When it comes to comfort food, few dishes provide the same sense of warmth and satisfaction as chicken and buttered noodles. This classic dish is simple yet flavorful, combining tender chicken with rich, buttery noodles, creating a meal that is both hearty and comforting. Whether you’re looking for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or preparing a meal that the whole family will love, chicken and buttered noodles is a perfect choice. In this guide, we will walk you through the recipe with a cooking time table, internal temperature guide, steps for best results, tips for cooking, and common mistakes to avoid.
Ingredients for Chicken & Buttered Noodles
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- For the Buttered Noodles:
- 8 oz egg noodles (or your preferred type of pasta)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Cooking Time Table for Chicken & Buttered Noodles
| Step | Time Estimate |
|---|---|
| Preheat the pan & boil the water | 5 minutes |
| Cook the chicken | 10-12 minutes |
| Cook the noodles | 7-9 minutes |
| Prepare the buttered noodles | 2-3 minutes |
| Total Time | 25-30 minutes |
Internal Temperature Guide
To ensure that the chicken is cooked properly, it’s essential to monitor the internal temperature. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can check this using an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. Cooking the chicken to this temperature ensures that it is safe to eat and remains moist and tender. Overcooking the chicken can result in dryness, so make sure to check it at the right moment.
Steps for Best Results
- Prepare the Chicken
- Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme (if using). These simple seasonings will enhance the chicken’s flavor without overpowering it.
- Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For extra juiciness, you can cover the pan with a lid while cooking, which will help retain moisture. After the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Boil the Noodles
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to the package instructions, usually 7-9 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce later.
- Prepare the Buttered Noodles
- In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the cooked noodles to the pan, tossing them gently to coat them with the butter. If the noodles seem dry, you can add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to create a smooth sauce. Season with salt to taste, and sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
- Combine the Chicken and Noodles
- Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, and add it to the buttered noodles. Toss everything together so that the chicken is evenly distributed among the noodles. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve and Garnish
- Once everything is well mixed, serve the chicken and buttered noodles hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired. This dish is great on its own, or you can pair it with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad.
Tips for Cooking Chicken & Buttered Noodles
- Use Fresh Ingredients: The key to a flavorful chicken and buttered noodle dish is using fresh ingredients. Fresh garlic, real Parmesan cheese, and quality butter will make a significant difference in taste.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooking chicken can lead to dryness. Ensure that you monitor the internal temperature and remove the chicken from the heat once it reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Use Pasta Water for a Creamier Sauce: The starchy pasta water can be a great tool to enhance the sauce. Adding a little pasta water to the buttered noodles will help the sauce coat the noodles evenly and create a smooth, silky texture.
- Add Vegetables: If you’d like to add some vegetables to the dish, try sautéing some spinach, mushrooms, or peas along with the noodles. These will add both color and flavor to your meal.
- Rest the Chicken: Let the chicken rest after cooking to help retain its juices. This will make the chicken more tender and flavorful.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Chicken: One of the most common mistakes is overcooking the chicken, which can make it dry and tough. Always check the internal temperature with a thermometer to avoid this issue.
- Not Seasoning the Chicken Enough: Chicken breasts can be bland without proper seasoning. Don’t skip the salt, pepper, and other seasonings—these ingredients will enhance the flavor of the chicken and add depth to the dish.
- Not Draining the Noodles Properly: Ensure that you drain the noodles well, but don’t discard all the pasta water. A small amount of it can be used to adjust the texture of the sauce if needed.
- Using Too Much Butter: While butter is the star of this dish, it’s important not to overdo it. Too much butter can make the noodles greasy rather than buttery. Stick to the recommended amount for the best balance of flavor.
- Not Letting the Chicken Rest: Slicing the chicken immediately after cooking can cause the juices to run out, resulting in dry meat. Always let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Not Adjusting for Salt: Since both the chicken and noodles are seasoned separately, be sure to taste and adjust for salt throughout the process. This ensures a balanced flavor in the final dish.
Conclusion
Chicken and buttered noodles are the epitome of comfort food simple, delicious, and satisfying. By following the cooking time table, internal temperature guide, and the steps for the best results, you can create a meal that is sure to please everyone at the table. Keep in mind the helpful tips for cooking and avoid the common mistakes, and you’ll have a dish that’s tender, flavorful, and comforting. Whether it’s for a cozy family dinner or a weeknight meal, chicken and buttered noodles is a go-to dish that everyone will love.