One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles for Easy Dinner

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is my answer to those nights when the clock says dinner but my brain says couch. It’s cozy, quick, and feels a little fancy without any effort. If you love easy comfort food like my Spicy Southern Chicken Spaghetti Casserole, you’ll be right at home with this one. Everything cooks in a single pan, the noodles soak up buttery broth, and the chicken turns tender and flavorful. No juggling pots, no complicated steps, just a bowl that makes the table go quiet for a minute. Let’s make it together.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pan Chicken Noodles Recipe

It delivers comfort in under 40 minutes with minimal cleanup. The noodles cook right in the pan so they soak up flavor and get that perfect buttery sheen. You can adjust seasoning, richness, and add-ins based on what you have. It’s flexible for picky eaters and also fun to dress up for date-night-in. And yes, it’s a full meal in one pan, which makes weeknights a breeze.

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Ingredients for One-Pan Chicken and Noodles

Here’s the simple lineup I reach for most nights. Use what you have, swap what you need, and don’t sweat brand names.

• Chicken – boneless, skinless breasts or thighs, about 1.25 to 1.5 pounds
• Egg noodles – wide or medium, 8 to 10 ounces
• Butter – 3 tablespoons, divided
• Olive oil – 1 tablespoon
• Low-sodium chicken broth – 4 cups, plus a splash if needed
• Garlic – 2 to 3 cloves, minced
• Onion – 1 small, diced
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• Paprika – 1 teaspoon, sweet or smoked
• Italian seasoning or dried thyme – 1 teaspoon
• Optional richness – splash of cream, half-and-half, or a dollop of sour cream
• Fresh parsley or chives – for finishing

Pro tip: keep extra broth on standby, since noodles can vary in how much liquid they drink up. Taste and adjust salt near the end. And always finish with a tiny pat of butter for that glossy restaurant look.

Chicken Options (Breasts, Thighs, Rotisserie)

Breasts cook fast and slice neatly, perfect if you like a lean bite. Thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy even if they go a minute longer. Got a cooked rotisserie chicken to use up? Toss in shredded rotisserie during the last 5 minutes and just warm it through. If you want another simple chicken idea to prep ahead, try my reliable Crock Pot Ranch Chicken and use the leftovers here.

Egg Noodles or Pasta Alternatives

Egg noodles are classic for this dish. They cook fast, cling to sauce, and feel cozy. If you’re out, use short pasta like rotini, penne, or bow ties. Just remember to bump the liquid and cooking time a bit. Gluten-free noodles work too, but check early and stir more often to prevent sticking.

Broth, Butter, and Seasoning Essentials

Use low-sodium broth so you can control salt. Butter brings that silky finish, while a touch of olive oil helps sear the chicken without burning the dairy. For seasoning, I keep it simple with salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika. Add a pinch of dried thyme or Italian seasoning for a cozy aroma. If you love heat, a dash of red pepper flakes wakes it up fast.

Optional Add-Ins (Veggies, Herbs, Cream)

This recipe is super flexible. Stir in peas during the last 2 minutes for a pop of sweet green. Carrots or mushrooms can sauté with the onions. Spinach wilts at the end and makes it feel fresh. Finish with fresh parsley or chives. And for a little indulgence, add a splash of cream or a spoon of sour cream. If you’re into garlic and potato vibes, you might also like my hearty Garlic Parmesan Crockpot Chicken and Potatoes.

How to Make One-Pan Chicken and Noodles

How to Make One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

• Season and sear the chicken: Pat dry, season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat 1 tbsp butter + olive oil and sear 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a plate.
• Build your flavor base: Add diced onion with a pinch of salt. Cook 2–3 minutes, stir in garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Simmer the noodles: Pour in chicken broth, bring to a gentle boil, add noodles, stir, then reduce to a steady simmer.
• Nest the chicken back in: Return chicken + juices, tuck into noodles, cover, and simmer 7–10 minutes. Add a splash of broth if noodles look dry.
• Finish with butter (and cream if using): Stir in remaining butter off heat. Add a swirl of cream or sour cream for a silky sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Rest and serve: Let it sit 3 minutes to thicken. Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

That’s it. One pan, real flavor, and hardly any cleanup. This is exactly why I keep coming back to One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles on weeknights.

