Well, let me tell you about chicken with buttered noodles, which is one of my favorite comfort foods ever! This dish, which combines tender, buttery noodles that melt in your mouth with juicy chicken pieces, is the epitome of home-cooked bliss.
I recall the first time I prepared this dish; as the chicken sizzled in the pan, my tiny kitchen was transformed into a delightful haven, smelling of fresh herbs and garlic. I needed a warm hug in the form of food on this cold evening. Warmth, nostalgia, and a smile on everyone’s face were precisely what Chicken with Buttered Noodles delivered.
This dish is more than just a meal; it’s a trip down memory lane of late-night cravings, family dinners, and even a soothing cure for a bad day. Additionally, it is incredibly flexible, fitting in well with any time of year or situation. Now let’s get into the specifics of creating this delicious dish!
What’s in Buttered Noodles with Chicken?
Every component of Chicken with Buttered Noodles adds to the overall coziness and enjoyment of the dish. Here is a brief summary of the ingredients in this delicious recipe:
The main attraction is chicken breast, a lean protein. Because of their tenderness and short cooking time, I like boneless chicken breasts. There’s no wrong choice here, but if you’re feeling particularly daring, using thighs can add a little more flavor.
Butter: Without butter, what would buttered noodles be? In order to regulate the dish’s saltiness, I always use unsalted butter. In addition to adding flavor to the noodles, butter gives the sauce a beautiful sheen.
Garlic: This dish becomes unforgettable when a few minced garlic cloves are added! Garlic gives everything a wonderful aroma and a burst of flavor that goes well with the chicken.
Egg Noodles: The traditional option here are these chewy, soft noodles. They cook quickly and do a fantastic job of retaining the buttery sauce. Whole wheat or gluten-free noodles can also be a good option if you’re looking for something healthier.
Chicken Broth: Adding a little broth while cooking gives the chicken flavor and keeps it moist. Because I can customize the seasoning to my taste, I prefer low-sodium broth.
Parmesan Cheese: A final garnish of freshly grated Parmesan cheese gives the noodles a delightfully nutty flavor. This is the icing on the cake for a dish that is already amazing.
Parsley: Adding fresh parsley to food enhances its flavor and adds a fresh herbaceous touch. Don’t pass it up!
Seasonings: The dish is enhanced without being overpowered by simple seasonings like salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. For a little kick, I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, but it’s completely optional!
Is It Healthy to Eat Chicken with Buttered Noodles?
Let’s now discuss the dish’s nutritional value. Like most foods, chicken with buttered noodles isn’t particularly healthful, but it can be a part of a balanced diet. The primary ingredients are broken down as follows:
A great source of lean protein that keeps you feeling full and content is chicken breast. Additionally, it is abundant in vital nutrients like selenium and phosphorus.
Butter: I am aware that butter has a negative reputation. Even though it contains saturated fat, moderation is crucial in this case. Compared to many margarine alternatives, butter is a natural product that can add flavor and richness to your food.
Egg Noodles: If you’re going to be out for a long day, these easy noodles are a great source of carbohydrates for energy. By adding fiber, whole grain options will make this dish slightly more nourishing and substantial.
Garlic: Known for its many health advantages, garlic has been connected to heart health and is a natural immunity booster.
Parmesan cheese: This ingredient gives your food a wonderful salty flavor and adds calcium and protein.
Eating Chicken with Buttered Noodles a few times a month can undoubtedly be a part of a healthy lifestyle, even though I wouldn’t advise doing so every day (hey, balance!). Just don’t forget to serve it with some vegetables, like a salad or some steamed broccoli!
List of Ingredients
About four people can be fed with this recipe. What you’ll need is as follows:
– Two 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Eight ounces of egg noodles
Four tablespoons of divided unsalted butter
Three minced garlic cloves
Two cups of low-sodium chicken broth and half a cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese
One tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley (extra for garnish)
To taste, add salt and pepper. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little spiciness.
How Can Buttered Noodles Be Used to Make Chicken?
Now, let’s get to the specifics! You can quickly prepare a delicious dish by following these easy steps.
1. Prepare the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil first. Cook the egg noodles as directed on the package until they are al dente. Usually, this takes seven to ten minutes. Drain and set aside when finished, but do not rinse, allowing the noodles to retain their starchy goodness.
2. **Prepare the Chicken:** While the noodles are cooking, liberally season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Sear the chicken: Melt two tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts once the butter is bubbling and foamy. For safety, I prefer my chicken to have an internal temperature of 165°F. Sear them for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have a golden crust. When finished, take the chicken out of the skillet and place it on a chopping board to rest.
4. **Prepare the Sauce:** Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet. Add the minced garlic and cook, being careful not to let it burn, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Here’s where the magic happens: add the chicken broth while the heat is still on, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
5. **Combine:** Give the broth a few minutes to simmer so that it can reduce a little. To absorb those flavors, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and drizzle it with some of the broth. Remove and slice the chicken after a minute or two.
6. Add the noodles: As the last step, toss the cooked noodles thoroughly in the skillet with the sauce to coat them in that mouthwatering butter. To get the right consistency, add more broth or a splash of the pasta water you set aside if it seems a little dry.
7. **Complete It:** Add the chopped parsley after the Parmesan cheese has melted and been thoroughly mixed in. To taste, add a bit more salt and pepper.
8. **Serve:** Remember to garnish each serving with additional Parmesan and parsley after plating those lovely noodles with chicken on top.
And there it is—Chicken with Buttered Noodles, just delicious!
Serving Ideas and Modifications
Now, I can’t emphasize enough how you can experiment with this easy recipe! Here are some suggestions to add some variation:
**Include Vegetables:** Include sautéed or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, or peas. This adds flavor and color in addition to improving nutrition.
**Herb Variations:** If you’re feeling fancy, replace the parsley with fresh thyme, basil, or even rosemary!
As you mix in the noodles, add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes, if you’re a true spice lover, to make it spicy.
**Family-Style:** For family-style dining, serve everything in a big bowl rather than plating it separately. Believe me, it creates the atmosphere of a warm family get-together.
**Leftover Magic:** Any leftovers can be reimagined the following day by putting them in a casserole dish, adding some cream, and baking until bubbly and warm. It becomes a delicious chicken noodle bake!
You can see how this dish can be easily modified to suit your family’s preferences and what you have on hand!
I’ll leave you with this: cooking doesn’t have to be difficult or upscale. The greatest meals are frequently made with basic ingredients and a little imagination and love. I hope you try Chicken with Buttered Noodles. You’ll soon have your own tales and memories to share over this delicious dish, I promise. Salutations!
