Garlicky Goodness

My mother came for a visit this weekend and while she was in town my brother requested she make one of his favorite dishes - Garlicky Chicken.  Think breaded chicken pieces, pasta, and a butter sauce loaded with garlic...This is not a diet dish.

This is a dish that Mom created for us when we were kids and it was a hit from the start.  It was no different this time.  If you love garlic, you are gonna love this.

Garlicky Chicken
Serves 6 to 8

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 eggs
3/4 cup water
4 to 5 cups of breadcrumbs
5 cloves of garlic or more to taste
olive oil
butter
1 lb spaghetti
4 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Slice chicken into small pieces.  Be careful not to make the pieces too thick because it will take them longer to cook through and the outside breading will get too dark.

Beat eggs, and mix with water.  Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture.  (You may need to add one more egg and a bit more water for your batch.  Have the eggs on hand.)  Then, dredge in breadcrumbs.  Again, you may need to adjust the amount of breadcrumbs to ensure adequate breading for your chicken.  NOTE:  My brother likes to season the breadcrumbs and my mom does not.  You decide for yourself.  That is the joy of being a grown-up.

Melt butter in large skillet with olive oil and garlic.  Notice I didn't provide measurements.  It depends on how large your skillet is, how long you are cooking the chicken, and your personal taste.  You want to make sure the bottom is generously covered and you need to decide if you want more butter than olive oil or vice versa.  Add the garlic after the butter is melted or it will burn.  Brown chicken in garlic seasoned oil and butter.

Set aside on paper towels to drain.  Before you are finished with all the chicken pieces, start cooking pasta according to directions on package.

Once you brown all chicken, add a bit more butter, garlic, and olive oil to skillet.  Before you start, you may want to remove the skillet from the heat and wipe it clean if there is a lot of breading debris in the bottom of the pan.  If you leave it in there, the breading crumbs will turn black and it make your dish look unappetizing.  Heat this long enough to melt butter and slightly brown the garlic.

Heap cooked and drained pasta on a large platter.  Spoon half of the butter, olive oil, and garlic mixture over the pasta.  Add the chicken pieces then drizzle with remaining butter mixture.  Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

Thanks, Mom!