Description
This Lemon Spaghetti with Parmesan Popcorn Chicken is a fun and flavorful twist on a classic pasta dish. Combining zesty lemon spaghetti with crispy, cheesy popcorn chicken, it’s a family-friendly comfort food with a gourmet feel.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for coating)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk, salt, and pepper for at least 15 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat marinated chicken pieces in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
- In a separate pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add lemon juice and zest, and mix well.
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan, toss to coat in the lemon sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve spaghetti topped with Parmesan popcorn chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake the chicken instead of frying for a lighter version.
- Adjust the lemon juice to taste if you prefer more or less tartness.
- This dish is best served fresh for maximum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop, Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
