There’s something so heartwarming about a plate of crispy chicken bites paired with creamy garlic parmesan pasta. It takes me back to cozy family dinners where laughter filled the air and everyone dug in with joy. This recipe is not only quick to whip up but also incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special gathering. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your back pocket!
Why You’ll Love Crispy Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious meal:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy frying.
- 1 cup buttermilk: This will tenderize the chicken and add flavor.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: For that perfect crispy coating.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a lovely garlic flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Complements the garlic perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Gives a nice color and a hint of smokiness.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!
- Oil: For frying; I recommend vegetable or canola oil.
- For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta:
- 8 ounces pasta of choice: Fettuccine or penne work beautifully here.
- 2 tablespoons butter: For a rich flavor base.
- 4 cloves garlic: Minced for that aromatic punch.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: The star of this dish!
- Fresh parsley: Chopped, for a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Crispy Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- Prepare the Chicken Bites:
- In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step is key for moist and flavorful bites!
- In a separate bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to fry, but not so hot that it smokes.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and coat in the flour mixture.
- Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Serve the creamy pasta topped with crispy chicken bites and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Substitutions & Additions
If you’re feeling creative or need to use what you have on hand, here are some swaps and additions:
- Try using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option.
- Add some sautéed vegetables like spinach or broccoli to the pasta for extra nutrition.
- For a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the creamy sauce.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a richer flavor.
Tips for Success
To make sure your dish turns out perfectly, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t rush the frying process. Frying in batches helps keep the oil temperature consistent and ensures a nice crispy coating.
- Make sure to season your flour mixture well; this is where a lot of your flavor comes from.
- If you want to prep ahead, you can soak the chicken in buttermilk the night before. Just cover and refrigerate.
How to Store Crispy Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
Leftovers? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend warming them gently in a skillet over low heat to keep everything nice and crispy.
FAQs
Can I freeze the chicken bites? Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken bites. Just make sure they’re completely cooled and stored in a freezer-safe container. They should last for about 2 months.
What can I serve with this dish? A simple side salad or some garlic bread would complement the meal perfectly!
Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! You can try using mozzarella or even a blend of your favorites for a different flavor.
And there you have it! A delicious plate of crispy chicken bites with creamy garlic parmesan pasta that’s sure to impress. For more delicious recipes, check out Tasty with Lara or Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes for treats you will love!
If you love discovering new recipes, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for more inspiration!
Crispy Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
There's something so heartwarming about a plate of crispy chicken bites paired with creamy garlic parmesan pasta. It takes me back to cozy family dinners where laughter filled the air and everyone dug in with joy. This recipe is not only quick to whip up but also incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special gathering.
Equipment
- deep skillet
- Large pot
- bowls
Ingredients
For the Crispy Chicken Bites
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk for soaking
- 1 cup all-purpose flour for coating
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- to taste salt and pepper
- Oil for frying vegetable or canola recommended
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- 8 oz pasta of choice fettuccine or penne
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This step is key for moist and flavorful bites!
- Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to fry, but not so hot that it smokes.
- Step 4: Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, and coat in the flour mixture.
- Step 5: Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
- Step 6: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 7: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Step 8: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 9: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat.
- Step 10: Serve the creamy pasta topped with crispy chicken bites and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Notes
Leftovers? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend warming them gently in a skillet over low heat to keep everything nice and crispy.
Crispy Chicken Bites with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt, to taste
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and place them in a large bowl.
- Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Toss until the chicken is evenly coated.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat each chicken piece first in flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip it into the beaten eggs, then press it firmly into the panko breadcrumbs until completely coated.
2. Cook the Chicken Bites
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Once hot, add the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer. Work in batches if necessary so you don’t overcrowd the pan.
- Cook for about 3–4 minutes per side, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy and the inside reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer the crispy chicken bites to a plate lined with paper towels. Keep warm while preparing the pasta.
3. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the fettuccine or penne according to the package directions until al dente.
- Before draining, reserve about ¼ cup of the pasta water.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and whole milk. Stir well.
- Add the Italian seasoning and black pepper. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach a silky, creamy consistency.
- Taste and adjust the salt as needed.
5. Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta directly to the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.
- Toss gently until every piece of pasta is coated in the sauce.
- Divide the creamy pasta among serving plates.
- Top generously with the crispy chicken bites.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while the chicken is crispy and the sauce is hot and creamy.
Tip: For the crispiest chicken bites, don’t cover them after cooking—the trapped steam can soften the crunchy panko coating.