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)

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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.