Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together tender, pan-seared chicken breasts with rich, buttery noodles and a creamy mushroom sauce. This recipe is a perfect blend of flavors and textures: the savory chicken pairs beautifully with the earthy mushrooms, while the sauce, enriched with heavy cream and seasoned with garlic, thyme, and oregano, coats every bite with a luxurious finish. Buttered noodles provide a soft, mildly rich base that absorbs the flavors of the sauce, creating a balanced and satisfying meal.
This dish is not only delicious but also family-friendly, offering a warm, home-cooked meal that’s easy to prepare on busy evenings. It’s versatile enough to please a crowd, yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, Chicken with Buttered Noodles is sure to become a go-to recipe in any household.
Each ingredient in Chicken with Buttered Noodles plays a unique role in creating the dish’s rich, satisfying flavor profile. Here’s a closer look at the key components:
- Chicken Breasts: As a lean protein, boneless, skinless chicken breasts bring a tender, juicy texture to the dish when properly cooked. Their mild flavor pairs well with the creamy sauce and can also be substituted with chicken thighs for a slightly richer taste.
- Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add an earthy depth that complements the creaminess of the sauce. Their natural umami flavor enhances the dish’s savory quality, making each bite more complex. Common varieties like cremini or button mushrooms work well, or try shiitake for a more intense flavor.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient is essential for a rich, luxurious sauce. The heavy cream thickens when simmered, coating the chicken and noodles beautifully. For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half, though the sauce will be thinner.
- Noodles: The buttered noodles provide a soft, textured base that contrasts well with the creamy sauce and tender chicken. Egg noodles, fettuccine, or even spaghetti can work here, but stick with wide noodles for the best sauce coverage.
- Seasonings: Garlic, thyme, and oregano offer a balanced, aromatic flavor. Garlic provides depth, while thyme and oregano bring subtle herbaceous notes. Fresh herbs can replace dried for a brighter flavor, and garlic powder can substitute minced garlic in a pinch.
Together, these ingredients create a comforting, well-rounded dish with ample room for customization.
Preparing the chicken correctly is essential to achieve tender, juicy results that pair well with the creamy sauce. The first step is to pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This ensures the chicken cooks uniformly, avoiding overcooked edges and undercooked centers. An even thickness also shortens the cooking time, helping to maintain the chicken’s moisture and tenderness.
To season the chicken, generously sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and adds depth to the final dish without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet, ensuring enough space between each piece to allow for even browning. Sear each side for about 4-5 minutes until a golden crust forms. The crust not only adds texture but also locks in juices, preventing the chicken from drying out.
Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside. This step is crucial for flavor layering: by cooking the mushrooms and sauce in the same skillet afterward, you capture the browned bits left by the chicken, adding extra depth and richness to the sauce. The chicken is then reintroduced to absorb even more flavor from the creamy sauce before serving.
Cooking the mushrooms and aromatics is a key step in building the deep, savory flavor profile of Chicken with Buttered Noodles. Mushrooms bring an earthy, umami richness to the dish, which complements the creamy sauce and enhances the flavor of the chicken. When cooked properly, mushrooms release their juices and develop a beautiful golden color that intensifies their flavor.
Start by melting a tablespoon of butter in the same skillet used for the chicken, over medium heat. The butter adds a smooth, rich base for the mushrooms and picks up the browned bits left from the chicken, adding even more flavor. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add the sliced mushrooms in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding, as this allows the mushrooms to brown instead of steaming. Cook the mushrooms undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, then stir occasionally, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are deeply browned and have released their juices.
Next, add the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried oregano to the skillet. The timing here is important: garlic and herbs can burn quickly, so it’s best to add them once the mushrooms are almost fully cooked. Stir them in and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and the herbs release their aromas. This brief cooking time allows the garlic to add a slight pungency and the herbs to contribute subtle, earthy notes without becoming bitter. This aromatic mixture forms the flavor base of the sauce, setting the stage for the creamy broth and chicken to follow.
Creating the creamy sauce is the heart of this recipe, transforming the dish into a comforting, flavorful meal. The process begins with deglazing the skillet using chicken broth, a crucial step that captures the browned bits left by the chicken and mushrooms. These browned bits, known as “fond,” are packed with flavor, and deglazing helps dissolve them into the sauce, enriching it with savory notes.
To deglaze, pour one cup of chicken broth into the hot skillet with the mushrooms and aromatics. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan as the broth begins to heat. This not only infuses the sauce with complex flavors but also prevents the fond from burning and adds depth. Allow the broth to come to a simmer, then reduce by half, which takes about 5 minutes. Reducing the broth concentrates its flavor, creating a more robust base for the creamy sauce.
Once the broth is reduced, it’s time to incorporate the heavy cream. Slowly pour in one cup of heavy cream, stirring as you go to ensure a smooth consistency. Bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Simmering thickens the sauce, allowing it to coat the chicken and noodles beautifully. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches a slightly thickened consistency.
If a thicker sauce is preferred, you can use a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of water) and stir it into the simmering sauce. Alternatively, you can continue simmering for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the cream to naturally reduce further. The end result should be a rich, creamy sauce with a velvety texture that clings to the chicken and noodles, enhancing each bite with its luscious flavor.
