Garlic Butter Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Garlic Butter Chicken with Buttered Noodles is a mouthwatering dish that brings together the rich flavors of garlic, butter, and tender chicken with perfectly cooked, buttery noodles. This recipe is not just a crowd-pleaser but also easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you want something delicious and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything you need to recreate this incredible meal, with tips, variations, and answers to common questions. So, let’s dive in!

Introduction

There’s something magical about the combination of garlic and butter. It’s a classic pairing that can transform any meal into a savory delight. For me, Garlic Butter Chicken with Buttered Noodles has always been one of those go-to dishes when I need comfort food. I remember the first time I made this for my family. It was a chilly evening, and I wanted to create something that felt cozy and satisfying. As soon as the aroma of garlic sautéing in butter filled the kitchen, I knew it would be a hit.

Whether you’re making this for a family dinner, a romantic date night, or even meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers a perfect balance of flavors. The chicken is juicy and tender, while the noodles are rich and buttery, with a hint of Parmesan that adds a savory depth. It’s the kind of dish that everyone will love, and it fits any occasion.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Buttered Noodles:

• 12 oz fettuccine or egg noodles
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Noodles

Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Fettuccine and egg noodles both work beautifully for this dish, so use whichever you prefer. Boil them in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

While the noodles are cooking, season your chicken tenders generously with salt and pepper on both sides. You want to make sure every bite of the chicken is flavorful. If you’re using larger chicken breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces or strips to make them easier to cook.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken to the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the chicken, as tenders can dry out quickly.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat slightly and add 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the pan. As the butter melts, add the minced garlic and stir for 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant. You want the garlic to infuse the butter without burning, so keep a close eye on it.

Step 5: Combine the Chicken and Noodles

Toss the cooked chicken in the garlic butter sauce to coat it well, then set the chicken aside. In the same pan, add the drained noodles, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the noodles are coated with butter and the cheese has melted into the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Plate the noodles first, then top them with the garlic butter chicken. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve the dish hot and enjoy!

Variations

This Garlic Butter Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe is incredibly versatile, and there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your dietary preferences or simply to switch things up. Here are a few ideas:

1. Vegetarian Version

For a vegetarian twist, you can easily swap out the chicken for a plant-based protein like tofu or even roasted vegetables. Just follow the same steps for preparing the garlic butter sauce and toss the tofu or veggies in it at the end.

2. Gluten-Free Option

If you’re gluten-sensitive, no worries! You can substitute the fettuccine or egg noodles with gluten-free pasta. There are many high-quality options available these days that taste just as good as regular pasta.

3. Spicy Twist

If you enjoy a little heat in your meals, add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the garlic butter sauce. This will give the dish a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery flavors.

4. Lemon-Garlic Version

For a bright, tangy flavor, add the juice and zest of one lemon to the garlic butter sauce. The lemon will cut through the richness of the butter, making the dish feel lighter and more refreshing.

Cooking Notes

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken tenders cook quickly, so keep an eye on them while they’re in the pan. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough, which would take away from the dish’s overall flavor.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic is key to getting that rich, aromatic flavor in the sauce. Pre-minced garlic from a jar just doesn’t compare, so take the extra few minutes to chop it yourself.
• Butter is Important: Since butter is a central flavor in this dish, I recommend using unsalted, high-quality butter. It really makes a difference in the richness of the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is already incredibly satisfying on its own, but if you’re looking to round out the meal, here are a few serving suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: Nothing complements this dish better than more garlic! Serve it alongside some warm, crusty garlic bread for an extra indulgent meal.
• Steamed Vegetables: Lighten things up with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus. The fresh, crisp vegetables provide a nice contrast to the rich, buttery noodles.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette can help balance the flavors and provide a fresh, zesty counterpoint to the meal.

For beverages, this dish pairs beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine, like a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a chilled sparkling water with lemon or a light iced tea would complement the flavors nicely.

Tips

• Meal Prep: This dish makes for fantastic leftovers. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stovetop with a bit of extra butter or a splash of chicken broth to bring the sauce back to life.
• Storage: If you’re planning to make extra for meal prep, store the chicken and noodles separately to prevent the noodles from becoming soggy.
• Freezing: While I don’t recommend freezing the noodles, the garlic butter chicken freezes well. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months, and thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Nutritional Information:

Calories: 620 per serving
Protein: 38g
Sodium: 850mg

FAQs:

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Yes, you can substitute chicken tenders with chicken breasts. Just make sure to cut the breasts into thinner strips to ensure even cooking.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make both the chicken and noodles ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

3. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta you like, including penne, spaghetti, or linguine. Just adjust the cooking time for the pasta accordingly.

One of our readers, Susan, shared how this recipe became a staple in her house:
“I made this Garlic Butter Chicken with Buttered Noodles for my family, and they couldn’t get enough! The garlic butter sauce was so flavorful, and the chicken was perfectly tender. My kids even asked for seconds, which is rare!”

Conclusion:

Garlic Butter Chicken with Buttered Noodles is an easy yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a simple weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers every time. The combination of rich garlic butter, tender chicken, and buttery noodles creates a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Don’t forget to try the variations or add your favorite vegetables to make it your own! If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out more delicious dishes on our site and share your thoughts in the comments below.

Print