One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles: A Deliciously Simple Dinner

Cooking can be a delightful experience, but sometimes a lengthy cleanup can dampen your enjoyment. Enter the one-pan meal, a magical solution that promises not only deliciousness but also convenience. Today, we delve into a comforting classic: One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or any day when you crave a hearty meal with minimal fuss.

Why Choose One-Pan Meals?

One-pan dishes offer several advantages:

  • Less Cleanup: With everything cooked in one pan, you save time on both cooking and cleaning.
  • Flavors Meld Together: Cooking ingredients together allows them to share their flavors, resulting in a dish that is greater than the sum of its parts.
  • Quick Preparation: Many one-pan meals can be prepared in under an hour, making them perfect for weeknight dinners.

With all those benefits in mind, let’s jump into the recipe for One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles.

Ingredients

For this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • Chicken: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for more flavor)
  • Noodles: 8 ounces of egg noodles (or your favorite pasta)
  • Butter: 4 tablespoons
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Chicken Broth: 4 cups (low-sodium recommended)
  • Vegetables: 1 cup of peas, carrots, or your choice of veggies
  • Seasonings: Salt and pepper to taste; add Italian herbs or paprika for extra flavor
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional, for serving
  • Fresh parsley: Chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Season the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken dry and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and any preferred herbs.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

  1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet or frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles and Vegetables

  1. Adding the Broth: In the same pan, add the garlic, stirring until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  2. Pour in the Broth: Add the chicken broth to the pan, bringing it to a simmer.
  3. Cooking the Noodles: Add the egg noodles and vegetables, stirring to combine. Let everything cook for about 8-10 minutes, or until the noodles are tender and have absorbed some of the broth.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

  1. Finish with Butter: Once the noodles are cooked, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter until melted and creamy.
  2. Return the Chicken: Slice the chicken and nestle it back into the pan among the noodles and veggies.
  3. Final Touches: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve with grated Parmesan if desired.

Enjoy Your Meal!

This One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles epitomizes comfort food. It’s creamy, flavorful, and packed with protein and nutritious veggies. The best part? It all comes together in one pan, leaving you more time to enjoy the meal with your family or friends.

Variations to Try

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences:

  • Add More Veggies: Incorporate spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for added nutrition.
  • Change the Protein: Try using shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
  • Spice It Up: Add some red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Conclusion

One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles is not only a straightforward recipe but a canvas for experimentation. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this dish will likely become a staple in your kitchen rotation. Enjoy the deliciousness – and the easy cleanup!