Once the creamy sauce has reached the perfect consistency, it’s time to reintroduce the chicken to the skillet, allowing it to absorb the flavors of the sauce and complete the dish. Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them in the creamy mushroom sauce. This step is crucial as it allows the chicken to warm through and soak up the rich flavors developed in the sauce.
To ensure the chicken is fully infused with the sauce, spoon some of the creamy mixture over each piece of chicken. This spooning technique not only helps coat the chicken evenly but also encourages the sauce to seep into the nooks and crannies of the chicken’s golden crust. The sauce adds moisture and enhances the chicken’s natural flavor, creating a harmonious balance between the tender meat and the creamy, savory sauce.
Allow the chicken to simmer gently in the sauce over low heat for 2-3 minutes. This brief simmering time is ideal for marrying the flavors without overcooking the chicken. As the sauce continues to thicken slightly, it clings to the chicken, creating a cohesive dish where each ingredient complements the others. Be careful not to let the sauce boil vigorously, as this can cause it to separate. A gentle simmer helps maintain the sauce’s smooth texture while enriching the flavor.
After a few minutes, the chicken will be thoroughly warmed and perfectly coated in the creamy sauce, ready to be served over a bed of buttered noodles for a comforting, flavorful meal.
Serving Chicken with Buttered Noodles is all about creating a satisfying, visually appealing meal that highlights the dish’s rich flavors and textures. Start by preparing the noodles according to package instructions until they’re al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and toss them with a pat of butter while they’re still hot. Buttered noodles are the perfect complement to this creamy dish, as the butter enhances the noodles’ natural flavor and provides a smooth, mild base that balances the richness of the sauce and savory chicken. The buttered noodles absorb some of the creamy sauce, making each bite even more flavorful.
For plating, arrange the buttered noodles on each plate as a base, creating a nest to hold the chicken. This not only looks appealing but also ensures that the noodles catch the sauce that drips down, maximizing the flavor in every bite. Place a chicken breast on top of the noodles, slightly off-center to create a dynamic presentation.
Generously spoon the creamy mushroom sauce over the chicken and noodles, letting it drizzle over the edges. This technique adds visual appeal and keeps the chicken moist and infused with flavor. To finish, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, which adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese completes the dish with a salty, nutty note that enhances the sauce’s creamy richness.
For a complete meal, consider serving Chicken with Buttered Noodles alongside simple side dishes. Garlic bread is an excellent choice, as it provides a crunchy, garlicky contrast to the creamy dish. Alternatively, steamed vegetables such as green beans, asparagus, or broccoli add color and a crisp texture. A light, simple salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette can also provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the dish, creating a satisfying and well-rounded meal that’s as visually appealing as it is delicious.
For the best results with Chicken with Buttered Noodles, choosing high-quality ingredients makes a noticeable difference. Opt for fresh parsley and real Parmesan cheese for garnishing; fresh parsley adds brightness, while authentic Parmesan provides a rich, nutty flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm the chicken and noodles gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to revive the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving, which can dry out the chicken and cause the sauce to separate.
For flavor enhancements, consider adding a splash of white wine to the pan when deglazing with chicken broth. The wine adds depth and a subtle acidity that balances the creaminess. For a fresh twist, a sprinkle of lemon zest over the buttered noodles can bring a zesty brightness, lifting the dish with a hint of citrus.
FAQs Section
- What can I use instead of heavy cream?
For a lighter option, half-and-half works well, though the sauce will be slightly thinner. For a richer substitute, try coconut cream, which adds a subtle sweetness. Other alternatives include Greek yogurt or sour cream, which add tanginess, though they may alter the texture slightly. - Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can! Use a plant-based butter alternative for the noodles and coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream substitute for the sauce. Almond milk thickened with cornstarch can also work in a pinch. - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
To keep the chicken moist, reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce. In the microwave, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, and add a bit of liquid to prevent drying. - Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and tend to stay moist. However, they may need a few extra minutes of cooking time to reach full doneness, so adjust accordingly. - How can I make this dish healthier?
Try reducing the amount of cream or butter, or use a lighter cream alternative. Swap regular noodles for whole-grain or veggie-based noodles for added fiber and nutrients.
Conclusion
Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a simple yet indulgent dish, combining tender chicken, buttery noodles, and a creamy mushroom sauce for a comforting meal. This recipe’s versatility makes it ideal for experimenting with flavors and personalizing to taste. Give it a try to enjoy an easy, satisfying meal perfect for any occasion!
Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Description
This Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe is a comforting dish featuring tender, golden-brown chicken breasts nestled in a creamy, herb-infused mushroom sauce. The chicken is served over warm, buttery noodles and topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley for a simple yet delicious meal. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish brings together rich flavors in an easy-to-follow recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 12 ounces noodles, cooked and buttered
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Mushrooms and Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they begin to brown and release their juices, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic, thyme, and oregano, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
- Bring the broth to a simmer and cook until it reduces by half, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring back to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
4️⃣ Combine the Chicken and Sauce:
- Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over them. Let the chicken warm through in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
5️⃣ Serve:
- Place each chicken breast over a bed of buttered noodles and spoon additional sauce over the top.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
This dish can be made with additional herbs, like fresh basil or rosemary, for extra flavor. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad for a balanced meal. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated gently on the stovetop to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce.
