Printable Chicken Buttered Noodles – A Comforting Classic Made Easy

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe brings together classic flavors and effortless cooking. It’s rich but not heavy, and the buttered noodles are a perfect base for the juicy, seasoned chicken. The entire dish comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings. Plus, it’s kid-friendly, customizable, and reheats beautifully the next day.

Print

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken breast – Boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and tenderness.

Egg noodles – Their soft texture holds butter perfectly, creating a silky and comforting bite.

Butter – The star of this dish, it gives the noodles their signature richness and flavor. Use salted butter for convenience or unsalted to control seasoning.

Olive oil – Helps the chicken brown evenly and prevents sticking.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds depth and a gentle aroma to balance the butter.

Chicken broth – Infuses the noodles with savory flavor and prevents them from drying out.

Salt and black pepper – Simple seasonings that bring out the best in both chicken and noodles.

Parsley – Fresh or dried parsley adds color and a light, herby finish.

Parmesan cheese – Optional but highly recommended for a nutty, salty touch that enhances the overall flavor.

Lemon juice – A small squeeze at the end brightens the buttery richness and keeps the flavors balanced.

Directions

Start by cooking the egg noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain, toss with a small pat of butter to prevent sticking, and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and keep warm.

Add a little more butter to the same pan along with minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the chicken broth. Allow it to simmer gently for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the remaining butter until melted and smooth.

Add the cooked noodles and chicken back into the pan, tossing well to coat everything in the buttery sauce. Sprinkle with parsley and Parmesan cheese, and finish with a squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people generously. Prep time takes about 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 20 minutes, making this a 30-minute meal that’s both easy and comforting.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or butter to restore the sauce’s smoothness. Avoid overheating in the microwave to prevent the noodles from drying out.

Variations and Customizations

Garlic Butter Upgrade – Double the garlic for extra flavor and richness.

Creamy Twist – Add a splash of heavy cream or milk for a silky sauce.

Herb Delight – Mix in fresh basil, thyme, or dill for an aromatic boost.

Cheesy Finish – Stir in mozzarella or cheddar for a gooey, indulgent variation.

Spicy Touch – Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for gentle heat.

Veggie Boost – Toss in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or peas for added texture and color.

Lemon-Herb Chicken – Marinate the chicken in lemon juice and herbs before cooking for a bright, citrusy flavor.

Parmesan Crust – Sprinkle breadcrumbs and Parmesan over the top and bake for a crisp finish.

Grilled Chicken Version – Grill the chicken instead of pan-searing for a smoky flavor.

Kid-Friendly Option – Skip the garlic and herbs for a simpler, buttery version perfect for picky eaters.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of noodles?

Yes, spaghetti, fettuccine, or rotini also work well in this recipe.

2. Can I use leftover chicken?

Absolutely—rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken is a great time-saver.

3. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, cook everything and refrigerate; just reheat with a splash of broth before serving.

4. What butter works best?

High-quality unsalted butter lets you control the salt level perfectly.

5. How can I make it healthier?

Use whole wheat noodles and olive oil instead of extra butter.

6. Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

7. Can I freeze Chicken Buttered Noodles?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to one month in a sealed container.

8. What can I serve with it?

It pairs beautifully with a green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables.

9. How can I make it more flavorful?

Add a dash of Italian seasoning or a sprinkle of grated lemon zest.

10. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs add a richer flavor and stay juicy after cooking.

Conclusion

Chicken Buttered Noodles is the perfect balance of comfort and simplicity—tender chicken, buttery noodles, and familiar flavors that warm you from the inside out. This recipe proves that great meals don’t have to be complicated. It’s quick, reliable, and endlessly adaptable, making it a staple you’ll return to again and again. Whether served alone or alongside your favorite sides, it’s a dish that never fails to bring a little extra comfort to your table.

Looking for more tasty recipes? Visit our website for full details and follow us on Pinterest for daily food ideas to save and share