Golden crispy chicken bites with tender pasta, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, and olives in a zesty Mediterranean dressing.
# List of ingredients:
→ Crispy Chicken
01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
05 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
06 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
09 - 1/3 cup olive oil for frying
→ Pasta
10 - 12 ounces short pasta such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni
11 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
12 - Salt for pasta water
→ Greek Salad Mix
13 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
14 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
15 - 1/2 cup red onion, finely sliced
16 - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
17 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
18 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
→ Dressing
19 - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
20 - 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
21 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
22 - 1 garlic clove, finely minced
23 - Salt and black pepper to taste
# How to make it:
01 - Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Set up three separate bowls: first with flour, second with beaten eggs, and third with panko, Parmesan cheese, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper mixed together. Dredge each chicken piece first in flour, then egg, then the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure coating adheres. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken in batches for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain pasta and toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil to prevent sticking.
03 - In a large bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and fresh parsley. In a separate bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Pour dressing over salad mixture and toss gently to combine.
04 - In a large serving bowl, combine cooked pasta and Greek salad mixture, tossing well to distribute ingredients evenly. Top with crispy chicken bites. Garnish with additional crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
