One Pan Tipsy Chicken and Noodles Recipe

Name: One Pan Tipsy Chicken and Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 1/4 pounds boneless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste; 1/2 teaspoon pepper; 1 3/4 cups chicken stock or water, plus more as needed; 1/4 cup bourbon; 3 Tablespoons soy sauce; 2 Tablespoons ketchup; 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 Tablespoons neutral oil; 2 Tablespoons butter; 4 green onions, sliced, whites and green parts separated; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper; 8 ounces linguine pasta

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

1 pounds boneless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
teaspoon garlic powder
teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cups chicken stock or water, plus extra as needed
cup bourbon
3 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons ketchup
teaspoon ground ginger
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon neutral oil
2 tablespoons butter
4 green onions, sliced (whites and greens separated)
teaspoon crushed red pepper
8 ounces linguine pasta

Directions

Season the chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
In a bowl, whisk together chicken stock, bourbon, soy sauce, ketchup, and ginger. Set aside.
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides (chicken will not be fully cooked). Remove and set aside.
Add butter to the same skillet and melt over medium-high heat. Stir in the white parts of the green onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Sprinkle in crushed red pepper and add the linguine pasta, tossing to coat in the butter mixture.
Pour in the reserved bourbon mixture, stirring to combine and scraping any browned bits from the skillet bottom. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, stirring often to prevent sticking.
Return the chicken along with any juices to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, approximately 10-12 minutes. Add additional stock or water if needed to maintain a saucy consistency.
Adjust seasoning with salt to taste, stir in the green parts of the green onions, and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 688
Total Fat: 35g (45% DV)
Saturated Fat: 9g (43% DV)
Cholesterol: 84mg (28% DV)
Sodium: 2535mg (110% DV)
Total Carbohydrate: 54g (20% DV)
Dietary Fiber: 3g (11% DV)
Total Sugars: 4g
Protein: 34g (69% DV)
Vitamin C: 4mg (4% DV)
Calcium: 56mg (4% DV)
Iron: 3mg (15% DV)
Potassium: 738mg (16% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutrient data may vary.

History and Origin

The One Pan Tipsy Chicken and Noodles is a modern comfort-food creation inspired by the long-standing American love for skillet meals. Its tipsy twist, achieved with a splash of bourbon, traces its roots to Southern cooking traditions where spirits were often used to deepen sauces and tenderize meats. While not a historic dish in the classical sense, it evolved from home cooks desire to blend quick preparation with rich, layered flavors reminiscent of rustic Southern kitchens.

Regional Variations

In the South, the recipe often features stronger bourbon notes and occasionally smoked paprika for added depth. Midwestern adaptations may swap linguine for egg noodles to mirror traditional casserole textures, while West Coast versions lean toward lighter broths and fresh herbs. Each region adds its own character without compromising the signature one-pan simplicity.

How It Differs from Similar Dishes

Unlike classic chicken-and-pasta recipes that rely on cream or cheese for richness, this dish builds flavor from a savory-sweet blend of soy sauce, ketchup, ginger, and bourbon. This fusion results in a glossy, tangy sauce that is lighter but more aromatic than heavy cream-based counterparts. The noodles cook directly in the sauce, allowing them to absorb every hint of flavorsomething traditional saut-then-boil approaches cannot achieve.

Where It Is Commonly Served

Today, the dish is most commonly enjoyed at home, especially by those seeking hearty weeknight meals with minimal cleanup. Some modern diners and gastropubs feature similar bourbon-glazed chicken entres, though the true one-pan noodle version remains a beloved staple among home cooks who appreciate efficiency without sacrificing taste.

Interesting Facts

Despite the presence of bourbon, the alcohol evaporates during cooking, leaving behind a warm, woody aroma rather than a pronounced liquor flavor. The recipe also exemplifies a growing culinary trend: pan-to-plate dishes where starches and proteins cook together for a more cohesive flavor profile. Additionally, its versatility allows for effortless additions like broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers, making it a customizable favorite across households.

FAQ about One Pan Tipsy Chicken and Noodles Recipe

Yes, you can substitute bourbon with a non-alcoholic alternative such as apple cider, or simply use additional chicken stock for a similar flavor without the alcohol.

