Chicken Buttered Noodles – Simple, Comforting & Kid-Friendly

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of warm buttered noodles. It brings back memories of childhood dinners, cozy evenings, and simple meals that always hit the spot. This Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe is one I’ve made countless times—especially when I need something quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. It’s not just easy to make, but it also delivers a creamy, savory flavor that makes every bite feel like a warm hug.

I remember the first time I made this recipe—it was on a weeknight after a long day of baking. I wanted something hearty yet uncomplicated. I had a few pantry staples on hand: noodles, chicken breast, and butter. From there, this dish came together effortlessly. Since then, it has become a go-to in my kitchen for busy days and family dinners.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are many reasons to fall in love with this dish. First, it’s incredibly simple and quick to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, this is the kind of meal that’s perfect for those moments when you need dinner on the table fast. It’s also comfort food at its finest, with tender chicken pieces and buttery noodles that melt in your mouth.

Another great reason? Kids absolutely love it. The flavor is mild, the texture is soft, and the familiar taste of buttered noodles makes it a kid-friendly favorite that adults enjoy just as much.

Versatile

This recipe is very adaptable. You can add frozen peas, steamed broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies. If you prefer different proteins, shredded beef or chicken ham also work beautifully. Want it creamier? A splash of milk or cream and a sprinkle of grated cheese does the trick. No matter how you tweak it, it always turns out delicious.

Affordable

You don’t need expensive ingredients or fancy equipment. Every element in this recipe is budget-friendly and easily found in any grocery store. It’s the kind of dish that proves you don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy something hearty and delicious.

Ingredients for the Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chicken Buttered Noodles:

• 250g egg noodles or wide pasta

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 small onion, finely chopped

• 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley

• Optional: grated cheese for serving, a splash of cream for richness

How to Prepare This Recipe

This Chicken Buttered Noodles recipe comes together quickly and easily, using simple techniques and ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. I often make it on busy weeknights because it requires minimal effort, yet the result is warm, filling, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for kids, teens, or adults, this dish tends to disappear fast—so don’t be surprised if there are no leftovers.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

1. Cook the noodles

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles (or your preferred type of pasta) and cook according to the package instructions until they’re just tender. Avoid overcooking, as you want the noodles to hold up when combined with the rest of the ingredients. Once cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside.

2. Sauté the aromatics

While the noodles are cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it becomes translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

3. Add the chicken

Next, add the shredded or diced cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir well and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes to heat it through. This is a great way to use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you don’t have chicken already prepared, you can quickly cook some seasoned chicken breast in the same pan before starting the rest of the steps.

4. Add butter and seasonings

Reduce the heat to low, then add the butter directly to the skillet. Let it melt slowly while stirring it into the chicken, onions, and garlic. Season with salt, pepper, and dried parsley. At this stage, you’ll notice the ingredients coming together beautifully with a rich buttery aroma that fills your kitchen.

5. Toss in the noodles

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the buttered chicken mixture. Using tongs or a spatula, gently toss everything together until the noodles are fully coated in the butter and the chicken is well distributed. If the mixture feels a little dry, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water or a bit of cream to loosen it up.

6. Optional enhancements

At this point, you can customize the dish to your liking. Add a sprinkle of grated cheese for extra creaminess or toss in steamed vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach for added nutrition. Sometimes I like to finish it with a light dusting of parmesan and a few cracks of black pepper for a flavorful punch.

7. Serve and enjoy

Once everything is combined and heated through, serve immediately. The noodles should be buttery, flavorful, and tender, and the chicken should be juicy and seasoned just right. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Quick and Easy

This recipe is ideal for those days when you need dinner fast but don’t want to sacrifice quality or taste. It can be on the table in under 30 minutes, and cleanup is minimal—just one pot for the noodles and one pan for the sauce. It’s especially useful when you need a meal that satisfies everyone without making multiple dishes.

Customizable

One of my favorite aspects of this dish is how easy it is to customize. You can adjust the seasonings, swap in different herbs, use chicken ham or beef instead of shredded chicken, and experiment with different types of pasta. It’s also very forgiving—if you have leftover turkey bacon or roasted vegetables, they can be tossed right in without changing the core flavor.

Want to make it even more filling? Try stirring in cooked rice or tossing in some sautéed mushrooms. You can even bake it in a casserole dish topped with breadcrumbs and cheese for a golden crust.

Popular With Many People

This recipe is loved by so many because it’s familiar, comforting, and doesn’t try to be too fancy. The flavors are simple but satisfying. Whether you’re feeding toddlers or teens, serving it at a casual dinner with friends, or making it ahead for meal prep, Chicken Buttered Noodles always delivers.

Chicken Buttered Noodles – Simple, Comforting & Kid-Friendly

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Chicken Buttered Noodles is a simple, comforting dish that combines tender chicken with buttery noodles. This recipe is quick to prepare and kid-friendly, making it a great choice for busy weeknights. It uses affordable ingredients and offers flexibility for customization.

• Author: Lura Skye
• Prep Time: 10
• Cook Time: 15
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 250g egg noodles or wide pasta
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley or fresh chopped parsley
• Optional: grated cheese for serving, splash of cream for richness

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook until just tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook 2–3 minutes until translucent.
3. Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add shredded cooked chicken to the skillet. Cook 2–3 minutes until heated through.
5. Reduce heat to low and add butter. Stir until melted and combined with chicken and onions.
6. Season with salt, pepper, and parsley.
7. Add cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss gently until noodles are coated in butter and chicken is evenly mixed.
8. If desired, add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the mixture.
9. Serve immediately, garnished with grated cheese or fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Use cooked chicken for convenience. Leftover or rotisserie chicken works well.

For a creamier dish, add a splash of cream or milk in step 8.

Customize by adding vegetables such as peas or broccoli.

Substitute chicken with chicken ham or shredded beef as desired.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and work beautifully here, you can use any pasta you have on hand—penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti will work well. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta type.

Q: How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative. Skip any cheese toppings or use a dairy-free cheese substitute if desired.

Q: Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook it first. Dice or shred the raw chicken, then cook it in the skillet with a bit of oil before adding the onions and garlic. Ensure it is fully cooked through before combining with the noodles.

Q: How long will leftovers keep?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Frozen peas, steamed broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms are great options that add flavor and nutrition without complicating the recipe.