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Crispy Lemon Chicken Bites with Herby Lemon Spaghetti Recipe

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4.3 from 3 reviews

Crispy lemon chicken bites paired with light and herby lemon spaghetti create a cozy yet satisfying weeknight meal. The chicken is seasoned, pan-fried to golden perfection, and served atop a creamy, lemon-infused pasta with a fresh touch of parsley and parmesan.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
  • Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon zest (divided)
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil

For the Spaghetti

  • ½ pound spaghetti or bucatini
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Chop the chicken breasts into equal-sized cubes. Season thoroughly with kosher salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Sprinkle the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest over the chicken and toss well to coat evenly.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large 10 or 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken in a single layer.
  3. Boil the Pasta: While cooking the chicken, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti or bucatini according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. Brown the Chicken: After about 3 to 4 minutes, turn the chicken pieces to brown on the other side. Continue cooking and turning the chicken to brown all over, cooking until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached, approximately 10 to 12 minutes total.
  5. Remove Chicken: Transfer the browned chicken to a plate and set aside.
  6. Make the Lemon Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, adding a drizzle of olive oil if necessary. Add the cooked pasta, ½ cup of the reserved pasta water, fresh lemon juice, heavy cream, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of lemon zest. Toss and stir for 1 to 2 minutes, adding more pasta water as needed to create a slightly creamy, light lemon coating over the spaghetti.
  7. Add Cheese and Parsley: Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Toss everything well to combine, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  8. Combine and Serve: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the pasta and toss once more to incorporate. Serve immediately, topped with additional parmesan and parsley.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
  • Reserving pasta water is essential to help create the light creamy sauce and aid in coating the spaghetti.
  • You can substitute bucatini for spaghetti if desired; both work well for this dish.
  • Adjust lemon zest and juice quantities to taste for a more or less intense lemon flavor.
  • Serve immediately for best texture and flavor; leftovers may require reheating with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore sauce consistency.
  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://recipeteach.com/crispy-lemon-chicken-bites-with-herby-lemon-spaghetti-recipe/