Let’s be real: I’m not a chef. I didn’t go to culinary school and I don’t own a some super $700 knife. I don’t have a subscription to some hip farm-to-table CSA, and I’ve set off the smoke detectors in the house more than once. But cooking for the people I love? That’s where I shine.

For me, food isn’t just food—it’s love on a plate. It’s a way to say, “I see you, I know you, and I care about what makes you feel safe.” That’s especially true in my house, where food anxiety is a real thing. ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) means Ivy and her brother, don’t just dislike certain foods—they fear them. And if you’ve never watched someone you love struggle with eating, trust me, it’s not about being picky. It’s about comfort, control, and knowing that what’s on the plate won’t betray you.

Which brings me to this meal. Is it just a crispy fried chicken breast with homemade buttered noodles? Yes. Yes, it is. But it’s also a warm, golden-fried hug on a plate. It’s me telling my daughter, “I’ve got you, kid. Here’s something you don’t have to overthink.”

And honestly? Sometimes the simple things are the best things.

So, if you’re looking for a dinner that says I love you but in a totally chill, no-pressure, I-didn’t-even-cry-in-the-grocery-store-this-time way, this one’s for you.

Crispy Fried Chicken + Butter Noodles

Serves: The people you love, or just yourself, no judgment

What You’ll Need:

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar if you, like me, never remember to buy buttermilk)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch (this is the secret to extra crispy perfection—don’t skip it!)

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika (or regular paprika if you don’t feel like being fancy)

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 egg

• Neutral oil for frying (vegetable, canola, whatever you have)

For the Buttered Noodles:

• 8 oz egg noodles (or whatever noodles your kid actually eats—no food battles today, friends)

• 4 tbsp butter (yes, four—don’t argue with me)

• Salt, to taste

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional, unless your kid says it isn’t)

How to Make It:

Step 1: Brine the Chicken (Kind of)

If you have the time, soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or overnight if you’re the planning-ahead type, which I am not). This helps make it tender and juicy. But if you’re in a hurry, just pretend you did and move on.

Step 2: Bread It Like You Mean It

1. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.

2. In another bowl, whisk the egg.

3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off.

4. Coat the chicken in the flour mixture, dip it into the egg, then back into the flour mixture. (Yes, we’re double-dipping. We live on the edge.)

Step 3: Fry, Baby, Fry

1. Heat about an inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. (To test if it’s ready, drop a pinch of flour in—if it sizzles but doesn’t burn immediately, you’re golden.)

2. Carefully place the chicken in the pan and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, or until deeply golden brown and the internal temp hits 165°F.

3. Let it rest on a paper towel-covered plate while you make the noodles.

Step 4: The Noodles That Save the Day

1. Boil the noodles in salted water according to the package instructions.

2. Drain and immediately toss them with all that glorious butter.

3. Season with salt and stir in the Parmesan (if using).

4. Try not to eat them straight from the pot. (You will. It’s fine.)

The Real Magic Behind This Meal

I know this isn’t some five-star gourmet dinner, and you won’t see it on a trendy restaurant menu next to a $17 side of truffle fries. But for Ivy, it’s safe. It’s predictable. She doesn’t have to second-guess every bite. And for me, it’s the joy of watching her eat without fear.

That’s the thing about cooking for the people we love—it’s never just about food. It’s about knowing them deeply enough to understand what makes them feel at home. It’s about making something with your own hands and saying, without words, “I see you. I love you. Here’s a plate of crispy, buttery happiness.”

And let’s be honest—fried chicken and buttered noodles? That’s love, no matter how you slice it.