Classic Chicken with Buttered Noodles Recipe
Hey there! So, you know how some dishes just bring back all the warm, cozy feelings of childhood? Well, for me, that dish is classic chicken with buttered noodles. I remember my mom making it on weeknights when she didn’t feel like fussing over dinner but still wanted something hearty and delicious. And honestly, who doesn’t love buttered noodles? They’re like a hug in a bowl. Sometimes, just the smell of butter melting on pasta takes me back to those simpler times.
Why You’ll Love This
I make this when I’m craving something comforting yet super easy. My family goes crazy for this because it’s just so… well, reliable! It’s perfect for those nights when you need something filling but can’t be bothered to dirty every pan in the kitchen (we’ve all been there, right?). Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken – if you happen to have any, that is.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 chicken breasts (or thighs, if you like ’em juicier)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – or just use whatever you’ve got on hand
- 250g of your favorite noodles (egg noodles work great, but spaghetti does the trick too!)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced (or a sprinkle of garlic powder if you’re feeling lazy)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley – dried can do in a pinch
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but recommended!)
Let’s Get Cooking!
- First thing’s first, season your chicken with salt and pepper. Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Throw in the chicken and cook until it’s golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. (This is where I usually sneak a taste.)
- While that’s sizzlin’, cook your noodles according to the package instructions. Reserve a bit of that starchy water before you drain – trust me, it’s magic for the sauce.
- In the same pan, reduce the heat and add the butter. Once it starts to bubble, toss in the garlic. Let it get nice and fragrant, but don’t burn it – burnt garlic is nobody’s friend.
- Throw in the noodles and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Stir to coat them all in that garlicky, buttery goodness. (Don’t worry if it looks a bit weird – it always does!)
- Slice up the chicken and add it back to the pan, mix everything up with the parsley, and give it a final toss.
- Serve with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan. Dig in and enjoy!
Notes
I’ve learned (the hard way) that patience is key when browning the chicken; rushing it results in a pale, sad piece of meat that lacks flavor. Also, if you’re out of fresh herbs, dried ones will do just fine, but remember they’re more potent!
Variations I’ve Tried
Once, I got adventurous and added some sautéed mushrooms to the mix – which turned out great. I also tried it with lemon zest, thinking it’d be a nice touch, but eh, it clashed with the butter in a way I didn’t love.
Equipment You Might Need
If you don’t have a garlic press, no worries! Just chop the garlic finely with a knife. And if your pan isn’t big enough for all the noodles, use a mixing bowl to combine everything. (Been there, done that!)
How to Store It
This dish actually keeps quite well in the fridge for a couple of days, though honestly, in my house, it never lasts more than a day! Just reheat gently with a splash of water to keep it from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies for a bit of freshness. In my family, we love to sprinkle a dash of chili flakes for a little kick. It’s all about what makes your taste buds dance!
Pro Tips (or Things I’ve Learned the Hard Way)
I once tried rushing the noodle cooking step and regretted it. Undercooked noodles aren’t fun, trust me.
FAQ
Can I use whole wheat noodles? Sure, why not? It’ll add a bit of a nuttier taste – which could be a good thing.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley? Dried parsley or even a bit of basil would work in a pinch. (Or skip it altogether!)
Can I make this ahead of time? You bet. Just make sure to store the components separately if possible and combine them when you’re ready to eat.
