Crispy Chicken Greek Pasta

Experience the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Crispy Chicken Greek Pasta. This dish features golden, crispy chicken bites paired with tender short pasta and a refreshing medley of fresh Greek salad vegetables, all tossed in a zesty, homemade dressing for a balanced and satisfying main course.

Save

This recipe transforms a classic Greek salad into a hearty meal by adding al dente pasta and parmesan-crusted chicken. The combination of salty feta, tangy Kalamata olives, and a garlic-infused vinaigrette creates a depth of flavor that is both bright and comforting.

Ingredients

• For the Crispy Chicken: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup (40 g) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt and freshly ground black pepper, and 1/3 cup (80 ml) olive oil for frying.
• For the Pasta: 12 oz (340 g) short pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni), 1 tbsp olive oil, and salt for pasta water.
• For the Greek Salad Mix: 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes (halved), 1 cup (120 g) cucumber (diced), 1/2 cup (75 g) red onion (finely sliced), 1/2 cup (70 g) Kalamata olives (pitted and halved), 1/2 cup (80 g) feta cheese (crumbled), and 1/4 cup (10 g) fresh parsley (chopped).
• For the Dressing: 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 garlic clove (finely minced), and salt and black pepper to taste.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Crispy Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko, Parmesan, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge each chicken piece in flour, then egg, then the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and fry chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.

2. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 tbsp olive oil to prevent sticking.

3. Make the Salad and Dressing

In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta, and parsley. Whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pour over the salad and toss gently.

4. Assemble the Dish

In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked pasta and Greek salad mixture. Toss well. Top with the prepared crispy chicken bites. Garnish with extra feta and parsley if desired. Serve immediately.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For extra crunch, you can bake the chicken bites in a 425°F (220°C) oven for 18–20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Feel free to customize this dish by adding extra vegetables like sliced bell peppers or artichoke hearts for more texture and flavor.

Serviervorschläge

This Mediterranean meal pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé.

Save

Whether you're looking for a fresh lunch or a hearty family dinner, this Crispy Chicken Greek Pasta offers a delicious balance of textures and authentic Mediterranean tastes. Enjoy this meal immediately for the best contrast between the warm chicken and cool salad.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and fry the chicken up to 2 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat gently in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes before serving to restore crispness.

→ What pasta shapes work best for this dish?

Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work wonderfully as they catch and hold the dressing and salad ingredients. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti as it doesn't combine well with the chunky salad components.

→ How do I keep the chicken crispy if making this ahead?

Store the fried chicken separately from the pasta and salad mixture. Combine everything just before serving, or add the chicken on top at the last moment to maintain its crispy texture.

→ Can I substitute feta cheese with another option?

Absolutely. Ricotta salata, goat cheese, or even fresh mozzarella provide similar tangy or creamy qualities. Adjust quantities based on the cheese's intensity to maintain balanced flavors.

→ Is there a gluten-free alternative for this dish?

Yes, use gluten-free flour blend and panko breadcrumbs for the chicken coating, and choose gluten-free short pasta. Always verify that other ingredients like Worcestershire or pre-made seasonings are gluten-free certified.

→ What wine pairs well with this meal?

Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé complement the Mediterranean flavors beautifully. These wines cut through the richness of the fried chicken while enhancing the fresh vegetable and feta elements.