Cafeteria Noodles with Garlic Butter Chicken Bites (Air Fryer Recipe)
Introduction
This comforting and flavorful dish combines buttery, rich cafeteria-style egg noodles with crispy garlic butter chicken bites, all made effortlessly in the air fryer. It’s a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Garlic Butter Chicken Bites:
2 chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
1 tbsp grated Parmesan (for topping)
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Cafeteria Noodles:
8 oz wide egg noodles
2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
¼ cup heavy cream or milk
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken Bites
In a bowl, mix the chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss to coat evenly.
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Brush the cooked chicken with melted butter, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese, and air fry for 2 more minutes until golden and crispy.
Cook the Cafeteria Noodles
Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and cooked noodles. Mix well.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley.
Serve & Enjoy!
Plate the creamy cafeteria noodles and top with crispy garlic butter chicken bites.
Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm!
Tips & Tricks
For extra crispy chicken, increase the air fryer temp to 400°F (200°C) for the last 2 minutes.
Want a lighter version? Use milk instead of heavy cream in the noodles.
Add veggies! Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra nutrients.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: 38g
Fats: 18g
Carbs: 42g
Fiber: 2g
This meal is creamy, comforting, and packed with protein—all made in under 30 minutes!