I remember one time, my in-laws came to visit unexpectedly. I was a bit flustered, wondering what to make for dinner on short notice. I spied some leftover roasted chicken in the fridge and immediately thought of creamy chicken buttered noodles. Within 30 minutes, I had a warm, satisfying meal on the table that everyone loved. It’s become my go-to recipe for those last-minute company situations.
And let me tell you, the aroma while it simmers is heavenly. That blend of butter, garlic, and creamy sauce just makes your mouth water. It’s seriously the ultimate in comfort food. Even my husband, who usually prefers heartier fare, admits that he can’t get enough of it. You know you’ve hit the jackpot when everyone at the table is quiet, contentedly enjoying their meal. This recipe for creamy chicken buttered noodles is truly a family favorite. I just know your family is going to love this as much as mine does! It’s a dish I have perfected over the years and something similar to this classic chicken with buttered noodles.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting dish:
- 1 pound egg noodles: I usually use the wide egg noodles.
- 4 tablespoons butter: Unsalted is my preference, so I can control the salt level.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for that aromatic flavor!
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced: Leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even poached chicken works great.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Low sodium is best to avoid an overly salty dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: This is what gives it that rich, creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a lovely salty, nutty flavor.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley: For a pop of freshness and color.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Seasoning is key to bringing out all the flavors!
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: For thickening the sauce.
Now, let me share a few of my personal tips and tricks. I’ve found that using good quality butter really makes a difference in the overall flavor. It’s amazing! Also, don’t skimp on the garlic! Two cloves are usually perfect, but if you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add a little extra. Another thing I’ve learned is that adding the Parmesan cheese gradually helps it melt smoothly into the sauce. This is crucial for optimal creaminess.
For my family, I often use mild cheddar cheese instead of parmesan because my kids prefer it, but you can absolutely use sharp cheddar or even a blend of cheeses for more flavor. It just depends on what your family enjoys! And if you’re short on time, pre-shredded cheese is a great convenience.
If you can’t find fresh parsley, dried parsley works just fine – just use about half the amount. Fresh herbs are best, but dried are a convenient alternative. Also, a little secret my mom taught me: adding a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce really enhances the flavor and adds a subtle warmth. Trust me on this one!
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily substitute gluten-free noodles for the egg noodles. Also, for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but just be aware that it won’t be quite as creamy. To buy chicken in bulk, I buy it from Costco and freeze the uncooked chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken when they have it to have cooked chicken for a quick meal. Buying chicken in bulk can save money and time, especially if you frequently make dishes like this one that call for pre-cooked chicken. Just be sure to properly store and freeze the chicken to maintain its quality and prevent freezer burn.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of creamy, dreamy chicken buttered noodles:
- Cook the noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. It’s important not to overcook them, or they’ll become mushy!
- Make the sauce: In a large skillet or pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic is the worst!
- Thicken the sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic mixture. Whisk constantly for about 1 minute to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce. It’s ok if it looks a little pasty at first, just make sure the flour cooks.
- Add broth and cream: Gradually pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Then, stir in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Incorporate Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the shredded or diced cooked chicken and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the chicken is heated through and the cheese is melted and smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy chicken sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
A little tip I learned the hard way: If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out. And if it’s too thin, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the sauce to thicken it up.
Also, my husband always asks me to make extra sauce because he loves to drizzle it over everything! Sometimes I’ll even double the sauce recipe just to make him happy.
Don’t worry if it looks a little messy at first – mine always does too! Just keep stirring and everything will come together beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen starts smelling absolutely amazing and the sauce is thick and creamy. If you accidentally add too much salt, adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of sugar can help balance out the flavors. I have done this many times.
Serving Ideas
In our house, we usually serve creamy chicken buttered noodles family-style, right in the skillet or pot. It’s casual, comforting, and everyone can help themselves. We love to serve this with a simple green salad and some crusty bread for dipping in the extra sauce. The kids always fight over who gets the crispiest pieces of chicken!
I like to sprinkle fresh herbs on top, like parsley or chives – it makes it look so much fancier! Sometimes I will even add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
This has become our go-to meal for busy weeknights, potlucks, and even Sunday dinners with the grandparents. It’s always a hit, no matter the occasion.
This recipe says it serves 6, but in our house, it barely feeds 4 hungry people! Especially when my teenage son is around! My daughter always asks for extra sauce on her portion and my son always wants a second helping.
If we somehow have leftovers, they make the best lunch the next day. I usually just reheat them in the microwave or in a skillet with a little bit of broth to keep them from drying out. To take it for lunch on the go, you can use a good thermos.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional, you can use any pasta you like. Penne, rotini, or even fettuccine would work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
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Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the noodles and combine everything together. I do not recommend cooking the noodles ahead of time, as they tend to get mushy.
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Can I freeze creamy chicken buttered noodles?
While you can freeze it, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. The sauce might separate a bit, but it will still taste delicious. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing and store it in an airtight container.
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What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even whole milk, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy. To compensate, you can add a tablespoon of cream cheese or sour cream to the sauce.
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Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value and flavor. Peas, carrots, broccoli, or mushrooms would all be delicious additions. Just add them to the skillet along with the chicken.
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How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free noodles and make sure all of your other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
I’ve definitely overcooked this before – here’s how to avoid that! Cook the noodles until they are just al dente. They will continue to cook a bit in the sauce. My mother-in-law is on a low-sodium diet, so here’s how I modify it for her: I use low-sodium chicken broth and omit the salt. I also use unsalted butter. Don’t have a stand mixer? No problem – I use my hand mixer and it works great!
Conclusion
Creamy chicken buttered noodles is more than just a recipe to me. It’s a symbol of family, comfort, and those simple moments of joy we share around the dinner table. It’s a dish that always brings smiles to my loved ones’ faces, and that makes it all the more special. It’s similar to another dish of mine called Creamy Smothered Chicken and Rice Recipe that I think you will find just as delightful.
- Always taste and adjust the seasoning: Salt and pepper are key to bringing out the flavors.
- Don’t overcook the noodles: Al dente is the way to go!
- Use good quality ingredients: It really makes a difference in the overall taste.
My son loves it with extra cheese, while my daughter prefers it plain. It is amazing how different everyone’s tastes are. Don’t be intimidated – if I can make this on a busy Tuesday night, you absolutely can too! I’d love to hear how this creamy chicken buttered noodles turns out for your family – drop me a comment! Check out the CDC – Chicken Safety before handling any poultry and the USDA – Safe Minimum Internal Temperature Chart for any cooking questions.
Happy cooking, and I hope this becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine! Making a dish of creamy chicken buttered noodles will be a family favorite for years to come.
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