Chicken with Buttered Noodles is that magical recipe you reach for when you want something cozy, elegant, and surprisingly fuss-free. Tender seared chicken breasts nestle alongside earthy mushrooms, all bathed in a creamy, savory sauce that hugs strands of buttery noodles. Every bite is comforting, rich, and enticingly aromatic, making it a true crowd-pleaser for both busy weeknights and special dinners in. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or impressing your friends, Chicken with Buttered Noodles delivers warmth, heart, and a restaurant-worthy touch right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken with Buttered Noodles is in its simplicity: each ingredient has a purpose, adding layers of flavor, creaminess, and a touch of color. When you gather these items, you’re just minutes away from dinner bliss. Here’s what makes every bite count:

Chicken Breasts: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quicker, even cooking and lean, juicy results.
Salt and Pepper: Don’t underestimate classic seasoning—it’s key for flavor-building at every stage.
Olive Oil: Ensures a golden sear on your chicken while adding subtle fruity notes.
Unsalted Butter: The magic in the noodles (and sauce!)—allowing for rich, creamy flavor without overpowering saltiness.
Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms offer a savory, umami depth and hearty texture.
Chicken Broth: A splash of broth deepens the savory note and helps form a silky sauce.
Heavy Cream: This gives the final sauce its luscious, luxurious texture.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with warmth and aroma.
Dried Thyme: Adds floral, earthy aroma that mingles perfectly with the chicken and mushrooms.
Dried Oregano: Rounds out the herbal profile with a soft, peppery kick.
Noodles: Egg noodles work beautifully, but any pasta shape that holds sauce will do the trick.
Butter (for noodles): Toss cooked noodles in melted butter for that irresistible glossy finish.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only brightens the look but also lends a fresh pop of flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: A final dusting of grated Parmesan is the ultimate flavor booster.

How to Make Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Pound your chicken breasts to an even thickness—this helps everything cook at the same pace, ensuring juicy results. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. It’s a simple step, but it sets the tone for flavor to come!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the breasts and let them sizzle until golden brown and cooked through, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Remove them to a plate, but don’t clean the skillet—you’ll want every last bit of flavor left behind.

Step 3: Make the Mushroom Sauce

Turn the heat to medium, melt butter in the same skillet, and toss in your sliced mushrooms. Let them brown and sizzle until their juices release—about 5 minutes. This creates the base of that savory, crave-worthy sauce.

Step 4: Add Garlic and Herbs

Stir in the minced garlic, thyme, and oregano. As soon as the kitchen fills with a fragrant herby aroma (1 or 2 minutes), you know you’re ready for the next step.

Step 5: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour chicken broth into the pan, using a spatula to scrape up all the tasty browned bits stuck to the bottom. This is serious flavor territory! Let the sauce simmer and reduce by half—about 5 minutes—concentrating its richness.

Step 6: Cream and Thicken

Add the heavy cream, bring everything to a gentle simmer, and stir until the sauce thickens ever so slightly (about 3 to 4 minutes). The whole skillet will look and smell impossibly inviting.

Step 7: Return the Chicken

Nestle the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, scooping sauce over the top so they soak up all those flavors. Let them warm through for a couple of minutes as you finish the noodles.

Step 8: Butter the Noodles

While your chicken finishes, cook your noodles according to package instructions, then drain and toss them with a generous amount of butter while still hot. The noodles become glossy and soaks in all that buttery goodness—the perfect stage for your saucy chicken.

Step 9: Plate and Serve

Pile a mound of buttered noodles on each plate, top with a juicy chicken breast, and spoon plenty of the mushroom cream sauce over everything. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and a generous shower of grated Parmesan. You’re ready to dig in!

How to Serve Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Garnishes

A final flourish really makes Chicken with Buttered Noodles shine. Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and bright flavor, while a handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts delightfully into the sauce. For a citrusy edge, add a little zest of lemon on top—it brings the whole dish to life.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. Garlic bread, steamed asparagus, or even buttery green beans make a perfect sidekick, balancing the richness of Chicken with Buttered Noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve family style in a large skillet or platter for that cozy, communal feel, or plate individual servings with a little extra sauce on the side. For weeknight fun, serve the chicken sliced over a bed of noodles, or twirl the noodles into nests for an elegant touch at dinner parties. However you present it, Chicken with Buttered Noodles always gathers smiles around the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Chicken with Buttered Noodles, lucky you! Store everything in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the noodles and chicken in the sauce, so they stay flavorful and moist.

Freezing

While cream sauces can sometimes separate after freezing, you can freeze the chicken and mushroom sauce for up to one month. Place in a freezer-safe container, then thaw fully in the refrigerator before reheating. It’s best to cook fresh noodles when reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Gently reheat Chicken with Buttered Noodles on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to bring back the creamy consistency. Individual portions can also be warmed in the microwave, stirring halfway through to heat evenly.

FAQs

What are the best noodles to use for Chicken with Buttered Noodles?

Egg noodles are a classic choice thanks to their soft texture and sauce-loving shape, but don’t hesitate to try fettuccine, pappardelle, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have in your pantry. The key is to choose a noodle that will beautifully catch all that creamy sauce.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer deeper flavor and stay wonderfully juicy. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time so they’re fully cooked through, as thighs may need a minute or two more than breasts.

Is Chicken with Buttered Noodles spicy?

Not at all! This dish is creamy and mild, making it very family-friendly. If you’d like to add a hint of heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce does the trick without overpowering the other flavors.

Can I make Chicken with Buttered Noodles gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the regular noodles for your favorite gluten-free variety, and double-check that your chicken broth is gluten-free as well. The result is just as creamy and satisfying.

What vegetables can I add to Chicken with Buttered Noodles?

Feel free to sneak in some baby spinach, peas, or even chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a colorful boost—they’ll cook quickly in the sauce and add a lovely twist to the classic dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about a pan of Chicken with Buttered Noodles—the way it brings comfort, flavor, and just a touch of nostalgia to the table. Give this recipe a try and I promise, your kitchen will be filled with happy chatter and the kind of contented smiles only a truly delicious meal can bring!