Ingredients
- For the Chicken Bites:
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp onion powder
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - For the Lemon Parmesan Spaghetti:
1 lb spaghetti
1/4 cup butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a second dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, combine panko bread crumbs with Parmesan cheese. -
Bread the Chicken:
Coat chicken cubes in the flour mix, then dip into eggs, and finally coat in the panko-Parmesan mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well. -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1/4 cup of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add the breaded chicken, without overcrowding. Cook for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside. -
Cook the Spaghetti:
Meanwhile, cook spaghetti as per package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water. -
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 1/4 cup butter. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in Parmesan, lemon juice, and zest. Add pasta water gradually to reach a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper. -
Combine and Serve:
Toss the drained spaghetti into the sauce, then gently mix in the chicken bites. Top with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
– For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
– You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water.
– Gluten-free pasta and flour can be used for a GF version.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Dinner Ideas, Main Dishes
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: garlic butter chicken, lemon parmesan spaghetti, chicken pasta dinner, easy weeknight meal, skillet chicken, crispy chicken bites, creamy lemon pasta