You can substitute linguine with other types of pasta, such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the pasta you choose.

Yes, if you need a soy-free version, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as an alternative to soy sauce.

To reduce the saltiness, you can cut back on the amount of kosher salt and use lower-sodium chicken stock. Additionally, if you prefer, you can omit the added salt entirely and taste the dish before serving to adjust as needed.

Yes! You can add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms to the dish. Just add them when cooking the chicken, or sauté them with the garlic and green onions for extra flavor.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave, adding a little extra chicken stock if needed to loosen the sauce.

This dish can be frozen, but the pasta may become softer once reheated. Store in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove with a little extra stock.

To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the linguine pasta with a gluten-free variety, such as rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti.

Comments

Nicholas Rodriguez

09/22/2025 05:21:08 AM

Very flavorful dish! I'd recommend reducing the amount of salt used, as the soy sauce and broth already provided plenty of saltiness. Adding an extra cup of broth would help in cooking the noodles perfectly. I appreciated how quickly this dish came together.

Adam Johnson

09/19/2025 11:24:19 PM

Rewritten review: The dish was delicious, with a nice balance of flavors (although slightly salty)! I should have checked the other reviews beforehand because reducing the salt is crucial. Next time, I'll add an extra two cups of water while the pasta and chicken are cooking to dilute the saltiness and enhance the broth. I opted for rigatoni instead of spaghetti, and it worked out perfectly. Four large chicken breasts (two from a six-pack at Costco) seemed to be just the right amount. Since I try to limit my pasta intake, I served the chicken and broth over broccoli, which was a tasty twist. Even if you're not a fan of bourbon, the dish won't overpower you with its flavor. Thank you for a quick and enjoyable meal. Cooking isn't my favorite activity, so discovering an easy recipe with ingredients I already had on hand that pleased everyone was fantastic. Also, I appreciate your pleasant demeanor in the video - it was a joy to watch and listen to you.

Jerry Sanchez

09/24/2025 04:28:20 AM

Revised review: The dish had an excellent flavor profile, but a word of caution: do not strictly adhere to the recipe's salt measurements! The suggested 1.5 teaspoons of salt seemed excessive to me, despite the note to add more to taste. I erred on the side of caution and reduced the salt to just one teaspoon, yet it was still overwhelmingly salty. The excessive saltiness masked the other flavors in the dish. I recommend significantly reducing the amount of salt, or even omitting it entirely. I enjoyed everything else about the dish, including my substitution of fettucine for linguini, which added a pleasing thickness (albeit requiring longer cooking time). A note on the salt: the recipe allows for either water or chicken stock, and my choice of chicken stock might have contributed to the saltiness issue. While the recipe may work well with water, my experience will prevent me from exploring this. This dish is a definite winner, but it won't have salt in it in my kitchen next time.

Jennifer Turner

09/19/2025 02:52:36 PM

Delicious dish! The only modification I made was adding broccoli. Personally, I found it slightly salty, but my husband thought it was just right!

Donald King

09/25/2025 02:53:08 AM

This dish was absolutely amazing. My only suggestion would be to use a bit less salt and red pepper for a milder flavor. I also added extra chicken broth, which worked perfectly.

Nancy Miller

09/19/2025 03:38:39 AM

Fantastic flavors. Bourbon sealed the deal for me, without a doubt!

Karen Turner

09/19/2025 08:13:00 AM

Delicious! The whole family agreed that it's a keeper!

Deborah Wright

09/27/2025 05:02:59 AM

In a single word: EXCEPTIONAL. I prepared it today without any modifications. This recipe is a keeper and I will definitely be making it again. I used Jim Beam bourbon. The bourbon flavor isn't overpowering, instead, it adds a rich depth to the dish. All the alcohol cooks off, leaving behind a fantastic flavor.

Maria Robinson

09/23/2025 05:31:16 PM

Simple and delicious. Everyone in my household gave it 5 stars without hesitation. The ingredients were straightforward and didn't demand any advanced cooking techniques. It took only 30 minutes, used just one dish, and the end result was savory. It met all my expectations.

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