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## **How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles**
### **Step 1: Sear the Chicken**
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and any dried herbs you’re using. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook them for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
### **Step 2: Prepare the Noodles**
In the same pan, you will now prepare the buttered noodles. If there is excess oil or chicken drippings in the pan, remove them but be sure to leave a little to retain the flavor.
Add the butter to the pan and let it melt. Once the butter is melted, stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux (this helps thicken the sauce). Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, followed by the heavy cream. Continue stirring until the sauce has thickened and is smooth.
Add the egg noodles to the pan and stir them into the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and cooked through. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure the noodles cook evenly and absorb the flavor from the sauce.
### **Step 3: Combine the Chicken and Noodles**
Once the noodles are cooked, return the chicken breasts to the pan. Let them rest on top of the noodles and allow everything to heat through for 2-3 minutes. This gives the chicken a chance to absorb the flavors of the sauce while keeping the noodles coated in the creamy sauce.
### **Step 4: Add Finishing Touches**
Before serving, sprinkle the dish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color. Taste the noodles and adjust seasoning if necessary by adding more salt and pepper.
### **Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!**
Once everything is combined and heated through, serve the one-pan chicken with buttered noodles hot, ensuring that each portion has a generous amount of chicken and noodles.
## **Tips for the Best One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles**
While this recipe is simple and forgiving, a few tips can elevate it and ensure the best results every time:
– **Don’t Overcook the Chicken:** The chicken should be seared until golden brown, but not overcooked. Overcooked chicken can become dry. Check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
– **Customize the Seasonings:** If you prefer different spices, feel free to experiment! Garlic, thyme, rosemary, or lemon zest can bring a unique flavor to your chicken and noodles.
– **Add Vegetables:** For a more balanced meal, you can add vegetables like peas, spinach, or broccoli to the pan while cooking the noodles. You can also serve a side salad with this dish for added freshness.
– **Use Fresh Noodles for Extra Flavor:** If you’re looking to elevate the dish further, you can use fresh egg noodles instead of dried noodles. They cook quickly and add an extra layer of flavor.
– **Make it Lighter:** If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a less creamy version, or use olive oil instead of butter for the noodles.
## **Variations on One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles**
While the classic version of One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is delicious on its own, there are a variety of ways to switch up the ingredients and add your own unique spin to the dish.
### **1. One-Pan Chicken with Garlic Butter Noodles**
For garlic lovers, you can enhance the flavor of the buttered noodles by adding minced garlic to the butter before adding the flour. This will create a rich garlic butter sauce that complements the chicken and noodles perfectly.
### **2. One-Pan Chicken with Pesto Noodles**
Swap out the butter sauce for a creamy pesto
sauce made with basil pesto, olive oil, and heavy cream. This variation adds a vibrant herbaceous flavor to the dish and can be topped with extra Parmesan cheese for richness.
### **3. One-Pan Chicken with Parmesan Garlic Cream Sauce**
For an extra creamy and indulgent twist, add extra Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce to make it even richer. This version is perfect for those who love a cheesy and garlicky sauce.
## **Conclusion**
One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights or even a cozy weekend dinner. It’s flavorful, easy to make, and requires minimal cleanup, making it a perfect dish for anyone looking for comfort food without the hassle.
With its tender, juicy chicken and creamy, buttery noodles, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you stick to the basic recipe or experiment with different variations, One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles offers endless possibilities for a delicious meal.
So, next time you’re in need of a comforting, easy-to-make meal, remember this recipe—you’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can turn into something so delicious and satisfying. Happy cooking!
