Pecorino Chicken Goujons with Pasta

If you’re looking for an easy chicken goujons recipe that the whole family will happily eat, these pecorino chicken goujons with pasta are a brilliant midweek option. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with flavour without being too grown-up for little taste buds.

This is one of those meals that feels like a treat but is still simple enough to throw together on a busy evening. It’s perfect for families, works well for fussy eaters, and can easily be adapted depending on what you have in the fridge.

Why this chicken goujons recipe works for families

Homemade chicken goujons are always a hit in our house, and making them yourself means you know exactly what’s going into them. Adding pecorino cheese to the crumb gives them a richer flavour than shop-bought goujons, but they’re still mild enough for kids to enjoy.

Serving them with pasta makes this a filling, balanced meal, and it’s easy to swap the pasta or add veg depending on what your family prefers.

This is also a great recipe if you’re trying to move away from freezer food without adding loads of extra prep time.

Ingredients you’ll need

For the chicken goujons:

• Chicken breast fillets
• Plain flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs
• Grated pecorino cheese can be found in the Ciao Gusto Italian Deli area at Ocado
• Salt and pepper
• Olive oil or cooking spray

For the pasta:

• Pasta of your choice (penne, fusilli or spaghetti all work well)
• Optional extras: cherry tomatoes, peas, sweetcorn or spinach
• Grated cheese for serving (optional)

You don’t need anything fancy here, and most of these are cupboard staples, which makes this recipe ideal for last-minute dinners.

How to make pecorino chicken goujons

Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (fan 180°C).

Slice the chicken breasts into goujon-sized strips and season lightly with salt and pepper. Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with the grated pecorino.

Dip each chicken strip into the flour first, then the egg, and finally coat well in the breadcrumb and cheese mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks properly.

Place the coated goujons on a lined baking tray, drizzle or spray lightly with olive oil, and bake for around 18–22 minutes, turning once, until golden and cooked through. If you prefer, these can also be shallow-fried for extra crispiness.

While the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta according to the packet instructions. Add any vegetables you’re using during the last few minutes of cooking so everything is ready at the same time.

Drain the pasta, toss lightly with a bit of olive oil or butter, and serve topped with the chicken goujons.

Prep and cooking times

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes
• Serves: 4

This makes it a really practical option for busy school nights when you want something homemade but don’t want to be in the kitchen all evening.

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180°C
2. In one bowl, combine panko, pecorino cheese, salt and pepper. Another bowl is for flour, and lastly a bowl with the 2 eggs whisked.
3. One at a time, dip chicken breast in flour, then the egg mixture, then into panko mixture to coat evenly, making sure to press firmly so mixture sticks.
4. Arrange chicken on an oven tray and spray chicken lightly with cooking spray.
5. Bake chicken for around 15 minutes or until cooked thoroughly.

What pasta works best with chicken goujons?

Short pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work particularly well because they’re easy for children to eat and hold onto any added veg or sauce. That said, spaghetti or tagliatelle are great options too if that’s what your family prefers.

If you want to add a simple sauce, a light tomato sauce or a splash of cream stirred through the pasta works well without overpowering the goujons.

Tips for perfect homemade chicken goujons

• For extra crispiness, don’t overcrowd the baking tray
• Turn the goujons halfway through cooking so they brown evenly
• If your kids are sensitive to strong cheese flavours, you can use half pecorino and half mild cheddar
• For a baked version that still feels indulgent, spray generously with oil before cooking

Can you make these chicken goujons ahead of time?

Yes, these goujons are great for prepping ahead. You can crumb the chicken earlier in the day and keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.

They also freeze well before cooking. Lay them out on a tray to freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Storing and reheating leftovers

Any leftover chicken goujons can be stored in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy – the microwave will work, but they’ll be softer.

Leftover pasta can be reheated with a splash of water or sauce to stop it drying out.

Easy variations and swaps

This recipe is very flexible, which makes it ideal for family cooking:

• Swap pecorino for parmesan or a mild hard cheese
• Use chicken thighs instead of breast for extra juiciness
• Add herbs like oregano or basil to the breadcrumbs
• Serve with salad or garlic bread for a more grown-up meal

A simple family dinner everyone will eat

These pecorino chicken goujons with pasta are one of those meals that ticks all the boxes – easy, comforting, and genuinely family-friendly. They’re ideal for busy evenings, work well for picky eaters, and feel like a proper home-cooked dinner without too much effort.

If you’re building a collection of easy family meals, this is definitely one worth keeping in rotation.