your kitchen. From start to finish, this comes together in about 30-35 minutes, making it one of those quick skillet meals you can rely on any day of the week.
Step 1: Pat your chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and that dried thyme or Italian seasoning. The seasoning is low-key magic and really lifts the whole dish.
Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and a little bubbly, add the chicken. Sear on each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Don’t worry if it’s not all the way cooked through here—that happens in the next steps.
Step 3: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same pan, toss in your sliced onion. The leftover chicken goodness in the pan will make those onions sing. Sauté about 5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized.
Step 4: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute—this little step fills your kitchen with the most incredible aroma.
Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Now, nestle your dry egg noodles into the broth and cover the skillet. Let the noodles cook, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick, for about 8-10 minutes or until tender.
Step 6: Return the chicken to the pan on top of the noodles. Cover again and cook an additional 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (165°F internal temp) and the noodles absorb all that buttery broth-y goodness.
Step 7: Remove from heat, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to coat those noodles in creamy, dreamy butter. Season with a little extra salt and pepper to taste.
If at any point your One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles looks saucier or thicker, that’s totally fine—the broth will reduce differently depending on your pan and heat.
While this is cooking, pour yourself a glass of something nice (because you earned it!), and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying simple chicken dinners.
Psst… if you love this texture and flavor, you’ll also adore this One-Pan Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe (just imagine creamy with a twist!). Or for another flavor vibe, check out my favorite turmeric ginger chicken noodle soup for cooler evenings.
How to Serve & Savor It:
This One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles truly shines when you serve it with something simple and fresh like a crisp green salad or steamed veggies to cut through the richness. Roasted broccoli or green beans are my go-to sidekick for these quick skillet meals—easy, nutritious, and super satisfying.
I absolutely love serving this up on a lazy weekend or when we’re having friends over for a no-fuss dinner that feels like a warm, cozy celebration. It’s the kind of comfort food chicken recipes that hits all the right notes without complicated prep or fancy plating.
For presentation, sprinkle a little fresh parsley or chives on top just before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor boost that makes the dish feel weekend-worthy.
Got leftovers? Try turning this into a quick lunch by warming and topping with a fried egg or stirring in some sautéed mushrooms or a handful of spinach. Seasonal twists? In fall, I love adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne to wake up the flavors. Summer? Fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon juice over everything brightens it up beautifully.
If you’re curious how this dish compares or want to mix things up, this One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles Recipe has some fun variations to try too.
Your Questions, Answered:
I’m always here for your One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles questions—let’s chat through the most common ones I get from friends and fellow foodies!
- Q: Can I prep parts of this One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles ahead?
A: Absolutely! You can slice the onions and mince garlic a day ahead, even measure out noodles and season the chicken. Keep the chicken covered and refrigerated until you’re ready to cook to save time on busy days. - Q: What’s a good swap for egg noodles?
A: Any pasta you have on hand works! Fettuccine, pappardelle, or even small shapes like shells or elbow macaroni can hang out in this skillet. Just adjust cooking times accordingly. - Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes! Chicken breasts work well—just don’t forget to watch cooking times to avoid drying them out. Pound them to an even thickness for the best results. - Q: How can I make this dish for fewer people?
A: Easy! Cut the chicken and noodle portions in half, and use a smaller skillet to keep everything cozy and flavorful. - Q: What if I want to add veggies?
A: Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach in the pan after the onions for a veggie boost. They integrate beautifully without overcomplicating the dish. - Q: Can I freeze leftovers?
A: I recommend freezing just the chicken and noodles separately if you can. When reheating, thaw slowly and add a little chicken broth or butter to keep noodles from drying out. - Q: Any shortcuts for busy nights?
A: Using pre-minced garlic and buying fresh pre-sliced onions saves time. Also, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken for a spin on this recipe—add it in at the end just to warm through with the noodles.
This dish really reminds me of the wonderful home-cooked feeling from cozy family dinners like those shared over chicken avocado ranch burritos. If you love simple chicken dinners, you’re going to keep coming back to this one.
Final Foodie Thoughts:
Why does this One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles hold such a special place in my foodie heart? It’s the perfect combo of simplicity, juiciness, and that nostalgic comfort food vibe that makes every bite feel like a little celebration. Plus, it’s one of those easy one-pan chicken recipes that deliver big on flavor without making you work for it.
- Pat your chicken dry and season well before searing—it’s a game changer for flavor.
- Don’t rush those noodles—let them soak up all that broth to get extra tender and buttery.
- Always finish by stirring in cold butter for that silky sauce finish.
Tasty variations I’ve loved include swapping thyme for rosemary, stirring in sautéed mushrooms, or tossing in baby spinach at the last minute for a leafy twist. The version with caramelized onions and garlic is the most requested at my table by far.
Friends, I hope you make this dish your own, tweaking and tasting as you go. Cooking should be joyful and delicious, and this One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles nails both. I’m cheering you on from here—happy cooking, and may your kitchen always smell amazing!
For more everyday foodie inspiration, definitely explore these crowd-pleasing recipes like easy chicken spaghetti next. And if you want to see a similar flavor vibe done simply but right, check out this awesome Facebook post that sums up the magic perfectly.
Ready to dig in? Let’s make this One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles happen in your kitchen tonight!
One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles
This easy one-pan chicken dinner with buttered noodles combines tender, flavorful chicken and perfectly cooked noodles in a single skillet for a comforting, hassle-free meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- Place chicken in the skillet, skin side down, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned.
- Flip chicken and cook for another 4-5 minutes; remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add 1 tbsp butter and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Add egg noodles to the skillet, stirring to submerge them in the liquid.
- Place chicken thighs on top of noodles, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes until noodles are tender and chicken is cooked through.
- Remove chicken; stir in heavy cream and remaining 2 tbsp butter into the noodles until creamy.
- Return chicken to the skillet, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lemon juice over the chicken before serving or sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.