Golden seared chicken nestled on a bed of silky, butter-coated egg noodles—it’s the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. The rich flavor of the chicken, crisped to perfection, pairs irresistibly with tender noodles soaked in a buttery herb sauce. All the magic happens in one pan, meaning fewer dishes and more time to enjoy every bite.

Whether you’re cooking for the family or looking for a low-effort, high-reward dinner, this dish delivers on all fronts. It’s cozy, full of flavor, and easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a satisfying classic you’ll come back to again and again.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor. Everything cooks in a single skillet.
Balanced and Hearty: Juicy chicken thighs with satisfying, buttery egg noodles provide both protein and carbs in every serving.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Simple ingredients that appeal to both picky eaters and foodies.
Customizable: Add mushrooms, spinach, or even a splash of cream for your own twist.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment (and Why They Matter)

To create this flavorful One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe with ease, you’ll want to gather a few key kitchen tools that make the process smoother and the results consistently delicious:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan (12-inch, preferably nonstick or stainless steel)
This is the hero of the dish. A large pan ensures all the chicken sears properly without crowding, and there’s enough room to toss the noodles in butter at the end.
Tongs
Crucial for flipping the chicken without tearing the skin or disturbing that perfect golden crust.
Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Ideal for stirring the noodles and scraping up flavorful browned bits from the pan after cooking the chicken.
Sharp Chef’s Knife
For chopping herbs, trimming chicken, or prepping optional add-ins like garlic or vegetables.
Lid for the Skillet
Helps steam the noodles gently if needed, or trap heat during the resting phase.

Preparation Tips

Pat the Chicken Dry
Always blot the chicken with paper towels before searing. This promotes browning and avoids excess moisture in the pan.
Season Generously
Don’t shy away from seasoning both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This builds flavor from the start.
Boil the Noodles Slightly Less
If using parboiled or pre-cooked noodles, slightly undercook them as they’ll finish cooking in the sauce and absorb flavor.
Use Room Temperature Butter
Cold butter can seize or separate. Let it soften slightly to create a smooth, silky finish in your noodles.
Deglaze the Pan
After searing the chicken, use a splash of broth or water to deglaze the pan and capture all those golden bits—this deepens the sauce’s flavor.

Ingredients for This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this cozy dish to life. These ingredients are simple yet come together to create something wonderfully flavorful.

For the Chicken:

6–8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts if preferred)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for searing)

For the Noodles & Sauce:

8 oz egg noodles (wide or medium work best)
2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
1 garlic clove, minced (optional, for extra flavor)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish)

Optional Add-ins:

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds a creamy, salty finish)

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)

A splash of heavy cream or half-and-half for a creamier noodle base

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken thighs and sear for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F). Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.

Step 2: Deglaze the Pan

Reduce the heat to medium. If needed, add a small splash of chicken broth or water to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits with a wooden spoon. These bits are flavor gold!

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a light boil. Add the egg noodles and stir to coat. Cover the pan with a lid, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer, and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the broth.

Step 4: Add Butter and Herbs

Once the noodles are cooked, remove the lid and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, dried parsley (or fresh), and minced garlic if using. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the butter melts and the noodles are coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Return the Chicken to the Pan

Nestle the seared chicken back on top of the noodles. Let it sit for a minute or two to reheat and allow flavors to blend. Spoon some of the buttery noodles and herbs over the chicken before serving.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Optional: add a light dusting of Parmesan cheese before serving.

