Name: One-Pan Chicken and Buttered Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g); 8 oz (225 g) egg noodles; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 medium onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth; 1 cup (240 ml) milk; ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

A comforting, easy one-pan meal combining tender chicken and buttery noodles in one savory dish. This recipe is perfect when I want something quick, hearty, and satisfying with minimal cleanup. One-Pan Chicken and Buttered Noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish for how effortlessly it comes together. Everything cooks in a single skillet, making it an ideal weeknight solution. The chicken stays juicy, the noodles absorb all that rich buttery broth, and the garlic and onion add just the right amount of savory depth. Plus, it’s highly adaptable—perfect for customizing with veggies or a splash of wine.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
8 oz (225 g) egg noodles
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
1 cup (240 ml) milk
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley

directions

I season the chicken breasts on both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, I melt 1 tablespoon of the butter.
I add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through, then remove and set aside.
I reduce the heat to medium-low and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the same skillet.
I stir in the chopped onion and cook until it’s soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
Then I add the minced garlic and cook it for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
I add the egg noodles, chicken broth, and milk, then season everything with salt and pepper.
I increase the heat to medium-high and bring it to a gentle boil, stirring often so nothing sticks.
Once it starts boiling, I reduce the heat to medium-low, cover it, and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes until the noodles are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
I slice or chop the cooked chicken and stir it back into the pan, letting it heat through.
A sprinkle of parsley on top finishes it off before I serve it warm, straight from the skillet.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2–3 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, for a total time of 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap the egg noodles with fettuccine or other pasta I have on hand. For more flavor and nutrients, I like tossing in peas, spinach, or mushrooms during cooking. When I want a richer depth, I substitute part of the chicken broth with a bit of white wine. And if I’m craving a creamier texture, I adjust the milk-to-broth ratio.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce. It also heats well in the microwave, but I prefer the skillet for better texture.

FAQs

How can I make this dish creamier?

I increase the amount of milk or even stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end for an extra rich, creamy texture.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead?

Yes, I sometimes shred rotisserie chicken and add it in during the last few minutes of cooking, skipping the browning step.

What vegetables go well with this dish?

I like adding peas, baby spinach, or mushrooms. They blend well with the flavors and cook quickly in the skillet.

Can I freeze this meal?

I don’t recommend freezing it, as the noodles can become mushy when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a couple of days.

What can I serve on the side?

This dish pairs nicely with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Conclusion

This one-pan chicken and buttered noodles recipe is everything I want in a quick, cozy dinner—simple to make, deeply satisfying, and easy to adapt. It’s a go-to for busy nights or whenever I’m craving something hearty with minimal cleanup.