Tips for Perfect Chicken and Noodles Every Time

Salt your onions early to pull out moisture and start a flavorful base. Keep the simmer gentle so the noodles cook evenly without turning gluey. Stir once or twice to prevent sticking. If the pan looks dry, add broth in small splashes. Always finish with a little butter for a glossy sauce and a warm, round taste.

The Secret to Extra-Creamy Sauce

Reserve a quarter cup of hot broth and whisk it with a spoon of sour cream or a splash of half-and-half. Stir that creamy mix in right at the end. The heat will smooth it out and the sauce will cling to the noodles like magic. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan will also thicken the sauce without feeling heavy.

Preventing the Chicken From Drying Out

Sear for color, then finish cooking gently in the broth. Pull the chicken as soon as it’s cooked through and let it rest a couple minutes. If you sliced it thin, it will finish quickly, so check sooner than you think. A quick thermometer check at 165 F keeps you honest.

Temperature notes

Carryover heat is real. If the chicken is at 162 to 163 F, pull it and let it rest, it will glide up to safe temp while staying juicy.

5 Variations on One-Pan Chicken and Noodles

Lemon herb: add lemon zest and juice plus dill or parsley. Creamy mushroom: sauté mushrooms with the onion and finish with cream. Spinach artichoke: stir in chopped artichokes and spinach at the end. Buffalo ranch: a splash of buffalo sauce with a dollop of ranch. Garlic parmesan: extra garlic, plus a shower of grated Parm to finish.

Make-Ahead, Freezing, and Storage Guide

Fridge: cool and store up to 4 days in a sealed container. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or water to loosen. Freezer: the noodles can get soft, but it still works in a pinch, freeze up to a month. Best method for make-ahead is cooking the chicken and aromatics, then finishing noodles fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Reheat like a pro

Add a spoon of water or broth, cover, and warm on low, stirring occasionally. Finish with a tiny pat of butter to bring it back to life.

What to Serve With Chicken and Noodles

I like a crisp green salad or simple roasted green beans. If you want a heartier side, this cozy French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole doubles as tomorrow’s lunch. Garlicky bread or warm dinner rolls are always welcome. Keep it simple and let the bowl shine.

Chicken and Noodles for Different Diets

Gluten-free: use gluten-free noodles and check broth labels. Lower carb: swap half the noodles for zucchini ribbons added at the end. Vegetarian option: replace chicken with white beans or mushrooms and use veggie broth. Dairy-free: use olive oil instead of butter and a dairy-free cream alternative if you want richness.

High-Protein Boost Options

Stir in a can of drained white beans or chickpeas. Add extra chicken or toss in chopped hard-boiled eggs after cooking. Collagen powder that dissolves clear can also bump protein in the broth without changing flavor.

Dairy-Free or Reduced-Butter Modifications

Go olive oil for searing and finishing, then add silkiness with a splash of coconut milk or almond milk creamer. If you still want that butter vibe, use a plant-based butter. The key is to simmer gently so the sauce stays smooth.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Noodles too soft: next time, simmer a minute less and stir less often. Sauce too thin: simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes, or stir in a spoon of Parmesan. Sauce too thick: add warm broth in small amounts until it loosens. Bland flavor: use more salt at the end, a squeeze of lemon, or an extra pinch of paprika.

Helpful Equipment for This Recipe

A large deep skillet or Dutch oven with a lid makes everything easier. Wooden spoon for stirring, tongs for chicken, and a small ladle for adding extra broth. If you like fewer dishes, measure spices ahead so you can toss them in at the right moment.

Best Skillet or Dutch Oven Size

I like a 12-inch wide skillet or a 5 to 6 quart Dutch oven. You want space for the noodles to move and cook evenly. A tight-fitting lid helps the noodles steam and soften without drying out.

