When the week gets busy and I need a dish that won’t let me down, my go-to is this One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles. It’s the kind of recipe that fits right into everyday cooking—simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and always a hit at the dinner table. I remember the night it truly became a favorite in my home when I was juggling work calls and wrangling kids. This easy chicken skillet dinner came together fast, and everyone raved about the creamy buttered noodles that soak up all those tasty chicken drippings. It made me realize reliable recipes like this one-pan chicken recipe are the backbone of weeknight dinners for busy families.
This meal is the perfect mix of comfort food chicken and noodles with a one-and-done approach. No extra pots to wash, just one skillet working on the stove while you handle the rest of your evening. It’s a quick weeknight dinner that never feels like a compromise. The chicken stays juicy, and those buttered noodles are rich without being fancy—just pure, satisfying goodness. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home cook, this One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles is worth making again and again.
I invite you, fellow home cooks, to put this recipe to work in your kitchen. Once you have it down, you’ll see how it delivers consistent results without stress or a million ingredients. For an extra cozy vibe, pair it with a simple salad or steamed veggies. And if you like creamy buttered noodles as much as I do, you might also enjoy a One-Pan Chicken with Creamy Buttered Noodles Recipe that follows a similar delicious formula.
What You’ll Need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts if you prefer), about 1 to 1.5 pounds No worries if you don’t have thighs—I often use chicken breasts in this One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles depending on what’s on sale.
- 8 ounces egg noodles Easy to find in the pasta aisle at any grocery store. You can swap for any short pasta you have on hand.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter Butter is key here for that creamy comfort food chicken and noodles feel. I like adding a bit more for extra richness.
- 1 cup chicken broth This helps cook the noodles right in the pan with the chicken. If you don’t have broth, water with a bit of bouillon cube works fine.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped Adds sweetness and a nice base flavor, but you can leave it out or swap for shallots if needed.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced Always good for a little punch of flavor. Garlic powder works as a shortcut too.
- Salt and pepper to taste Basic but essential.
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional) I like adding a sprinkle at the end for a pop of color.
This One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles keeps costs reasonable because the ingredients are pantry staples and fresh produce you probably already have. For quicker prep, you can buy pre-chopped onions or frozen garlic. Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge—perfect for quick lunches or reheating for the next dinner.
Let’s Make It Together:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter melts and starts to foam, add the chicken thighs seasoned with salt and pepper. This is where I used to rush my One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles—taking your time here really pays off. Get a nice golden sear, about 4-5 minutes per side, until the chicken is just cooked through. If your chicken looks a bit pale, don’t worry—it will finish cooking once the noodles go in.
- Remove the chicken to a plate and add chopped onion to the same skillet. Toss in the garlic after 2 minutes and cook until fragrant, about 1 more minute. Your kitchen will smell amazing when your One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles is ready, especially at this stage.
- Add the chicken broth and scrape up all those browned bits from the bottom of the pan. That’s flavor gold and helps the noodles soak up the taste. Bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the egg noodles, then nestle the chicken back on top. Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 10 minutes, stirring noodles gently halfway through to prevent sticking. From start to finish, this One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles takes about 30-35 minutes. While that cooks, you can set the table or whip up a quick salad.
- Once the noodles are tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed, stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. This creates those creamy buttered noodles you’ll love.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley to finish. Don’t worry if your One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles looks a little saucier than expected—that’s part of the charm.
While this is a classic, I’ve tested a few shortcuts like using chicken tenders instead of thighs for faster cooking, and it works great. If you want to switch up flavors, a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of dried herbs gives a fresh twist. If you love this, your family might also enjoy my Crispy Chicken Tenders with Dipping Sauce for another quick chicken skillet dinner.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
This One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles pairs wonderfully with easy sides like steamed green beans or a crisp Caesar salad. These sides cut through the richness and add bright, fresh texture. I often serve this meal for cozy weeknight dinners or when friends stop by without warning. It’s one of those recipes that feels warm and inviting without fuss.
For special occasions, try swapping in sautéed mushrooms or peas right in the pan with the noodles for added color and flavor. Leftovers reheat beautifully in a skillet or microwave and make a satisfying next-day lunch. Sometimes I mix in a handful of spinach toward the end for a quick veggie boost.
Friends and family always comment on the creamy buttered noodles—they’re a comfort food classic that keeps everyone coming back for more. The one-pan approach means fewer dishes and more time at the table chatting, which is why this dish fits so well into real home cooking routines. If you like creamy buttered noodles, you may want to take a peek at this One-Pan Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe from The Kitchn for a decadent spin.
Your Questions Answered:
- Can I make this One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it earlier and refrigerate. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to loosen the noodles so they don’t dry out.
- What’s a good substitute for egg noodles in this recipe? Any short pasta like rotini or penne works well. I’ve even used spiralized zucchini for a lower-carb option—just cook that a bit less to keep some bite.
- How do I adjust this One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles for more people? Double the ingredients and use a bigger skillet or even a wide sauté pan. Cook the chicken in batches if needed to avoid crowding.
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Absolutely. Chicken breasts work great—just watch the cooking time since they can dry out faster. Pound them to even thickness if you like.
- Do I have to use fresh garlic? If you’re out, garlic powder is a fine swap. Just add it when you add the onions.
- What if I don’t have chicken broth? Water with a bit of a bouillon cube or paste makes a good stand-in without losing flavor.
- Can this dish be made dairy-free? Yes, substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free spread, and use a plant-based milk or broth combo if you want extra creaminess.
I hope these answers help you feel ready to try this one-pan chicken recipe with confidence. Another comforting choice you might enjoy is the Creamy Lemon-Dill Chicken (One-Pan Skillet Dinner) — similar ease, different twist.
Final Thoughts:
This One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles holds a special place in my recipe collection because it delivers reliable comfort without demands for fancy ingredients or skills. It’s a go-to that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
My Best One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles Tips:
- Take time to sear the chicken well—it locks in flavor and moisture.
- Stir noodles gently halfway through cooking to avoid clumps.
- Finish with butter stirred in for those creamy buttered noodles everyone loves.
I’ve tested variations with chicken tenders, added peas or mushrooms, and even swapped egg noodles for fettuccine with great results. The version that keeps getting requested most in my home uses thighs with a little extra butter for richness.
Give this recipe a try and make it your own. I hope you enjoy how the one-pan approach frees you up to relax and enjoy your meal. For more reliable dinner ideas, try my Turkey Medallions with Orange Teriyaki Sauce — another simple skillet dinner worth having in the rotation.
Here’s to many wonderful meals made simple, delicious, and stress-free with this One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles. Happy cooking, friends!
One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles
This One-Pan Chicken Dinner with Buttered Noodles is a comforting and easy-to-make meal, combining tender chicken, savory vegetables, and buttery noodles all cooked in a single skillet for effortless cleanup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and dried thyme.
- Add chicken to the skillet and cook 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon butter and sauté onion until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
- Add egg noodles to the skillet, cover, and cook for 8-10 minutes until noodles are tender, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in remaining 2 tablespoons butter until melted and creamy.
- Add spinach and cherry tomatoes, cooking until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
- Return chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
For extra flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving or serve with a side salad for a complete meal.