Description
Walnut Crusted Chicken offers a flavorful twist on traditional chicken recipes by combining crunchy walnuts with savory Parmesan cheese and herbs to create a crispy, golden crust. The juicy, tender chicken paired with the nutty, crunchy topping makes for a satisfying and nutritious meal. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, this dish is easy to prepare and impressive enough to serve guests.
Ingredients
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs total)
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Walnuts (finely chopped)
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
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Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)
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Egg (beaten)
- 1 egg, beaten
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Dijon Mustard
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
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Olive Oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
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Salt and Pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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Prepare the walnut crust mixture:
- In a shallow dish, combine the finely chopped walnuts, grated Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs.
- Season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
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Prepare the egg mixture:
- In another shallow dish, whisk together the beaten egg and Dijon mustard.
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Coat the chicken:
- Dip each chicken breast first into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Then, press the chicken into the walnut mixture, covering the chicken with a thick layer of the crust.
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Place on the baking sheet:
- Place the crusted chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle the tops with olive oil for extra crispiness.
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Bake the chicken:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the crust is golden and crispy.
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Rest the chicken:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
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Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Spice it up: For extra flavor, add garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to the walnut crust mixture.
- Nut variations: If you prefer, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts like almonds or pecans for a different texture and flavor.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almond meal as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs.
- Lemon zest: Add lemon zest to the walnut mixture for a fresh, citrusy flavor.