Tools That Make Prep Faster

A sharp chef’s knife and a small grater for garlic make a huge difference. If you dice onions often, a little food chopper saves time. And a digital thermometer delivers perfectly cooked chicken with zero guesswork.

5 Flavor Add-Ins and Seasoning Upgrades

Try lemon zest and parsley for brightness. Add sun-dried tomatoes for tangy pops. A drizzle of pesto is a fast upgrade. Crispy bacon bits make it smoky and fun. Or lean into heat with crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce.

Serving Ideas for Leftover Chicken and Noodles

Reheat with broth and serve in a mug for a quick comfort lunch. Spoon into a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and Parmesan, and bake until golden. Add steamed broccoli and turn it into a full new meal, kind of like my cozy Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice. You can also fold in peas and carrots to give leftovers a reset.

Nutrition Overview for Chicken and Noodles

Per serving estimate, about 450 to 580 calories depending on butter and cream choices, around 30 to 61 grams of protein, and moderate carbs from the noodles. Use low-sodium broth and season to taste to keep control of salt. Add greens like spinach or a side salad to round out fiber. It’s a comforting bowl that can still fit a balanced weeknight plan.

Nutrition Facts

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Per serving (serves 4)

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Calories

≈ 580

% Daily Value*

Total Fat	20 g	≈ 26%
Saturated Fat	9 g	≈ 45%
Trans Fat	0 g	—
Cholesterol	175 mg	≈ 58%
Sodium	780 mg	≈ 34%
Total Carbohydrate	40 g	≈ 15%
Dietary Fiber	2 g	≈ 7%
Total Sugars	3 g	—
Protein	61 g	≈ 122%
Vitamin D	≈ 0.5 mcg	≈ 3%
Calcium	80 mg	≈ 6%
Iron	3.1 mg	≈ 17%
Potassium	620 mg	≈ 13%

*Nutrition values are estimates based on typical data for chicken breast, egg noodles, butter, and olive oil using resources such as USDA FoodData Central and current US FDA % Daily Value guidelines for a 2,000 calorie diet. Your exact numbers will vary with brands, portion sizes, and optional ingredients (cream, sour cream, veggies, etc.).

Smart swaps

Use more chicken and fewer noodles for higher protein. Try whole wheat or fiber-rich pasta to keep you fuller longer.

What’s the Best Noodle Type for This Recipe?

Wide or medium egg noodles are my top pick. They cook fast, absorb flavor, and stay tender with a little chew. If you swap to regular pasta, choose short shapes that hold sauce well and adjust liquid and time. And if you love a tiny kick, finish with a peppery sprinkle and a squeeze of lemon.

Common Questions

Can I make this ahead? Yes, but noodles are best fresh. Cook the chicken and aromatics ahead, then add broth and noodles right before serving.
Do I need to pre-cook the noodles? Nope. They cook in the broth and soak up flavor, which is the best part.
Can I use frozen chicken? Thaw it first for even cooking. Frozen chicken can throw off timing and texture.
How do I keep leftovers from drying out? Reheat with a splash of broth and cover so the steam brings it back. Add a tiny knob of butter if you want extra silk.
What if I want a different chicken vibe? Try a saucy slow cooker option like Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice or go bold with Crockpot Chicken and Dumplings for another family favorite.

A Cozy Final Note For Your Dinner Tonight

Some nights call for a fuss-free bowl that still tastes like love, and One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles nails it. Golden chicken, silky noodles, and a buttery sauce that hugs every bite. If you cook it once, it will slip into your weekly rotation, I promise. Grab a pan, keep it simple, and enjoy the kind of dinner that makes everyone breathe a little easier.
Craving more easy comfort? You might also enjoy my mellow-sweet French Onion Chicken Orzo Casserole or a bowl-friendly favorite like White Chicken Chili. And when you want a fun lighter bowl, check out the Burger Bowl with Sweet Potato for a change of pace. For more chicken delice, visit our Pinterest.