A plate of chicken with buttered noodles is the most comforting thing in the world. This dish is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of cozy dinners. My mom used to make this for us when we had long days of school and sports when we were kids. It was like a hug on a plate. I can still smell it in the house, and even now that I’m an adult, it always brings back happy memories of family gatherings and carefree evenings.
Let’s be honest: life can get pretty busy, and there’s nothing better than a recipe that’s easy to make and tastes great. This chicken with buttered noodles is just that: easy to make and sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s a great base for any extra flavors or sides you want to add. This is the best it can get, honestly!
So, let’s talk about what makes this dish so great and some of my favorite tips and tricks for getting the best results.
What are the ingredients in chicken with buttered noodles?
Let’s go over the main parts so you know exactly what you’re working with. Each item adds its own flavor or texture that goes well with the dish.
The chicken breasts are the best part of the dish! I usually use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they are easy to work with and are a good source of lean protein. If you want more flavor and tenderness, you can use thighs.
Ah, the magical ingredient: butter! Butter makes the noodles richer and brings out the flavor of the chicken. A little bit of good butter (or more) is always a good idea.
Egg noodles are my favorite type of pasta for this dish. They are soft and soak up all that buttery goodness very well. You can get them at any grocery store, but I like the wide ones because they are chewier.
Fresh garlic adds a great depth of flavor to the chicken. The small pieces turn golden and caramelized in the pan, and nothing smells better than that!
I love adding a little bit of fresh parsley for color and brightness. Also, it makes the dish look better.
Vegetable broth makes the chicken more moist and adds flavor to the noodles as they cook.
Salt and pepper are must-haves! These basic spices tie everything together. Don’t be stingy with the salt; it’s what makes the flavors stand out.
Is it healthy to eat chicken with buttered noodles?
If I said this dish is good for you, I would be lying. But let’s be honest: not every meal has to fit perfectly with a diet plan.
Let’s take a look at the parts:
Chicken breasts are a great source of lean protein. They help to fill you up, which makes this dish surprisingly filling. Chicken breasts are a good choice if you want to keep track of how much fat you eat.
Yes, butter is high in calories and saturated fat, so only eat it as a treat, not as a regular food. Butter, on the other hand, has vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are good for your health.
Egg noodles are a good source of carbohydrates for energy, but they don’t always have a lot of fiber. You could try whole grain kinds or zucchini noodles instead if you want more fiber.
Garlic is a great addition because it has a lot of antioxidants. It can help your immune system and fight inflammation at the same time.
In the end, it’s best to eat this dish in small amounts. It’s food that makes you feel good!
List of Ingredients
This recipe is enough for about four people.
– Four chicken breasts with no bones or skin
– 8 ounces of egg noodles
– 4 tablespoons of butter (in two parts)
– 3 minced cloves of garlic
– 2 cups of vegetable broth – Fresh parsley to use as a garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
How do you make chicken with buttered noodles?
Let’s get started! This is where the magic takes place.
1. **Getting ready:** First, use a paper towel to dry off the chicken breasts. Salt and pepper them well on both sides. This step is very important because it adds flavor right away.
2. **Preparing the Chicken:** Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts after it starts to sizzle. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and done. When the inside temperature reaches 165°F, you’ll know they’re done. Take them out of the skillet and put them on a plate to cool down.
3. **Making the Noodles:** Add the last 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the same skillet (don’t you love meals that only need one pan?). Stir for about a minute, or until the garlic smells good. Next, add the egg noodles and the vegetable broth.
4. **Bring to a Boil:** Turn the heat up to high and let the mixture come to a gentle boil. Stir the noodles often so they can soak up the tasty broth. Follow the directions on the package to cook the noodles until they are soft, which usually takes 7 to 9 minutes.
5. **Mix Everything Together:** Cut up the chicken that has been resting while the noodles cook. When the noodles are soft and most of the broth has been absorbed, gently fold in the sliced chicken, making sure that everything is coated in that delicious buttery sauce.
6. **Serve:** Put this on plates and don’t forget to add the fresh parsley on top. It’s all about how it looks, right?
7. **Have fun:** Take a fork and start eating! You just made a dish that will make your family or friends feel better and taste great.
Tasty tips and tricks for chicken with buttered noodles
Okay, friends! Now that you know the basics, let’s talk about some tasty changes you can make to this dish to make it even better.
– **Put in some vegetables:** Adding some vegetables like peas, broccoli, or spinach is a quick and easy way to add nutrition and color. Just add them in the last few minutes of cooking the noodles, and they will be perfectly soft and bright.
– **Different Herbs:** Fresh thyme, oregano, or even a little rosemary can give the dish a nice smell if you’re feeling brave.
– **Version with Cream:** Add a dollop of cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese to the butter for a super-rich experience. This will make the dish creamy and hard to resist!
– **Zest of Lemon:** A little bit of citrus gives this comforting dish a fresh boost. A squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can make a big difference!
– Parmesan cheese: Do I need to say more? A generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan on top right before serving gives the dish a great umami flavor that brings everything together.
– **Change the Noodles:** Try zucchini noodles instead if you want a lighter version. You’ll still get all that great chicken flavor, but without the carbs!
– **Easy to Prepare:** You can make this dish ahead of time. It will stay good for three to four days if you keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Put it back on the stove and add a little broth to make it easier to eat.
You see, chicken and buttered noodles can be used in so many ways. So, don’t be shy—leave your mark!
I really think you should make this for dinner soon. There is nothing like the mix of soft chicken, buttery noodles, and a little bit of love. It’s not just food; it’s a piece of comfort and nostalgia on a plate that you’ll want to eat again and again.
I want to hear all about it when you do it! Did you change anything? What part of the dish did you like best? And don’t forget that cooking is about sharing happiness, so don’t be afraid to ask someone to join you at the table. Have fun cooking!