Comfort Food Classic: Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Nostalgic Appeal

This dish reminds me of those heartwarming meals shared with loved ones on cold winter days. The combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and buttery noodles is a timeless classic for a reason. It’s a meal that evokes feelings of warmth, comfort, and pure satisfaction.

Homemade Focus

While you could certainly buy pre-made sauces or try to recreate this dish with convenience items, there’s something truly special about making this Chicken with Buttered Noodles from scratch. You control the quality of the ingredients, and the process of cooking the chicken, preparing the noodles, and creating the creamy sauce is a simple and rewarding experience.

Flavor Goal

The flavor profile I’m aiming for is a delightful combination of savory, creamy, buttery, and herbal flavors. The chicken is seasoned with salt and pepper, and seared to golden perfection, adding a depth of flavor. The noodles are cooked and tossed with butter for a rich and comforting base, and the creamy sauce is infused with garlic, thyme, and oregano for a burst of flavor that complements the chicken and noodles beautifully.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s explore the key ingredients that make this dish so special! For the chicken, we use [describe the chicken: boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness for quick and even cooking]. Then comes the [describe the butter and oil: olive oil and butter, used for searing the chicken and creating a flavorful base for the sauce]. We also incorporate [describe the mushrooms: sliced mushrooms, adding a savory depth and texture to the sauce]. The [describe the sauce ingredients: chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a rich and creamy sauce]. The [describe the herbs and spices: garlic, thyme, and oregano, adding a burst of flavor to the sauce]. And finally, the [describe the noodles: cooked noodles, tossed with butter for a rich and comforting base, and garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese for a touch of freshness and flavor].

Essential Equipment

For this recipe, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment: a skillet for cooking the chicken and making the sauce, a pot for cooking the noodles, and measuring spoons.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 12 ounces noodles, cooked and buttered
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add sliced mushrooms and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, and oregano, and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
4. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up the browned bits from the pan. Reduce by half, about 5 minutes.
5. Finish the Sauce: Add heavy cream and return to a simmer. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
6. Combine: Return the chicken to the skillet, coating with the sauce, and warm through.
7. Serve: Place buttered noodles on a plate, top with chicken and sauce. Garnish with parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.

Troubleshooting

• Chicken is dry: Avoid overcooking the chicken. Check for doneness by using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Sauce is too thin: Cook the sauce for a longer time to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also add a bit more flour or cornstarch to thicken it.
• Noodles are mushy: Cook the noodles according to package directions for al dente texture.

Tips and Variations

• Use different cuts of chicken, such as boneless, skinless thighs or chicken tenders.
• Add different vegetables to the sauce, such as spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts.
• Use different herbs and spices, such as rosemary, tarragon, or paprika.
• Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for extra flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Chicken with Buttered Noodles is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, a family gathering, or any time you want a comforting and satisfying dish.

Nutritional Information (Estimated, per serving)

(This information is an estimate based on average values for the ingredients used and a serving size of one chicken breast with noodles and sauce. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and portion sizes.)

• Calories: Approximately 600-700
• Fat: Approximately 35-40g
• Saturated Fat: Approximately 15-18g
• Cholesterol: Approximately 150-170mg
• Protein: Approximately 40-45g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 40-45g
• Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
• Sugar: Approximately 5-7g
• Sodium: Approximately 500-600mg

To get more precise nutritional information:

1. Use a nutrition calculator: Many online calculators allow you to input the specific brands and quantities of ingredients you use. This will give you the most accurate results.
2. Check food labels: Pay close attention to the nutrition facts panels on the packaging of your ingredients.
3. Adjust for variations: If you make substitutions (e.g., different type of noodles), adjust the calculations accordingly.

Print

Recipe Summary and Q&A

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A: Yes! You can cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Reheat them together when you’re ready to serve. Cook the noodles just before serving.

Q: Can I freeze this dish?

A: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish, as the texture of the noodles may be affected. However, you can freeze the chicken and sauce separately.

Q: Can I use a different type of noodles?

A: While any type of noodle can be used, egg noodles or pasta shapes like farfalle or penne work particularly well with this dish.