Next, I reduce the heat to medium and add in the minced garlic, letting it sizzle for about a minute until fragrant. Careful not to burn it, I then cover the skillet and let the chicken cook through for about 5 to 7 more minutes. The combination of the garlic and thyme really infuses the chicken with amazing flavor, and my kitchen starts to smell heavenly. Once the chicken is cooked through—my trusty meat thermometer tells me it’s at 165°F—I take it out to rest before slicing it up.
While the chicken rests, I drain the noodles in a colander. Then, I return the noodles back to the pot and add in the butter. I let it melt slowly, mixing everything together until the noodles are completely coated in that rich, buttery goodness. It’s such a satisfying moment! Finally, I slice the chicken and serve it atop the buttered noodles, garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. The colors and aromas make for a feast that’s just as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the taste buds.
Before I take my first bite, I can’t help but admire the cozy plate in front of me. It’s comforting, delicious, and always brings back memories of family gatherings. This recipe has a way of bringing people together, and you can always count on it to impress!
Pro Tips for Best Results
I tested this recipe three ways to make sure it turned out perfectly every time! The first time, I cooked the chicken too quickly, resulting in a bit of dryness. Now, I always make sure to sear the chicken on medium-high heat and then lower the temperature to finish cooking—this locks in all those juicy flavors.
Another tip I found particularly helpful is to let the chicken rest after cooking. It seems like a small detail, but this step truly makes a difference. When the chicken rests, the juices redistribute, leading to a tender cut without the dryness. Honestly, I never skip this step anymore!
Lastly, if you want the buttered noodles to shine, don’t skimp on the seasoning. A pinch of salt and good quality butter can elevate the noodles to a whole new level. I like to use a mixture of dried and fresh herbs to make the flavors pop without overwhelming the dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common mistakes I made early on was overcooking the chicken. It’s really important to keep an eye on the cooking time and to use a meat thermometer. Too often, I found myself second-guessing and checking the interior temperature too late, resulting in a dry chicken breast. Now, I trust my thermometer and take it out at that perfect temperature. (See the next page below to continue…)