Chicken and Buttered Noodles is a beloved dish known for its comfort and versatility. This comprehensive guide will explore everything from basic preparation to creative variations, expert cooking tips, and best practices for storage and reheating.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s a list of essential ingredients typically used to make Chicken with Buttered Noodles, drawing from various recipes and variations found in the top search results:
For the Chicken:
-
Chicken breasts or thighs: Depending on preference, either boneless and skinless
-
Olive oil: For cooking the chicken
-
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and additional spices like paprika or Italian seasoning as desired
For the Buttered Noodles:
-
Egg noodles: Preferred for their texture and ability to hold sauce
-
Butter: Unsalted is commonly used, allowing control over the saltiness of the dish
-
Parmesan cheese: Often added for extra flavor
-
Garlic: Minced or powdered for a flavor boost
-
Herbs: Such as parsley or thyme for garnish and added flavor
Optional Ingredients:
-
Vegetables: Mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli for added nutrition and texture
-
Cream: For those desiring a creamier texture
-
Cheese: Varieties like cheddar or Gruyère can be melted into the sauce for a cheesy variation
-
Wine: A splash of white wine can enhance the sauce used for the chicken
Why Reserve Pasta Water?
Reserving pasta water is a useful technique in cooking, especially when making dishes like Chicken with Buttered Noodles. Here’s why it’s beneficial:
- Starch Content: Pasta water contains starches released from the pasta during cooking. This starchy water acts as a natural thickener when added to sauces. It helps the sauce to emulsify, which means it combines more smoothly with the fats and oils in the sauce, leading to a creamier consistency.
-
Sauce Binding: The starch in the pasta water helps sauces cling to the noodles better. Without it, sauces might just slide off the noodles and pool at the bottom of your dish.
-
Flavor Enhancement: Pasta water can also enhance the flavor of the sauce. It retains a bit of the pasta’s flavor, and because it’s already seasoned with salt, it can help intensify and balance the overall taste of the dish without the need for additional salt.
-
Adjusting Sauce Consistency: You can use as much or as little pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. It’s particularly useful for adjusting the thickness of your sauce right before serving, ensuring it’s not too thick or too runny.
This technique is widely recommended in culinary practices for achieving the best texture and flavor in pasta dishes.
Benefits of Chicken with Buttered Noodles:
The dish “Chicken with Buttered Noodles” offers several benefits that make it a popular choice for meals:
-
Nutritional Value: Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is important for muscle repair and growth. The dish can also include various vegetables and herbs, adding vitamins and minerals.
-
Comfort Food: This dish is often considered comfort food due to its warm, creamy texture and satisfying nature. It’s especially comforting during colder months or when a hearty, soothing meal is needed.
-
Customizability: One of the great advantages of Chicken with Buttered Noodles is its versatility. It can be adapted to include different vegetables, spices, and cheeses, allowing it to cater to a wide range of tastes and dietary needs.
-
Ease of Preparation: The dish is relatively easy to prepare, making it a good option for weeknight dinners. It generally requires simple cooking techniques like boiling pasta and sautéing chicken, which are accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
-
Kid-Friendly: Its mild flavor and creamy texture are often well-received by children, making it a family-friendly option that can help simplify meal planning.
-
Economical: Chicken and pasta are generally inexpensive ingredients, especially when bought in bulk, making this dish a budget-friendly option for feeding a group or family.
These benefits make Chicken with Buttered Noodles a versatile and appealing dish for various occasions and dietary preferences.
How to Perfectly Cook Buttered Noodles
-
Boil the Noodles: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your chosen noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and return them to the pot.
-
Butter the Noodles: Add a tablespoon of unsalted butter to the hot noodles and toss until the noodles are evenly coated and glossy. This step not only adds flavor but also prevents the noodles from sticking together.
Storage and Reheating Best Practices
-
Cooling and Storing: Allow the dish to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to three days.
-
Reheating: Gently reheat the chicken and noodles on the stove over low heat, adding a little broth or cream to the pan to keep the sauce creamy and prevent drying out.
Chicken and Buttered Noodles Recipe
Print
The Ultimate Guide to Chicken and Buttered Noodles: Variations, Tips, and Nutritional Insights
- Prep Time: 20minutes
- Cook Time: 10minutes
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Cuisine: American
Description
Chicken with buttered noodles is a classic comfort dish that never fails to satisfy. This hearty meal combines tender chicken with flavorful noodles coated in a rich, buttery sauce. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it’s quick and easy to make, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious dish!
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, pat dry with a paper towel, cubed
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
Pasta
- 8 ounces small pasta shells
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder
Garlic Butter Sauce
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) salted butter
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- ¼ cup (25 g) parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish (optional)
- parsley, for garnish
- salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Chicken
-
In a medium bowl, mix together the onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Toss the chicken cubes in the seasoning mix, coating all sides.
-
To a medium skillet over medium heat, add oil. Once hot, place the seasoned chicken cubes into the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through. Chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Remove from the pan and tent to keep warm.
Noodles
-
Fill a large pot halfway with water. Add salt and bring to a boil. Add bouillon powder and small pasta shells and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
-
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set noodles aside while you prepare the garlic butter sauce.
Garlic Butter Sauce
-
In the same pot you used to make the noodles, melt the butter and chicken bouillon powder. Stir to mix together. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.
-
Add ½ cup of the reserved pasta water and stir to combine.
-
Add noodles and parmesan to the pot, tossing to combine. Add more pasta water, a little at a time, if needed, until the buttered noodles reach your desired consistency.
-
Plate the noodles and serve topped with chicken.
-
Top with parsley and additional parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 people
- Calories: 568kcal
Conclusion:
Chicken with buttered noodles is a timeless recipe that is both delicious and comforting. With its tender chicken, buttery noodles, and rich sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving some comfort food, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a hearty and satisfying meal!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Chicken with Buttered Noodles:
-
Q: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
-
A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
-
-
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of egg noodles?
-
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any type of pasta you have on hand, such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne. Just be mindful of differences in cooking times.
-
-
Q: Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
-
A: Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream if you’re looking for a lighter option. The sauce may be slightly less creamy but will still be delicious.
-
-
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
-
A: No, this recipe contains egg noodles, which are made from wheat flour and are not gluten-free. However, you can use gluten-free noodles to make a gluten-free version of this dish.
-
-
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
-
A: To add some heat, you can incorporate red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the butter sauce, or use a spicy Cajun seasoning to season the chicken.
-
-
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this dish?
-
A: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
-
-
Q: What can I serve with Chicken with Buttered Noodles?
-
A: This dish pairs well with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.
-
-
Q: Can I add vegetables to this dish?
-
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, bell peppers, or peas, to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
-
-
Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
-
A: The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the juices run clear. You can also cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure it’s no longer pink inside.
-
-
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
-
A: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble the dish just before serving. Cook the chicken and noodles separately, and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. Then, reheat the chicken and noodles in the butter sauce before serving.