Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Parmesan Pasta

Introduction

Welcome to this delightful recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Parmesan Pasta, a dish that combines the richness of garlic butter, the tenderness of chicken, and the comforting warmth of creamy pasta. This recipe is all about ease, flavor, and creativity, using everyday ingredients to create something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress their family and friends with a delicious, restaurant-quality meal. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors in this recipe is key, with the savory taste of chicken, the pungency of garlic, and the richness of parmesan cheese all coming together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. The use of everyday ingredients also makes it accessible to anyone, regardless of their culinary experience or budget.
• The ease of preparation is another major advantage of this recipe. With just a few simple steps, you can have a mouth-watering meal on the table in no time. The chicken bites are quick to cook, and the pasta sauce can be made in just a few minutes, making it a great option for busy households.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g. penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
• 2 cups marinara sauce
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Bites – In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another dish, beat the eggs. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally the breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to help them stick.
2. Step 2: Cook the Chicken Bites – Heat about 1/2 inch (1 cm) of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add a few of the chicken bites (do not overcrowd the skillet) and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side. Repeat with the remaining chicken bites.
3. Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce – In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Combine – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the spaghetti. In the same pot, combine the marinara sauce and heavy cream. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let cook for a few minutes until heated through. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to combine, and adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Finally, add the cooked chicken bites to the pasta and toss everything together, ensuring the chicken is well coated with the garlic butter sauce and creamy parmesan pasta sauce.

Handy Tips

• For an extra crispy coating on your chicken bites, you can chill them in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere better to the chicken.
• If you want to make your garlic butter sauce ahead of time, you can prepare it up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it when you’re ready to use it.
• Don’t overcook your pasta – it should still have a bit of bite or chew to it. This is known as “al dente” and is the perfect texture for this dish.

Heat Control

When cooking the chicken bites, it’s essential to maintain the right temperature to ensure they cook evenly and don’t burn. Keep the oil at a medium-high heat, around 350°F (175°C), and adjust as needed. For the pasta sauce, a simmer is all you need, so keep the heat low to medium, around 180°F (82°C), to prevent the sauce from boiling over or sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the crispy exterior of the chicken bites, thanks to the panko breadcrumbs. To achieve this, make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken, and don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in a less crispy coating. Also, pat the chicken dry with paper towels before coating to help the breadcrumbs adhere better.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For a more golden-brown crust on your chicken, you can add a little bit of cornstarch or flour to the breadcrumbs before coating the chicken. This will help the crust brown more evenly and give it a nicer texture.
• To prevent the garlic butter sauce from separating or becoming too greasy, whisk in a little bit of flour or cornstarch before adding the butter to the garlic. This will help thicken the sauce and give it a smoother consistency.
• When cooking the pasta, use a large pot and plenty of salted water to prevent the pasta from sticking together. Also, stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks to ensure it cooks evenly.

Storage Tips

• Leftover chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to serve.
• Cooked pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It’s best to store it without the sauce, as the sauce can make the pasta soggy. Simply reheat the pasta and sauce together when you’re ready to serve.
• Garlic butter sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Simply reheat it when you’re ready to use it.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give this dish as a gift, consider packaging the chicken bites and pasta sauce separately and including some crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal. You could also include some grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley for added flavor and garnish. Package everything in a nice basket or container, and don’t forget to include a card with reheating instructions and any other relevant information.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding some diced herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the garlic butter sauce for added flavor.
• For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes to the pasta sauce or sprinkle them on top of the chicken bites before serving.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or ricotta, for a unique flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• If your chicken bites are not crispy, it may be because the oil was not hot enough or the breadcrumbs did not adhere properly. Try adjusting the oil temperature or using a different type of breadcrumb.
• If your pasta sauce is too thick, try adding a little bit of reserved pasta water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, try simmering it for a few minutes to reduce the liquid.
• If your garlic butter sauce is separating or becoming too greasy, try whisking in a little bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken it and give it a smoother consistency.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the chicken bites and pasta sauce separately for up to 3 months. Simply thaw and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
• Is it gluten-free? No, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the presence of breadcrumbs and pasta. However, you can substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs and pasta to make it gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to serve 8 people. Simply multiply all the ingredients and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

This recipe for Garlic Butter Chicken Bites & Creamy Parmesan Pasta is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its crispy chicken, creamy pasta sauce, and flavorful garlic butter, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further guidance. Happy cooking, and enjoy!