Crispy Lemon Garlic Chicken Spaghetti
A vibrant pasta dish with crispy chicken bites and spaghetti tossed in a fresh lemon-garlic sauce, offering a zesty and savory meal perfect for weekday dinners.
Equipment
- 1 large pot
- 1 large skillet
Ingredients
- 12-14 oz spaghetti
- 2-3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika optional
- 3-4 garlic cloves minced
- Zest and juice of 1-2 lemons
- ½ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta cooking water
- 1-2 tbsp butter optional
- Chopped parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
- Grated Parmesan for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook until golden and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Add more oil to skillet if needed, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Stir in lemon zest and juice, then pour in chicken broth or reserved pasta water. Simmer 1-2 minutes to combine flavors.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in butter if using until melted. Adjust seasoning with lemon juice, salt, or pepper.
- Return spaghetti and crispy chicken to skillet. Toss to coat evenly with lemon-garlic sauce. Add extra pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
- Serve garnished with chopped parsley or basil and sprinkled with grated Parmesan if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Add extra lemon zest on top before serving for brightness.
- Red pepper flakes can be added for a mild heat boost.
- Fresh thyme or oregano pairs well when added with garlic.
- Serve with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.