Craving a hearty, yet elegant dish that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than our Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe. This delightful concoction features tender chicken medallions bathed in a luscious mushroom sauce, served over buttery noodles, and garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Follow our simple steps to create a culinary masterpiece in just 30 minutes!
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
Directions:
- Season and Cook the Chicken:
- Begin by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown on both sides and are cooked through, which should take about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken from the skillet to a plate and set aside for later.
- Prepare the Mushroom Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and sauté them until they begin to brown and release their flavorful juices, usually around 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic, dried thyme, and dried oregano, allowing the aromas to infuse for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Create the Rich Sauce:
- Deglaze the skillet by pouring in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Allow the mixture to simmer until the liquid reduces by half, approximately 5 minutes.
- Next, add the heavy cream to the skillet, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer once again. Let it cook until the sauce slightly thickens, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Finish and Serve:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, allowing them to warm through in the creamy mushroom sauce.
- While the chicken reheats, prepare the buttered noodles according to package instructions.
- Serve the chicken atop a bed of buttered noodles, generously spooning the mushroom sauce over each portion.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of flavor and elegance.
Serving and Storage Tips:
Serving Tips:
- Garnish with Finesse: Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over each plated portion for a vibrant finish.
- Pairing Perfection: Complement this dish with a side salad dressed in a light vinaigrette or steamed seasonal vegetables for a well-balanced meal.
- Wine Pairing: Enhance the dining experience by pairing this dish with a crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir, which beautifully complement the flavors of the chicken and mushroom sauce.
- Presentation: Serve the Chicken with Buttered Noodles on warmed plates for an added touch of elegance.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover chicken, mushroom sauce, and buttered noodles separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, gently warm the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Reheat the buttered noodles by tossing them in a microwave-safe dish with a splash of water, covering with a damp paper towel, and microwaving in short intervals until warmed to your liking.
- Freezing: While the chicken and mushroom sauce can be frozen for longer storage, it’s best to freeze them separately to maintain optimal texture. Allow them to cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Frozen leftovers can be enjoyed within 1-2 months for best quality.
- Thawing: When ready to enjoy frozen leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating following the aforementioned instructions.
Variations:
- Creamy Spinach Addition: For an extra burst of flavor and nutrients, wilt a handful of fresh spinach into the mushroom sauce just before serving. The vibrant green color and delicate flavor of the spinach will complement the richness of the sauce beautifully.
- Citrus Twist: Add a refreshing citrus twist to the dish by stirring in a splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice or grated lemon zest into the mushroom sauce. The bright acidity of the lemon will balance out the richness of the cream and add a zesty kick to the dish.
- Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs to customize the flavor profile of the dish. Try incorporating fresh rosemary, sage, or tarragon into the mushroom sauce for a fragrant and aromatic twist. Alternatively, you can sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley over the finished dish for a burst of freshness.
- Protein Swap: Switch up the protein by substituting the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs, pork medallions, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust the cooking time accordingly based on the protein you choose, ensuring it is cooked through and tender.
- Cheese Lover’s Delight: For an extra indulgent variation, melt a handful of your favorite cheese, such as Gruyère or Fontina, into the mushroom sauce before serving. The creamy, cheesy goodness will elevate the dish to new heights of decadence.
- Spice It Up: Add a kick of heat by incorporating a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the mushroom sauce. Adjust the amount according to your preference for spiciness, and enjoy the tantalizing combination of flavors.
- Vegetarian Option: Transform this dish into a satisfying vegetarian meal by omitting the chicken and doubling the amount of mushrooms. You can also add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to bulk up the dish and add a variety of textures and colors.
FAQs :
- Can I use other types of mushrooms in this recipe? Yes, feel free to experiment with different varieties of mushrooms such as cremini, shiitake, or porcini to add depth of flavor and texture to the dish.
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used as a flavorful alternative to chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut cream or almond milk to create a creamy sauce without dairy.
- Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, simply use gluten-free noodles or pasta in place of traditional wheat noodles to make this recipe gluten-free.
With just 30 minutes of total preparation and cooking time, our Chicken with Buttered Noodles recipe offers a delectable combination of tender chicken, savory mushroom sauce, and indulgent buttered noodles. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for comfort food with a gourmet twist. Enjoy the rich flavors and creamy textures of this culinary masterpiece, and watch as it becomes a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.
