There’s something undeniably satisfying about tender chicken, a creamy garlic-infused sauce, and buttery egg noodles coming together in one hearty dish.
This Creamy Garlic Chicken Thighs Over Egg Noodles recipe is the ultimate in cozy, home-cooked comfort food — perfect for busy weeknights, Sunday dinners, or when you just need something delicious and filling.
With just a few pantry staples and a one-pan method, you can recreate this restaurant-worthy meal in under an hour. Let’s dive into how to bring this beautiful, golden-sauced skillet to life.
📝 Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 6–8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)
- 1 tbsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water (slurry, optional for thickening)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
For the Noodles:
- 12 oz egg noodles
- Salted water for boiling
- 1 tbsp butter (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions:
1. PREPARE THE CHICKEN
Season chicken thighs on both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken thighs and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and mostly cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
2. MAKE THE CREAM SAUCE
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Pour in chicken broth and stir to deglaze the skillet, scraping up any browned bits.
Add heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer. If you’d like a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Stir in grated Parmesan if using, and return the seared chicken to the skillet. Simmer gently for 10–15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has thickened.
3. COOK THE EGG NOODLES
While the chicken finishes cooking, boil egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and toss with butter for extra richness.
4. ASSEMBLE AND SERVE
Arrange the cooked egg noodles on a serving platter or keep them in the skillet for a one-pan presentation. Spoon the creamy chicken and sauce over the noodles. Garnish with chopped parsley.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Dish:
- ✅ One-skillet cleanup
- ✅ Rich, creamy garlic sauce
- ✅ Budget-friendly ingredients
- ✅ Ready in under 45 minutes
- ✅ Perfect for meal prep or leftovers
Variations
For a richer flavor, try using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. The skin adds extra crispiness, and the bones contribute more depth to the sauce.
If you prefer white meat, swap the thighs for boneless chicken breasts, but adjust cooking times to prevent dryness. Another twist is adding mushrooms—sauté them with the garlic for an earthy, umami-packed sauce.
If you’re looking for a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for a tangy, dairy-free alternative. For a smoky twist, stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
You can also experiment with different herbs—thyme, rosemary, or tarragon can elevate the dish with their distinct aromas.
For a veggie-loaded meal, fold in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers during the last few minutes of cooking.
If you’re avoiding noodles, serve the creamy chicken over mashed potatoes, rice, or zucchini noodles.
For a cheesy upgrade, top with mozzarella or Gruyère and broil until bubbly and golden.
Tips
To ensure perfectly tender chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet when searing. Cook in batches if necessary to get a golden crust. If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of chicken broth or milk.
For extra garlic flavor, roast the cloves beforehand or add a teaspoon of garlic paste for a more intense kick.
If you’re short on time, use pre-minced garlic or garlic powder instead of fresh cloves. To prevent the noodles from sticking, rinse them briefly after draining or toss with a bit of olive oil.
For a glossy, restaurant-style finish, stir in a pat of cold butter into the sauce just before serving.
For meal prep, cook the noodles al dente so they don’t turn mushy when reheated. If the sauce separates upon storage, whisk in a little warm cream or broth when reheating.
To save time, prep the garlic and seasonings in advance so everything comes together quickly when you’re ready to cook.
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the noodles and sauce separate if possible to maintain texture.
When reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce’s consistency. The chicken may dry out slightly, so cover with a damp paper towel when microwaving.
For longer storage, freeze the creamy chicken (without noodles) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop over low heat.
Avoid freezing the noodles, as they can become grainy and soft when thawed. Cook fresh noodles when ready to serve.
To reheat, use a skillet over low heat to prevent curdling. Stir frequently and avoid boiling to keep the sauce smooth. If the dish seems too thick after storage, adjust with a little milk or broth.
Garnish with fresh herbs after reheating to brighten up the flavors.
📜 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Chicken with Egg Noodles is everything comfort food should be — warm, rich, hearty, and soul-satisfying. It’s a dish the whole family will love and one you’ll come back to again and again.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving something cozy, this recipe has you covered. Serve it up with crusty bread or a side salad, and you’ve got a weeknight winner that’s worthy of a repeat performance.