Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is a nostalgic yet elevated dish that takes inspiration from school lunch favorites and transforms them into a flavorful, satisfying meal. With tender, juicy chicken bites tossed in rich garlic butter and served over soft, buttery noodles, this dish is quick, easy, and perfect for a family-friendly dinner. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or preparing a comfort meal, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Buttery and Flavorful – The garlic butter chicken is rich and aromatic, perfectly complementing the noodles.
- Comforting Meal – This dish is a hearty, satisfying comfort food that everyone will enjoy.
- Customizable – Add vegetables or extra seasoning to suit your taste.
- Kid-Friendly – A meal that kids will love, with tender chicken and soft noodles.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Bites:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Olive oil (for cooking)
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
- Butter (for sautéing)
- Minced garlic (fresh or jarred)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Noodles:
- Egg noodles or your preferred pasta
- Butter
- Salt
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Directions
- Cook the Noodles – In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles (or your preferred pasta) according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites – Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Chicken and Noodles – Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet, and stir to combine, ensuring the noodles are coated with the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve and Garnish – Serve the garlic butter chicken and noodles on a plate, and garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (if desired).
- Enjoy – Serve hot and enjoy your comforting, buttery meal!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Add-ins: Add sautéed spinach, peas, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat.
- Cheesy Version: Stir in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a cheesy, creamy twist.
- Herb Twist: Use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to change the flavor profile.
- Different Pasta: Substitute egg noodles with penne, fusilli, or your favorite pasta shape.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals or on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will give you a juicier, richer flavor. Just cook them the same way.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any type of pasta you prefer works great for this dish.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
Add more garlic or a splash of lemon juice to brighten up the dish. You can also add Italian seasoning or a bit of paprika for extra depth.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Sautéed spinach, peas, or broccoli are great options to add more color and nutrients.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink and avoid overcooking. The garlic butter sauce will keep it moist.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and noodles ahead of time and combine them when ready to serve. Just store everything in separate containers in the fridge.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken. Simply add it to the garlic butter sauce to heat through.
How do I make the noodles creamier?
Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to the garlic butter sauce for a richer, creamier texture.
Can I use gluten-free noodles?
Yes! Gluten-free pasta works just as well in this recipe.
What can I serve with this dish?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables would pair perfectly with this dish.
Conclusion
Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is an easy, comforting meal that combines tender chicken, soft noodles, and a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a flavorful dinner ready in no time. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal!
Print
Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites is a comforting, easy-to-make meal featuring juicy chicken bites, rich garlic butter sauce, and tender noodles. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this quick and flavorful dish is sure to satisfy your family’s hunger. A delicious twist on a school lunch classic!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Bites:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp butter (for sautéing)
3 cloves garlic, minced (fresh or jarred)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Noodles:
8 oz egg noodles or your preferred pasta
2 tbsp butter
Salt, to taste
¼ cup Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles (or your preferred pasta) according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Bites – Season chicken pieces with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, until browned and fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce – In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Chicken and Noodles – Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss it in the garlic butter sauce. Add the cooked noodles to the skillet and stir to combine, ensuring the noodles are coated with the garlic butter sauce.
- Serve and Garnish – Serve the garlic butter chicken and noodles on a plate, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese (optional).
- Enjoy – Serve hot and enjoy your comforting, buttery meal!
Notes
- Vegetable Add-ins – Add sautéed spinach, peas, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat.
- Cheesy Version – Stir in shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese for a cheesy, creamy twist.
- Herb Twist – Use fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to change the flavor profile.
- Different Pasta – Substitute egg noodles with penne, fusilli, or your favorite pasta shape.
- Storage – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating – Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals or on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing – This dish can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
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