Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Pesto Penne

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Pesto Penne is a flavorful, satisfying meal that combines tender, bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a golden Parmesan crust with a vibrant basil pesto penne. This dish delivers a perfect balance of crunchy and savory chicken paired with fresh, herby pasta. The Parmesan adds a rich umami flavor to the chicken, while the pesto sauce brings the penne to life with its zesty notes of garlic, basil, and pine nuts. Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

For the Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the Pesto Penne:

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon (optional for brightness)
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breading Station

  • Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour, seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
  • In the third bowl, mix the grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs together.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Bites

  • Dip each chicken piece into the seasoned flour, making sure it’s fully coated.
  • Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off.
  • Finally, coat the chicken thoroughly in the Parmesan-panko mixture. Press the mixture onto the chicken pieces to ensure an even and thick coating.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Bites

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, place the coated chicken bites in the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overcrowd.
  • Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the chicken bites are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Once done, transfer the chicken bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Keep warm while preparing the pasta.

Step 4: Cook the Penne

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes.
  • Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining the penne.

Step 5: Prepare the Pesto Sauce

  • While the pasta is cooking, make the pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
  • Pulse a few times until the ingredients are finely chopped.
  • With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
  • If the pesto is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Toss the Pesto with the Penne

  • Once the penne is drained, return it to the pot and stir in the prepared pesto. Toss the pasta until it’s fully coated with the pesto, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if necessary to help the sauce cling to the pasta.

COOKING Note:

  • When frying the chicken bites, be careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the oil’s temperature, which may result in soggy chicken rather than a crispy, golden crust.
  • For extra crispiness, you can also bake the coated chicken bites in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, instead of frying.

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve the Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites on top of the pesto penne or on the side.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or additional grated Parmesan for an extra flavor boost.
  • A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette pairs beautifully with this dish, as does a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers.
  • For a richer meal, you can drizzle a bit of balsamic reduction over the chicken bites or toss some cherry tomatoes into the pasta for a pop of sweetness.

Tips:

  • For a healthier alternative, try baking the chicken bites instead of frying. Just arrange them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes.
  • You can prepare the pesto ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
  • If you’re short on pine nuts, substitute with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor in the pesto.
  • Try adding a handful of spinach or arugula to the pesto for added nutrients and a bit of peppery flavor.

Prep Time:

  • 20 minutes

Cooking Time:

  • 20 minutes for the chicken bites
  • 10 minutes for the pasta

Total Time:

  • 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4):

  • Calories: 620
  • Protein: 38g
  • Sodium: 870mg
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fat: 30g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 2g

Conclusion:

Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Pesto Penne is a crowd-pleasing dish that offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The crispy, savory chicken pairs perfectly with the fresh, herby pesto-coated penne, creating a comforting yet vibrant meal. This recipe is easy enough to whip up for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve to guests at a dinner party. Whether you’re a pesto lover or a fan of crispy chicken, this dish brings together the best of both worlds in a plate of ultimate deliciousness.

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Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites with Pesto Penne


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Crispy Parmesan Chicken Bites:

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the Pesto Penne:

  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • 1/3 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of half a lemon (optional for brightness)
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Breading Station

  • Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour, seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
  • In the third bowl, mix the grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs together.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Bites

  • Dip each chicken piece into the seasoned flour, making sure it’s fully coated.
  • Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off.
  • Finally, coat the chicken thoroughly in the Parmesan-panko mixture. Press the mixture onto the chicken pieces to ensure an even and thick coating.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Bites

  • Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Once the oil is hot, place the coated chicken bites in the skillet in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overcrowd.
  • Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the chicken bites are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). You may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
  • Once done, transfer the chicken bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Keep warm while preparing the pasta.

Step 4: Cook the Penne

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes.
  • Reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water before draining the penne.

Step 5: Prepare the Pesto Sauce

  • While the pasta is cooking, make the pesto. In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic.
  • Pulse a few times until the ingredients are finely chopped.
  • With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto reaches your desired consistency. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
  • If the pesto is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Toss the Pesto with the Penne

  • Once the penne is drained, return it to the pot and stir in the prepared pesto. Toss the pasta until it’s fully coated with the pesto, adding a bit of the reserved pasta water if necessary to help the sauce cling to the pasta.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes for the chicken bites 10 minutes for the pasta

Nutrition

  • Calories: 620
  • Sodium: 870mg
  • Protein: 38g

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