One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

There’s nothing quite like a meal that comes together in one pan — less cleanup, less stress, and maximum comfort. This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the ultimate combination of tender chicken, rich buttery noodles, and a savory sauce that ties it all together.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this dish delivers on flavor and convenience. It’s approachable for beginner cooks but satisfying enough to impress the whole family. By the end of this recipe, you’ll have a hearty, comforting meal with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

This recipe is designed to be flexible, so you can adapt it to your pantry, taste preferences, and family size. Follow these instructions carefully, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality comfort meal right at home.

Ingredients :

For the Chicken

• 2 to 2½ pounds chicken (boneless, skinless thighs or breasts)
  • Thighs: more forgiving and juicy
  • Breasts: leaner and cook faster
    Cut into medium, even pieces.
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or neutral cooking oil

For the Buttered Noodles

• 12 ounces egg noodles (wide or medium)
• 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Optional Flavor Enhancers

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme or parsley
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For Finishing

• Additional butter (1–3 tablespoons, optional)
• Extra broth or water (if noodles absorb too quickly)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Directions :

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
2. Season evenly on all sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Set aside while preparing the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
2. Add diced onions and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

1. Push aromatics to the side of the pan and add chicken pieces in a single layer.
2. Sear chicken for 3–5 minutes on each side until lightly golden.
3. Remove chicken from the pan temporarily; it will finish cooking with the noodles.

Step 4: Add Broth and Noodles

1. Pour chicken broth into the pan and stir to combine with any browned bits.
2. Add noodles and make sure they are submerged in the liquid.
3. Place chicken back into the pan on top of the noodles.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook Together

1. Cover the pan and reduce heat to low–medium.
2. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent noodles from sticking.
3. Check noodles for doneness and ensure chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6: Incorporate Butter and Optional Ingredients

1. Stir in 4 tablespoons butter until fully melted and absorbed.
2. Add optional Parmesan cheese, thyme, or parsley if desired.
3. Adjust consistency with extra broth if noodles are too thick.
4. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

1. Remove from heat and let the dish rest for 2–3 minutes.
2. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color and freshness.
3. Serve warm, directly from the pan, for minimal cleanup.

Tips and Variations

• Chicken Choice: Thighs stay juicier; breasts are leaner. Both work.
• Vegetable Additions: Bell peppers, peas, or mushrooms can be added in Step 4.
• Creamier Version: Stir in ¼ cup cream or milk with the butter for richer noodles.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare chicken and noodles separately; combine and reheat before serving.
• Spice Boost: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a gentle kick.
• Herb Options: Tarragon, rosemary, or basil pair beautifully with the buttered noodles.

Conclusion :

This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the perfect example of comfort food that’s simple, flavorful, and practical. By combining juicy chicken, tender noodles, and buttery richness all in one pan, this dish brings a balanced, satisfying meal to your table without the stress of multiple pots and pans.

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. You can adjust chicken types, noodles, herbs, or additional vegetables to suit your taste or what’s available in your pantry. Minimal prep work, careful seasoning, and one thoughtful pan are all you need to create a meal that feels indulgent yet approachable.

Whether you’re cooking for a family, meal prepping for the week, or making a comforting dinner for yourself, this recipe delivers consistently delicious results. The combination of butter, aromatics, and perfectly cooked noodles creates a dish that is warm, hearty, and full of flavor.

With a few optional tweaks, you can personalize it endlessly — from adding cream for richness, to mixing in fresh vegetables for color and nutrition, to experimenting with different herbs and spices. The pan does all the work, blending flavors beautifully and making cleanup a breeze.

In short, this one-pan wonder is more than just a meal — it’s a go-to recipe for busy nights, family dinners, and comfort-food cravings. With this guide, you now have all the tools to make it perfectly, every time, and enjoy a satisfying, hearty dinner straight from your own kitchen.