Chicken with Buttered Noodles: A Simple Yet Satisfying Recipe for Beginner Cooks

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There are times when you want a home-cooked meal that feels like a warm hug. Something comforting, flavorful, and not too complicated to prepare. This Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe is one of those dishes that fits the bill perfectly. It’s a dish that has been a staple in my kitchen for years, and I’ve seen it become a favorite in many homes, especially for those new to cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started, this dish is straightforward, delicious, and perfect for a cozy dinner.

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Why This Recipe is Ideal for Beginners

The beauty of this Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe lies in its simplicity. It’s easy to follow, requires just a handful of ingredients, and takes no more than 30 minutes to make from start to finish. For beginners, this is an ideal recipe because it doesn’t involve any advanced techniques or tricky steps. It’s a great way to practice basic skills like sautéing chicken, boiling pasta, and creating a rich, buttery sauce that’s full of flavor.

Moreover, the ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores, and the recipe offers room for flexibility. If you don’t have egg noodles on hand, you can easily substitute with other types of pasta. Similarly, while I’ve used chicken in this recipe, it’s just as easy to swap it out for beef or other proteins you might prefer. The dish is versatile, customizable, and offers an excellent base for beginner cooks to get creative and experiment in the kitchen.

Ingredients and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe itself, let’s first go over the ingredients. This Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe is both simple and delicious, with ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen or can easily pick up from the store.

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz egg noodles
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions:

• Chicken Substitutes: If you prefer a different protein, boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work just as well. For a beef option, thinly sliced flank steak or sirloin would complement the dish.
• Noodles: While egg noodles are commonly used in this recipe, you can substitute them with any type of pasta you prefer, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. If you want to make this dish a bit healthier, try whole wheat or gluten-free noodles.
• Butter Alternatives: If you’re looking to reduce the amount of butter, you can replace one or both tablespoons with olive oil. You can also use ghee or coconut oil if you’re aiming for a dairy-free version.
• Parmesan: While Parmesan is the go-to cheese for this recipe, you can also use Romano, Asiago, or even a mild cheddar depending on your taste preferences.
• Herbs and Spices: If you don’t have thyme, feel free to experiment with other herbs such as rosemary, oregano, or basil. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a touch of heat if you like your food with a bit of spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, you’re ready to start cooking! I’ll break down the steps for you, each one simple and easy to follow.

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions, which typically takes about 7 to 10 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Once the noodles are tender, drain them and set them aside. You can reserve a little bit of pasta water if you’d like to add a bit of it later to help thin out the sauce, but it’s optional.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While your noodles are cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and thyme (if you’re using it). Thyme adds a lovely earthy flavor, but if you don’t have any, don’t worry—this recipe will still be delicious without it.

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. To check for doneness, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken to make sure the juices run clear. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes. This will help the juices redistribute, making the chicken tender and juicy. After resting, slice the chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.

Step 3: Make the Buttered Noodles

In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. As the butter melts, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it can turn bitter if overcooked.

Once the garlic is fragrant, add the drained noodles to the skillet. Toss the noodles around so they are evenly coated in the buttery garlic sauce. The residual heat from the skillet will help the noodles absorb all that delicious butter and flavor. If you want a bit of extra sauce, you can add a splash of pasta water here to help coat the noodles and create a creamy texture.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Now that your chicken and noodles are ready, it’s time to assemble the dish! Plate the buttered noodles and top them with the sliced chicken. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the top for a touch of saltiness and richness. If you like, garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a fresh, herby note.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Even beginner cooks can make this dish successfully, but here are a few helpful tips to ensure everything goes smoothly:

• How to Know When Chicken is Done: If you’re new to cooking chicken, it can be a bit nerve-wracking to know when it’s fully cooked. The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer (the internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Alternatively, you can cut into the thickest part of the chicken—if the juices run clear and there’s no pink, it’s done.
• Preventing Overcooked Veggies: If you decide to add veggies, like spinach or broccoli, to the noodles, be careful not to overcook them. Vegetables can become mushy quickly, so consider steaming them separately or tossing them in at the very end of the noodle cooking process.
• Efficient Prep: To save time, try to multitask. While the noodles are cooking, season and cook the chicken, and while the chicken rests, make the buttered noodles. This will help ensure everything comes together quickly without too much downtime.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is delicious on its own, but you can elevate the meal by adding complementary sides or sauces. Consider serving the chicken with buttered noodles alongside:

• A side salad with a light vinaigrette, which will add a fresh contrast to the rich noodles.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, carrots, or asparagus for a healthier, colorful side.
• A slice of garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up any leftover buttery sauce from the noodles.

Storage Tips for Leftovers

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. If the noodles seem a bit dry, you can add a small pat of butter or a splash of water to rehydrate them.

Conclusion

This Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe is the perfect dish for beginner cooks looking for a quick, comforting, and delicious meal. With simple ingredients, easy-to-follow instructions, and plenty of room for customization, it’s a great choice whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests. The best part? It’s a meal that never disappoints. I encourage you to give it a try, and when you do, please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. I’d love to hear how your version turned out and any creative twists you added to make it your own.

Happy cooking!