Tired of juggling multiple pots and pans just to get dinner on the table? One-pan chicken with buttered noodles is about to become your new weeknight hero. As a busy mom who values both flavor and efficiency, I created this recipe during one particularly chaotic evening when time was short but hungry mouths needed feeding.
Hi! I’m Emily, the creator behind Bikren Cook, and this one-pan chicken recipe emerged from my philosophy that delicious food doesn’t require complicated techniques or endless hours. This buttery, savory dish delivers that perfect balance of protein and carbs while keeping dishes to a minimum—exactly what we need on those hectic weeknights!
In this recipe, I’ll share my secrets for juicy chicken (never dry!), perfectly cooked noodles, and a buttery sauce that brings everything together in just 20 minutes. You’ll discover how to select the right chicken cuts, prep efficiently, and customize the flavors to suit your family’s tastes.
Ready to transform your dinner routine with minimal effort and maximum flavor? Let’s get cooking!
Why This One-Pan Chicken Recipe Works
- Uses affordable chicken cuts that stay juicy and flavorful
- Everything cooks in a single frying pan—truly minimal cleanup
- Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
- Perfect for busy weeknights when time is precious
- Balanced meal with protein, carbs and vegetables in one dish
- Kid-friendly flavors that adults enjoy too
- Easily customizable with pantry ingredients you already have
Choosing the Right Chicken for Your One-Pan Meal
Best Cuts for This Recipe
One-pan chicken recipes work wonderfully with several chicken cuts, each offering different benefits:
- Chicken breasts: Lean and quick-cooking, perfect if you’re watching fat intake
- Chicken thighs: More forgiving and juicy, harder to overcook
- Chicken tenderloins: Cook extremely quickly and remain tender
- Boneless cuts: Save time and make the dish more child-friendly
For busy weeknights, I recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the perfect balance of flavor, juiciness, and convenience.
Buying Tips
- Look for chicken with pinkish color and no grey spots
- Choose packages with minimal liquid in the tray
- For organic or free-range options, check for certified labels
- Buy family packs and freeze portions for future one-pan meals
Substitutions
- Rotisserie chicken: For an even quicker version, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken
- Plant-based options: Tofu or tempeh work well for vegetarian adaptations
- Turkey cutlets: A leaner alternative that works with the same cooking method
Ingredients & Prep for One-Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
Chicken Prep Essentials
For the juiciest chicken in your one-pan meal:
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels before cooking
- Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides
- Cut larger pieces to uniform thickness for even cooking
- Allow chicken to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking
Simple Seasonings & Aromatics
- Salt & pepper: The foundation of good flavor
- Garlic powder: Adds depth without burning like fresh garlic
- Dried herbs: Thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning blend
- Butter: Creates a silky sauce that coats both chicken and noodles
- Fresh garlic: Added later in cooking for aromatic flavor
- Chicken broth: Forms the base of the sauce and cooks the noodles
Pantry Staples
- Egg noodles: Cook quickly and absorb flavor beautifully
- Olive oil: For searing the chicken
- Parmesan cheese: Adds umami and richness
- Frozen peas or mixed vegetables: For color, nutrition and convenience
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for One-Pan Chicken
Pre-Cooking Chicken Prep
- Pat 1.5 lbs chicken (breast, thighs, or tenderloins) completely dry with paper towels
- Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat
Cooking Method for One-Pan Chicken
- Add chicken to hot pan in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown on first side
- Flip chicken and cook additional 3-4 minutes until almost cooked through
- Remove chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil
- In the same pan, add 2 tablespoons butter and 2 minced garlic cloves
- Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant
- Pour in 3 cups chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits
- Add 8 oz egg noodles, stirring to submerge
- Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook 5-7 minutes until noodles are tender
- Return chicken to pan, nestling into the noodles
