Herb Chicken with Lemon Pasta

Instructions

1. Flatten the Chicken Breasts

   3 min hands-on

   • Place each chicken breast between two sheets of baking parchment or plastic wrap.
   • Use a rolling pin or meat mallet to pound the chicken until about 3mm thick.

2. Season the Flour

   1 min hands-on

   • Spread whole wheat flour onto a shallow tray.
   • Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, mixing well.

3. Prepare the Egg Wash

   1 min hands-on

   • Crack eggs into a shallow dish.
   • Whisk thoroughly and season lightly with salt and pepper.

4. Make the Crust Mixture

   2 min hands-on

   • Combine seasoned breadcrumbs and crushed mixed nuts in a dish.
   • Mix until evenly distributed.

5. Coat the Chicken

   4 min hands-on

   • Dredge each chicken breast in seasoned flour for an even coating.
   • Dip into egg wash, allowing excess to drip off.
   • Press into breadcrumb-nut mixture, coating fully.

6. Cook in the Air Fryer

   1 min hands-on16 min waiting

   • Place coated chicken breasts in the air fryer basket.
   • Drizzle olive oil over the top.
   • Cook at 200°C (390°F) for 6–8 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
   • Set aside to rest.

7. Smash the Garlic

   • Lightly crush garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife or rolling pin.

8. Cook the Garlic

   1 min hands-on10 min waiting

   • Heat a wide, deep pan over low heat.
   • Add olive oil and smashed garlic cloves.
   • Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft and aromatic.

9. Cook the Pasta in Broth

   2 min hands-on12 min waiting

   • Add whole wheat pasta and chicken stock to the pan with garlic.
   • Bring to a gentle simmer, ensuring pasta is submerged.
   • Stir occasionally and cook for about 12 minutes until stock is mostly absorbed and pasta is al dente.

10. Finish with Butter and Lemon

    2 min hands-on

    • Stir in unsalted butter, freshly grated lemon zest, and chopped parsley.
    • Mix thoroughly to coat pasta in sauce.
    • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

11. Plate the Dish

    3 min hands-on

    • Divide garlicky lemon butter pasta between serving plates.
    • Slice crispy chicken breasts, if desired, and place on top of pasta.

12. Garnish and Serve

    • Serve with a wedge of lemon on the side.
    • Optionally, sprinkle additional parsley.
    • Cooking tips:
    • For extra crispy chicken, lightly spray the breadcrumb-coated chicken with additional olive oil before air-frying.
    • Stir occasionally while simmering the pasta in the chicken stock to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
    • If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, remove the garlic cloves from the pan before adding the pasta.
    • Toast the mixed nuts lightly before crushing them for a deeper flavor in the crust.