Crispy Lemon Chicken with Creamy Garlic Penne
A restaurant-style dish of lemony crispy chicken paired with an easy creamy garlic penne pasta. No heavy cream added to the pasta sauce, and very little oil needed to fry the chicken!
A restaurant-style dish of lemony crispy chicken paired with an easy creamy garlic penne pasta. No heavy cream added to the pasta sauce, and very little oil needed to fry the chicken!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 tablespoon butter
- 4 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 4-5 garlic cloves (minced)
- a pinch of black pepper
- for the chicken marinade:
- 250 grams skinless boneless breast chicken (halved)
- 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- for the breading of the chicken:
- 1 cup all purpose flour (or as needed)
- 1-2 cup dried breadcrumbs (or as needed)
- for the creamy garlic penne pasta:
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
- 1 clove (minced)
- 2 eggs (lightly whisked)
- 1-2 tablespoon oil (see notes)
- 1/2 cup chicken stock (see notes for substitute)
- 300 grams penne pasta (cooked according to the package inst
- Carbohydrate 10.1752193269551 g
- Cholesterol 39.5031250206892 mg
- Fat 14.5260204389557 g
- Fiber 0.300727934876804 g
- Protein 3.85010037214341 g
- Saturated Fat 8.98308588274621 g
- Serving Size 1 1 -6 (113g)
- Sodium 117.956406558445 mg
- Sugar 9.87449139207833 g
- Trans Fat 1.17331709740838 g
- Calories 185 calories
Step-by-step
- MARINATION OF THE CHICKEN: Marinate the chicken breasts in all of the marinade ingredients. Marinate for 5-10 minutes.
- BREADING & COOKING THE CHICKEN: Place the flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs in three separate shallow dishes. Season the flour with salt and pepper. Dip each chicken breast in flour, lightly shaking the excess flour. Gently dip in the egg wash and then coat with breadcrumbs. Repeat until all chicken breasts are coated with breadcrumbs. Heat oil in a frying pan, and fry the chicken breasts until golden brown (for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until cooked through).
- CREAMY GARLIC PENNE PASTA: In a medium sized pot heat butter on medium high heat and saute the garlic for a few seconds. Add the flour and stir for about a minute. Slowly add in the milk and chicken stock, stirring constantly, to avoid lumps forming in the sauce. Once the sauce has thickened, season it with salt and pepper. Add the cooked penne pasta and mix until coated with the sauce. Serve pasta with crispy lemon chicken fillet and garnish with chopped parsley or coriander.
My Simple Weeknight Delight: Crispy Lemon Chicken with Creamy Garlic Penne
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a delicious and satisfying meal can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, work deadlines, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, the thought of spending hours in the kitchen often fills me with dread. But I refuse to let that stop me from enjoying flavorful, restaurant-quality meals. That's why I've perfected this recipe for Crispy Lemon Chicken with Creamy Garlic Penne – a dish that's both elegant and surprisingly easy to make, even on the busiest of weeknights.
The secret to this recipe’s success lies in its simplicity. Instead of relying on heavy creams and complicated techniques, I focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients and smart shortcuts. The chicken is incredibly flavorful thanks to a quick marinade, and the breading creates a wonderfully crispy exterior. The creamy garlic penne is rich and satisfying, yet surprisingly light, thanks to the clever use of milk and chicken stock instead of heavy cream. This means less fat and fewer calories, which always makes me feel a little bit better about indulging in a delicious meal.
The entire process, from marinating the chicken to serving the finished dish, takes less than an hour. It's a perfect midweek meal that doesn't sacrifice flavor or quality. I often prep the marinade and breading earlier in the day, then just fry the chicken and cook the pasta when dinner time rolls around. This allows for some flexibility in timing and makes the actual cooking process even quicker. The lemony zest of the chicken perfectly complements the rich garlic flavor of the penne, creating a harmonious blend that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family. My kids absolutely adore this dish, and it often gets requests for repeat performances.
Beyond the ease and delicious taste, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. I often add different vegetables to the pasta sauce – sauteed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even some fresh peas. Sometimes I’ll use different pasta shapes depending on what I have on hand. Feel free to experiment and find your own favorite variations. And, if you’re short on time, you can substitute rotisserie chicken for the homemade fried chicken. It will still be delicious, if a bit less crispy.
So, the next time you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that won’t overwhelm your schedule, give this Crispy Lemon Chicken with Creamy Garlic Penne a try. It's a weeknight winner that proves you don't need hours in the kitchen to create a truly special and memorable dinner. The combination of crispy, juicy chicken and creamy, flavorful pasta is always a crowd-pleaser, and the simplicity of the recipe means even a novice cook can master it. Enjoy!
Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken; cook in batches to ensure even browning.
- For an extra flavorful sauce, add a pinch of Parmesan cheese to the creamy garlic penne.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