- Add 1 cup frozen peas and 2 more tablespoons butter
- Cook 2-3 more minutes until chicken is fully cooked and everything is hot
Doneness Check for Chicken
- Chicken breasts: Internal temperature of 165°F (74°C)
- Chicken thighs: Internal temperature of 170°F (77°C)
- Visual check: Cut into thickest part—juices should run clear with no pink
Resting and Serving One-Pan Chicken
- Allow the finished dish to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving
- Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley
- Serve directly from the pan for truly one-pan convenience
Pro Tips for Perfect One-Pan Chicken
Avoiding Tough Chicken
- Don’t overcook! Chicken continues cooking even after removed from heat
- Use medium-high heat for a good sear without drying out the meat
- For chicken breasts, consider pounding to even thickness
- Add a splash more broth if noodles absorb all liquid before becoming tender
Tool Recommendations
- 12-inch skillet with lid: Provides enough surface area for even cooking
- Instant-read meat thermometer: Eliminates guesswork for perfectly cooked chicken
- Silicone tongs: Ideal for flipping chicken without tearing
- Wooden spoon: Perfect for scraping up flavorful browned bits
Storage & Reheating Chicken Noodle Dishes
- Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours in an airtight container
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality
- Reheat with a splash of broth to restore moisture
- Microwave on 70% power with a damp paper towel covering to prevent drying
Looking for more delicious weeknight dinner inspiration? Check out my Pinterest collection where I’ve curated hundreds of family-friendly recipes just like this one!
Flavor Variations for One-Pan Chicken
Herby Garlic Chicken Noodles
- Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to the chicken
- Stir in 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, basil, chives) at the end
- Finish with lemon zest for brightness
Creamy One-Pan Chicken
- Add 1/2 cup cream or half-and-half when returning chicken to the pan
- Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan for extra richness
- Include 4 oz cream cheese for ultimate comfort food
Global Flavors
| Flavor Profile | Key Ingredients | Garnish |
|---|---|---|
| Lemon-Herb | 1 lemon (juice+zest), fresh thyme | Fresh parsley |
| Mushroom | 8 oz sliced mushrooms, thyme | Sour cream |
| Cajun | 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning | Green onions |
| Mediterranean | Olives, sun-dried tomatoes | Feta cheese |
Serving Suggestions for One-Pan Chicken
- A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Crusty bread for soaking up the buttery sauce
- Steamed or roasted broccoli for added nutrition
- For a complete meal-in-one, add extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini directly to the pan
FAQs About One-Pan Chicken Recipes
Can I use frozen chicken?
For best results, thaw chicken completely before cooking. Frozen chicken releases too much liquid and won’t brown properly, affecting both texture and flavor in your one-pan meal.
How can I make this chicken recipe more flavorful?
If you find the dish too bland, boost flavor by adding more aromatics (garlic, onions), herbs, or a splash of white wine vinegar. Finishing with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice also brightens flavors considerably.
Can I use different noodles or pasta?
Yes! Adjust cooking times accordingly: thin pasta like angel hair cooks faster (3-4 minutes) while thicker pastas like penne need longer (8-10 minutes). You may need to adjust liquid amounts slightly.
How do I fix overcooked chicken?
If your chicken becomes overcooked, slice it thinly and toss with extra butter sauce. Adding a splash of cream can also help restore moisture to dry chicken.
Conclusion
This one-pan chicken with buttered noodles proves that weeknight dinners don’t need to be complicated to be delicious. The beauty lies in its simplicity—minimal ingredients, one pan, and just 20 minutes between you and a satisfying family meal.
What I love most about this recipe is its flexibility. Make it your own by swapping in your family’s favorite vegetables or adjusting the seasonings to suit your taste buds. The technique remains foolproof no matter how you customize it.
Next time you’re tempted to order takeout, remember this easy chicken recipe waiting in your back pocket. Your budget, schedule, and family will thank you!
Give this one-pan wonder a try tonight, and don’t forget to let me know how it turned out. Happy cooking!