Notes

Chicken Choices: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs provide the juiciest results, but chicken breasts work just as well—just keep an eye on the cook time to avoid drying them out.
Broth Matters: Using a flavorful, low-sodium chicken broth allows you to control the salt levels and boosts the depth of the dish.
Noodle Absorption: The noodles will absorb most of the broth. If they finish cooking before all the liquid is absorbed, simply uncover the pan for the final minute to let excess moisture evaporate.
Herb Swap: Fresh parsley is ideal for garnish, but feel free to experiment with fresh thyme or basil for a different flavor profile.
Make it Creamy: For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream just before returning the chicken to the pan.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Crowding the Pan: Avoid placing all the chicken pieces in the skillet at once if it’s too tight—they’ll steam instead of sear. Work in batches if needed.
Skipping the Deglaze: Don’t throw away those browned bits! Deglazing lifts them into your sauce, enriching the flavor.
Overcooking the Noodles: Egg noodles can get mushy fast. Keep an eye on them and stir occasionally to prevent sticking or overcooking.
Forgetting to Taste as You Go: Adjust salt and pepper in the broth and butter sauce before returning the chicken. Under-seasoning is an easy way to dull the dish.
Using Cold Chicken: Bringing chicken to room temperature for 10–15 minutes before cooking helps it cook evenly and prevents it from drying out.
Not Letting the Chicken Rest: Letting your seared chicken rest on a plate while you finish the noodles allows the juices to redistribute, keeping it moist and flavorful.
Not Stirring the Noodles: Stirring during cooking helps prevent clumping and ensures even absorption of the broth.
High Heat with Butter Alone: Butter burns easily, so it’s best combined with oil for searing. This mix increases the smoke point and gives a beautiful golden crust without bitterness.

What to Serve With One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles?

While this dish shines on its own, pairing it with the right sides can elevate it into a full and satisfying meal. Here are some tasty and complementary options to round out your dinner table:

8 Recommendations

Garlic Roasted Green Beans
Crisp-tender green beans with a touch of garlic and olive oil provide a fresh, vibrant contrast to the buttery noodles.
Simple Garden Salad
A light salad with crisp lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the dish beautifully.
Honey-Glazed Carrots
Sweet, tender carrots add a touch of color and a gentle sweetness that complements the savory chicken.
Steamed Broccoli with Lemon Zest
A clean, citrus-kissed veggie that pairs especially well with the herby notes of the buttered noodles.
Sauteed Mushrooms
Earthy mushrooms sautéed in a touch of garlic and butter blend seamlessly with the flavors of the main dish.
Caesar Salad
The creamy, garlicky dressing and crunchy croutons bring a satisfying texture contrast to the soft noodles.
Dinner Rolls or Garlic Bread
Perfect for soaking up the extra buttery sauce left in the pan.
Chilled Cucumber Yogurt Salad
A refreshing side with cool cucumber and tangy yogurt that balances the warmth and richness of the chicken and noodles.

Storage Instructions

To keep your One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles fresh and flavorful after dinner, follow these storage tips:

Refrigeration: Allow leftovers to cool completely, then store in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the noodles and prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
Freezing: While this dish can be frozen, the texture of the noodles may soften upon thawing. If freezing, place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Estimated Nutrition (per serving – based on 4 servings)

These values are approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used:

Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 130mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Calcium: 60mg
Iron: 2.5mg

Tip: Reduce the butter slightly or use whole grain noodles to adjust the nutritional profile as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely. Chicken breasts can be used in place of thighs—just make sure not to overcook them, as they tend to dry out more easily. Slice them thin or pound to even thickness for quicker, more even cooking.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a few hours ahead and reheat it gently on the stove or in the oven. For best results, store the chicken and noodles separately to preserve texture.

3. Are there gluten-free alternatives?

Certainly. Substitute regular egg noodles with your favorite gluten-free pasta or rice noodles. Also, make sure the broth and seasonings you use are certified gluten-free.

4. How do I make this dish vegetarian?

Skip the chicken and use sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or even chickpeas as a protein substitute. Vegetable broth can replace chicken broth without sacrificing flavor.

5. Can I add vegetables directly into the dish?

Definitely. Great options include spinach, peas, mushrooms, or zucchini. Add them during the last few minutes of noodle cooking so they stay vibrant and tender.

6. What if I don’t have egg noodles?

No worries—regular pasta like rotini, penne, or fettuccine can work. Just adjust cooking times and broth amounts as needed.

7. Can I double this recipe?

Yes! Use a larger skillet or a Dutch oven to avoid overcrowding, and adjust broth and seasoning quantities proportionally.

8. Is this dish spicy?

Not by default. However, you can add crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne, or hot sauce for a kick of heat if desired.

Conclusion

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the ultimate comfort dish—rich, savory, and effortlessly elegant without demanding hours in the kitchen. It combines the tender juiciness of pan-seared chicken with buttery, herb-kissed noodles, all prepared in a single skillet for maximum convenience and flavor. Whether you’re feeding the family or whipping up a cozy meal for yourself, this recipe is a keeper. It’s simple, adaptable, and delicious every time.