Fried Chicken > Does fried chicken go with pasta

Does Fried Chicken Go With Pasta?

Fried chicken and pasta may seem like an unusual combination, but they can actually pair quite well together under the right circumstances. Here’s a look at how these two foods can be brought together for a tasty dish.

Does Fried Chicken Go With Pasta?

At first glance, fried chicken and pasta may seem like an unlikely pairing. After all, breaded fried chicken is more commonly served alongside Southern-style sides like mashed potatoes, biscuits, or coleslaw. However, with the right preparation and ingredients, fried chicken can absolutely complement and enhance a pasta dish.

The key is balancing flavors and textures. Crispy, savory fried chicken provides a pleasant crunch that contrasts nicely with soft, pillowy pasta noodles. Cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces makes it easy to incorporate and eat with the pasta. Opt for thin, light breading rather than a dense batter coating to prevent the chicken from clashing with the pasta.

When it comes to sauce, rich, creamy alfredo is a natural fit, as the chicken matches the sauce’s decadence. For a lighter option, go for an olive oil-based sauce made with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and Parmesan. The acidity and brightness balance out the fried chicken. Tomato-based sauces like marinara also pair well, letting the sweetness of the tomatoes balance the savoriness of the crispy chicken.

Related post: Does fried chicken go with lasagna?

To make this combination healthier, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts pounded thin and lightly breaded in seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Pair with whole wheat pasta and load up on sauteed vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes to add nutrients.

While fried chicken and pasta both pack calories and carbs, watching portion sizes and adding fresh ingredients can make this an occasional indulgent meal. The key is balancing the rich chicken with lighter pasta and sauce options. So go ahead and give this Southern-Italian mashup a try for something deliciously different!

Complementary Flavors

The savory, crispy coating of fried chicken offers a pleasant contrast to many pasta dishes. Pastas with a cream or cheese-based sauce tend to be especially complementary. The crunch of the fried exterior also balances out the soft, pillowy pasta noodles.

Additionally, many popular pasta sauces like marinara or alfredo taste great with fried chicken. The richness of the chicken matches well with the acidity of a tomato sauce or the creaminess of an alfredo. Herb seasonings commonly used for Italian food also pair nicely with traditional fried chicken seasoning.

Making It Work

When combining fried chicken and pasta, it’s usually best to cut the chicken into pieces or strips to mix it in with the pasta. Large fried chicken pieces may be awkward to eat with noodles. Shredded or diced chicken blends seamlessly into pasta dishes.

Lighter olive oil-based pasta recipes often work better than heavy, cheese-laden dishes if you’ll be adding fried chicken. For example, a lemon garlic pasta with broccoli and diced fried chicken breast has a nice balance of flavors and textures. Using shredded rotisserie chicken or chicken tenders is an easy shortcut too.

Some classic Italian pasta dishes like chicken parmesan or chicken alfredo already contain breaded fried chicken. So enjoy fried chicken with pasta in moderation, as both foods can be high in fat and calories. Focus on creating a balanced meal.

Tips for Serving Fried Chicken with Pasta

Here are some tips to help you successfully pair fried chicken and pasta:

1. 1. Cut fried chicken into bite-sized pieces or shred it to mix in easily with pasta.
   2. Balance heavier pasta dishes like alfredo with lighter chicken breading.
   3. Opt for crispier, thinner breadings rather than thick batter on the chicken.
   4. To reduce fat and calories, remove skin from chicken before breading or use boneless chicken breast.
   5. Saute some vegetables like spinach, broccoli or tomatoes to add to the pasta dish.
   6. Sprinkle in fresh herbs like parsley, basil or oregano to brighten the flavors.
   7. Garlic, parmesan and lemon make excellent flavor additions.
   8. Consider lighter pasta options like angel hair, ziti or rotini instead of rich fettuccine alfredo.
   9. Make sure the pasta and chicken are hot and fresh when served together.

–

So, Does chicken and pasta go together?

Chicken and pasta is a classic pairing that definitely goes well together. The tender, mild flavor of chicken complements most pasta dishes. Shredded rotisserie chicken mixed into a creamy pasta adds a hearty texture. Sauteed chicken breast pairs nicely with light olive oil pastas.

Italian classics like chicken Parmesan and chicken Alfredo also join chicken and pasta. The key is using well-seasoned, cooked chicken that is cut into bite-sized pieces to mix in seamlessly with the pasta. Add veggies and a sauce that complements, not overpowers the chicken.

FAQs
Can I use leftover or frozen fried chicken?

Yes, leftover fried chicken can be chopped up and tossed with pasta. Thaw frozen chicken properly and reheat before mixing it with hot pasta. This cuts down on cooking time.

What sauces go well with fried chicken pasta?

Classic tomato-based sauces, alfredo sauce, lemon garlic sauce, pesto and herbed olive oil are all good options. Avoid heavy, creamy sauces if possible.

What does fried chicken pair with?

Besides classic Southern-style sides, fried chicken also pairs well with many unexpected foods. The crispy, savory coating and juicy meat work well in sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and pastas. The crunch balances soft bread, lettuce, or noodles while the chicken adds hearty protein. Italian options like chicken Parmesan or chicken piccata use a breaded and pan-fried chicken cutlet.

Fried chicken tenders or nuggets are also great on top of salad greens and with ranch or blue cheese dressing. Mix diced fried chicken into cheesy pasta bakes and casseroles for added texture. Fried chicken can pair with avocado, peppers, corn, beans, grains, and greens for more nutritious combinations.

What kind of pasta pairs best with fried chicken?

Lighter pastas like angel hair, linguine or spaghetti work well. Heartier pastas like penne, rotini or ziti can also pair nicely for a more filling meal. Avoid heavy, dense pastas like lasagna or ravioli.

Is fried chicken and spaghetti a thing?

While it may seem unconventional, fried chicken and spaghetti can be a delicious pairing when done right. Crispy, savory fried chicken provides a nice textural contrast to soft and silky spaghetti. Cut fried chicken into strips or small pieces to mix in easily with pasta.

An herb-infused tomato sauce complements fried chicken nicely. Or go for a lemon garlic and olive oil sauce for brightness. To make it healthier, use chicken breast, light breading, and veggie-packed pasta. In moderation, this Southern-Italian mashup is a unique and tasty meal.

What about breading styles for fried chicken with pasta?

A light, crisp breading or panko coating helps the chicken blend with pasta. Thick batters like tempura or beer batter may overwhelm the pasta. Herb-seasoned breadcrumbs are a quick and tasty choice.

What to have with breaded chicken?

Breaded chicken tends to be on the heavier side, so aim for lighter sides to balance the meal. Baked potatoes or sweet potatoes work well, as do salads with vinaigrette dressing. Sauces like barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or chimichurri pair nicely for dipping.

For something different, try breaded chicken on top of cooked whole grains like quinoa, farro, or brown rice. Steamed green vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are nutrient-dense sides. Or make breaded chicken the protein on a mixed greens salad for a lighter take.

Is this a healthy meal option?

Fried chicken and pasta are both higher in calories, so enjoy this combination in moderation. Use lighter ingredients and add veggies to create a more balanced dish. Portion sizes are also important.

 

[hfe_template id=’18649′]

[hfe_template id=’18656′]