ONE-PAN CHICKEN WITH BUTTERED NOODLES BEST

Forget juggling multiple pots and pans after a long day; imagine tender, juicy chicken thighs nestled amongst perfectly cooked, buttery noodles, all infused with savory herbs and garlic. This One-Pan Chicken With Buttered Noodles is the ultimate weeknight winner, promising a satisfying and flavorful meal with minimal cleanup. I promise you’ll be amazed at how simple and delicious this can be!

The Dream Team: Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 pounds)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Noodles:

• 8 ounces egg noodles (wide or medium)
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, but highly recommended!)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice sear.
2. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
3. Rub the spice mixture all over the chicken thighs, making sure they’re evenly coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. I like to use cast iron for this, but any skillet that can go in the oven will work.
2. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs to the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You might need to do this in batches.
3. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown. Don’t worry about cooking them all the way through at this point; you just want a nice crust.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Toast the Noodles

1. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet and let it melt.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Add the egg noodles to the skillet and toss them with the butter and garlic. Toast the noodles for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to turn golden brown. This adds a lovely nutty flavor.

Step 4: Simmer and Bake to Perfection

1. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom (this is where all the flavor is!).
2. Bring the broth to a simmer, then nestle the seared chicken thighs on top of the noodles.
3. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil.
4. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the noodles are tender. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Creamy Finish (Optional, But Oh-So-Good!)

1. Remove the skillet from the oven and carefully remove the lid or foil.
2. If using, stir in the heavy cream. This will make the sauce extra rich and creamy.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Garnish with fresh parsley.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy your amazing One-Pan Chicken With Buttered Noodles!

Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

Noodle Nightmare Avoidance

Worried about mushy noodles? I get it! That’s why toasting them beforehand is key. It helps them hold their shape and prevents them from becoming overly soft. Also, make sure you’re using the right amount of broth. Too much, and you’ll end up with soup; too little, and the noodles will be dry.

Chicken Concerns

If your chicken thighs are particularly thick, they might take a little longer to cook. Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If the noodles are done but the chicken isn’t quite there yet, you can remove the noodles from the skillet and set them aside while the chicken finishes cooking.

Skillet Selection

Using the right skillet is important. I highly recommend a cast iron skillet because it distributes heat evenly and can go from stovetop to oven with ease. However, any oven-safe skillet will work. Just make sure it’s large enough to hold all the ingredients without overcrowding.

Variations and Delicious Add-Ins

Veggie Power

Want to sneak in some extra veggies? Feel free to add chopped vegetables like onions, carrots, celery, or bell peppers to the skillet when you sauté the garlic. They’ll add flavor and nutrients to the dish.

Cheesy Goodness

For an extra layer of flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese or mozzarella cheese over the top of the noodles during the last few minutes of baking. It will melt into a gooey, cheesy delight.

Spice It Up

If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice mixture for the chicken or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Sides

This One-Pan Chicken With Buttered Noodles is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re looking to round it out, here are a few serving suggestions:

• A simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing
• Steamed green beans or broccoli
• Garlic bread or rolls

More Easy Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of easy chicken dinners, be sure to check out some of my other favorite recipes, like this Chicken Casserole for ultimate comfort food, or this Cheesy Chicken Crescent Bake for something quick and fun. Looking for pasta dishes? This Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta is a real crowd-pleaser, just like Marry Me Chicken Pasta. And if you’re watching calories, try my Baked Cream Cheese Chicken. So many options to choose from!

The Joy of One-Pan Cooking

I truly believe that One-Pan Chicken With Buttered Noodles will become a staple in your dinner rotation. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, the minimal cleanup is a major bonus! Give it a try, and let me know what you think. I’m confident you’ll love it as much as I do. Happy cooking!