Ina Garten Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Ina Garten’s Chicken with Buttered Noodles is the definition of cozy comfort food. Perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken is paired with tender egg noodles tossed in rich, buttery goodness. This classic combination creates a warm, satisfying meal that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet special enough for entertaining.

With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s the kind of meal you’ll come back to again and again.

What Is Ina Garten Chicken with Buttered Noodles?

This dish features oven-roasted or pan-seared chicken served over a bed of buttery, lightly seasoned egg noodles. Ina keeps it simple and elegant, focusing on quality ingredients and classic techniques to create a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

Other Ina Garten Recipes

• Ina Garten Dark Chocolate Tart
• Ina Garten Rum Raisin Rice Pudding
• Ina Garten’s Crispy English Potatoes
• Ina Garten String Beans with Shallots

Reasons to Try Ina Garten Chicken with Buttered Noodles

• Simple, classic flavors – No overcomplication
• Quick and easy preparation – Ideal for busy nights
• Family-friendly meal – Loved by kids and adults alike
• Rich and comforting – Perfect cozy dinner
• Versatile dish – Can pair with many side vegetables
• Minimal ingredients – Pantry staples come together beautifully
• Elegant enough for guests – Still simple to prepare

Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Chicken with Buttered Noodles

For the chicken:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges (for serving)

For the buttered noodles:

• 12 ounces of wide egg noodles
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Chicken with Buttered Noodles

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Prepare and roast the chicken

Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and thyme if using. Place them skin-side up on a sheet pan or roasting dish. Roast for 35–40 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 3: Cook the noodles

While the chicken roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until tender. Drain well.

Step 4: Butter the noodles

Return the drained noodles to the pot. Add the butter, salt, pepper, and parsley if using. Toss until the butter melts and coats the noodles evenly. Sprinkle with Parmesan if desired.

Step 5: Assemble and serve

Plate the buttered noodles and top each serving with a piece of crispy, juicy chicken. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a bright, fresh finish.

What Goes Well With Ina Garten Chicken with Buttered Noodles

• Steamed green beans or asparagus – Fresh, bright sides
• Roasted Brussels sprouts – Adds richness and texture
• Simple garden salad – Lightens up the meal
• Glazed carrots – Sweet and colorful contrast
• Garlic sautéed spinach – Healthy, flavorful green
• Rustic bread or dinner rolls – For soaking up juices
• Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio – Ideal wine pairing

Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Chicken with Buttered Noodles

• Pat chicken dry before roasting – Helps achieve crispy skin
• Use bone-in, skin-on chicken – Juicier and more flavorful
• Cook noodles just until tender – Avoid a mushy texture
• Butter noodles while hot – Ensures even coating
• Season noodles lightly – Highlights buttery flavor
• Let chicken rest 5 minutes after roasting – Juices redistribute
• Serve immediately – Best flavor and texture

Creative Variations of Ina Garten Chicken with Buttered Noodles

• Add a garlic butter sauce to noodles – Extra depth
• Toss noodles with sautéed mushrooms – Earthy flavor boost
• Use herb butter – Fresh chives, parsley, or dill mixed in
• Top with crispy shallots – Adds crunch and savoriness
• Substitute rotisserie chicken – For an even quicker version
• Add lemon zest to noodles – Brightens and lifts the dish
• Toss noodles with spinach before serving – Sneak in extra greens

Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Chicken with Buttered Noodles

• Store chicken and noodles separately in airtight containers – Keeps textures best
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days – Best quality when fresh
• Freeze roasted chicken if needed – Up to 2 months (noodles don’t freeze well)
• Reheat gently – To avoid drying out the chicken or overcooking the noodles

Reheating Tips for Ina Garten Chicken with Buttered Noodles

• Oven: Reheat chicken at 325°F covered with foil – Keeps it juicy
• Stovetop: Warm noodles gently with a little butter or broth – Refreshes the texture
• Microwave: Reheat chicken and noodles separately – Use low heat in short intervals
• Add a splash of broth or water to noodles before reheating – Restores moisture

Nutritional Value (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg

A hearty, comforting meal that feels both rich and satisfying.

Wrapping Up

Ina Garten’s Chicken with Buttered Noodles delivers the perfect balance of simplicity, flavor, and comfort. With juicy, seasoned chicken and rich, buttery noodles, it’s a meal that’s easy to love—and even easier to make.

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