What Makes This Best One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles So Good

I used to think the secret to a great dinner was a mountain of dirty pans. I was wrong. The real secret is having only one pan to wash.

This recipe for the best one-pan chicken with buttered noodles is my culinary white flag. It’s the dinner of your dreams when you’re fresh out of energy. Tender chicken and silky noodles come together in a single skillet for a meal that’s pure, uncomplicated comfort.

Forget complicated techniques; this is about maximum flavor with minimal cleanup. Your future self, holding that one clean pan, will thank you.

This isn’t just another chicken recipe. This is a strategic life decision disguised as dinner.

The magic happens when the chicken cooks first, creating a foundation of savory fond in the pan. Then, you deglaze that flavor with broth, which gets absorbed by the noodles as they simmer. The result?

Every single strand of pasta is infused with a rich, buttery, chicken-y essence. It’s nostalgic, like the buttered noodles from your childhood, but with a serious flavor upgrade. Honestly, why would you cook them separately ever again?

Ingredients

Gather your squad.

This list is short, sweet, and probably already in your kitchen. The beauty of this best one-pan chicken with buttered noodles is its simplicity. No fancy, hard-to-find ingredients are required here, just good, honest food.

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz wide egg noodles
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, because we’re fancy)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season and sear the chicken.

   Pat your chicken pieces dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer and cook until beautifully browned on all sides.

   Don’t crowd the pan, or you’ll steam the chicken instead of searing it. This step builds the flavor base for your entire dish.

2. Sauté the aromatics. Push the chicken to one side of the pan and add the diced onion.

   Sauté for 2-3 minutes until it starts to soften, then add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. The smell at this point is absolutely chef’s kiss.

3. Combine everything in the pan. Add the uncooked egg noodles, chicken broth, and dried thyme directly to the pan with the chicken and onions.

   Give everything a good stir, making sure the noodles are submerged in the broth.

4. Simmer to perfection. Bring the liquid to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a steady simmer. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender and have absorbed most of the liquid.
5. Finish with butter and cream.

   Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the cubed butter until the butter is completely melted and creates a luxurious, glossy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately. You just made the best one-pan chicken with buttered noodles.

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you.

Let the dish cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it.

Portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it will be good for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. IMO, it makes for a fantastic next-day lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Best One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles

• The Ultimate Cleanup Hack: One pan means you’re done with dishes in record time.

  This is a major win for weeknights.

• Unbeatable Comfort Food: It’s creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying. This dish is a hug in a bowl for your soul.
• Effortlessly Impressive: It looks and tastes like you spent hours, but the secret is our little 30-minute, one-pan method. It’s a total crowd-pleaser for families and guests alike.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong pan. If your skillet isn’t large and deep enough, you’ll have a bubbly, starchy overflow situation.

  A Dutch oven is your best friend here.

• Overcooking the noodles. They continue to cook a bit off the heat, so aim for al dente when you pull it from the stove. Mushy noodles are a tragedy.
• Skipping the sear on the chicken. That brown, crispy goodness is non-negotiable flavor. Don’t rush this step or you’ll regret it.
• Forgetting to season at the end. Tasting and adjusting the salt and pepper at the finish line is what separates a good cook from a great one.

Alternatives and Variations

This recipe is a fantastic canvas.

For a gluten-free version, simply swap the egg noodles for your favorite GF pasta, like brown rice noodles. To make it dairy-free, use olive oil or vegan butter and the coconut milk option. Feel free to add in a cup of frozen peas or spinach in the last 2 minutes of cooking.

If you’re a fan of easy pasta dishes, you might also love my creamy Tuscan chicken pasta.

FAQs

Can I freeze this?

Absolutely! This dish freezes surprisingly well. Just make sure it’s completely cool before portioning it into airtight freezer bags.

It’s a lifesaver for future busy nights.

What’s the best substitute for heavy cream?

Full-fat coconut milk is my top choice for a rich, dairy-free alternative. For a lighter option, half-and-half will work, but the sauce might be a tad less creamy.

How long does it stay fresh?

In the fridge, it’s good for 3 to 4 days when stored properly. Always give it a sniff test if you’re unsure—your nose knows best.

Is this kid-friendly?

Are you kidding?

It’s buttered noodles with chicken! This is a certified kid-magnet. It’s one of my top family-friendly dinners for a very good reason.

Can I prep it ahead of time?

You can chop the chicken and onions ahead of time, but for the best texture, I recommend cooking it fresh.

The noodles are happiest when they’re not sitting in the sauce for too long before serving. FYI, for more meal prep ideas, check out my dedicated guide.

Final Thoughts

This recipe is a testament to the fact that the best meals don’t have to be complicated. They just have to be good.

I hope this becomes your new go-to for a stress-free, delicious dinner that delivers on every level. Now go make that best one-pan chicken with buttered noodles and reclaim your evening. Let me know in the comments how it turned out for you!