This cozy yet vibrant dish has become a go-to in our house. Crispy lemon-infused chicken paired with a light, creamy lemon spaghetti—what’s not to love? It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special without requiring much effort.
Everyone in my family, especially the kids, goes absolutely crazy for these lemony chicken bites. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. And when paired with a silky lemon spaghetti tossed with fresh herbs and parmesan? Let’s just say, there are never leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Meal
- Kid-approved: My kids can’t get enough of it.
- Quick & easy: It comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile: The chicken is incredible on its own, or over rice, in wraps, or even tossed in salads.
- Balanced: Light and fresh, yet totally comforting.
Honestly, I usually double the chicken because we all end up snacking on it straight from the pan before dinner is even served. Sometimes I dunk a piece in a creamy dill sauce—highly recommend!
How It Comes Together
You’ll start by cubing up some chicken breast and seasoning it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a bit of cornstarch to get that perfect crisp texture. Don’t skip the fresh lemon zest—it makes a huge difference!
Once the chicken is golden and crispy, set it aside and move on to the spaghetti. Boil it while the chicken cooks to save time. Then toss the pasta into the same skillet (hello, easy cleanup!) with a splash of pasta water, a touch of cream, more lemon, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan and herbs. It creates a light, silky coating rather than a heavy sauce—just enough to tie everything together beautifully.
My Go-To Sides
I often serve this with roasted parmesan broccoli—simple, reliable, and completely addictive. It complements the lemon flavors so well. And yes, you can switch up the pasta—bucatini, linguine, or even orzo all work great. I typically use about ½ pound of pasta to one pound of chicken, but feel free to adjust depending on how pasta-heavy you want your meal.
Crispy Lemon Chicken Bites with Lemon-Herb Spaghetti
Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 3 tbsp lemon zest, divided
- 2–3 tbsp olive oil
- ½ lb spaghetti or bucatini
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup finely grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Toss with cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of lemon zest until evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through (about 10–12 minutes total). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Boil the Pasta:
While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy water before draining.
Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds. Add the cooked pasta, ½ cup reserved pasta water, lemon juice, remaining zest, and heavy cream. Toss well to coat, cooking for another 1–2 minutes. Add more pasta water if the mixture feels dry.
Finish the Dish:
Stir in the parmesan and parsley. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve:
Plate immediately, topping with extra parmesan and parsley if desired.
This meal is everything I want at the start of a busy week—simple, satisfying, and totally crave-worthy. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite too!