Description
This recipe features crispy garlic chicken paired with a fresh bruschetta topping, served over a bed of garlic-infused spaghetti. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (consider using chicken thighs for a juicier bite)
- 8 ounces garlic spread (or substitute with minced garlic and softened butter)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
Bruschetta Topping
- 14.5 ounces bruschetta sauce (or substitute with diced tomatoes mixed with balsamic vinegar)
Spaghetti
- 0.5 pound spaghetti noodles (or any pasta shape you prefer)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Slice the boneless chicken breasts in half lengthwise to create thinner cutlets for even cooking.
- Coat Chicken: Spread garlic spread over each chicken piece generously, then sprinkle panko breadcrumbs evenly to coat the exterior.
- Cook Chicken (Air Fryer Method): Place coated chicken pieces into the air fryer basket, spray with cooking spray, and air fry them at 400°F for 6 minutes. Flip the chicken over and air fry for an additional 6 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
- Alternate Cooking (Baking Method): If preferring the oven, place the coated chicken on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15 minutes until golden and cooked.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions. Reserve one cup of pasta cooking water before draining the noodles.
- Prepare Garlic Spaghetti: Transfer drained spaghetti to a mixing bowl. Stir in the remaining garlic spread and gradually add the reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy, saucy consistency.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the garlic spaghetti as a base on plates, top with the crispy garlic chicken, and spoon bruschetta sauce over the top for a fresh and vibrant finish.
Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for more moist, flavorful meat.
- Substitute garlic spread with a mixture of minced garlic and softened butter if unavailable.
- Regular breadcrumbs can replace panko, though panko provides a lighter crisp.
- Bruschetta sauce can be homemade by mixing diced tomatoes with a splash of balsamic vinegar and fresh basil.
- Any pasta shape you prefer can be used in place of spaghetti.
- Adjust the amount of reserved pasta water added to the spaghetti for desired sauce consistency.
