Pistachio Encrusted Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 cup Aurora shelled pistachios, finely chopped

– 1/2 cup Panko or gluten-free bread crumbs (optional for added texture)

– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 2 eggs, beaten

– Olive oil for cooking

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Pistachios:

   – Place shelled pistachios in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. You can also place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin.

3. Create the Pistachio Coating:

   – In a shallow dish, combine the finely chopped pistachios, breadcrumbs (if using), grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

4. Prepare the Chicken:

   – Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

5. Coat Chicken in Pistachio Mixture:

   – Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is well-coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the pistachio mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to adhere.

6. Pan-Sear the Chicken:

   – In an oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken breasts and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until the pistachio coating is golden brown.

7. Finish in the Oven:

   – Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

Rest and Serve:

   – Remove the pistachio-encrusted chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to be redistributed.

9. Garnish and Enjoy:

   – Garnish the pistachio-encrusted chicken with additional chopped pistachios or fresh herbs if desired. Serve it with your favorite side dishes.

10. Serve Warm:

    – Enjoy your delicious and flavorful pistachio-encrusted chicken warm!

This recipe adds a delightful crunch and rich flavor to the chicken, making it a unique and impressive dish for any meal.
Feel free to pair it with a side of salad, roasted vegetables, or your favorite grain for a complete and satisfying meal.