Imagine a dish that transports you to sun-drenched Mediterranean coastlines with just one bite - a culinary journey where tender chicken meets the rich, buttery crunch of perfectly toasted pine nuts. This Savory Chicken with Pine Nuts isn't just a recipe; it's an experience that elevates your weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. With restaurant-quality flavors and a preparation time of just 40 minutes, you'll create a meal that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and will have your family and guests begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon rosemary
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove chicken breasts from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to allow them to reach room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve better browning.
- Season both sides of chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and rosemary, pressing the seasonings gently into the meat.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers and is hot but not smoking.
- Carefully place chicken breasts into the hot skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side until golden brown and a nice crust forms.
- Flip chicken breasts and add minced garlic to the pan, allowing the garlic to become fragrant but not burn.
- Reduce heat to medium and continue cooking for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- In the last 2 minutes of cooking, sprinkle pine nuts around the chicken to lightly toast them, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Remove chicken from skillet and let rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Plate the chicken and sprinkle toasted pine nuts over the top as a garnish before serving.
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Always let your chicken rest at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent dry, tough meat.
- Moisture is the Enemy of Browning: Pat your chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels to achieve that beautiful golden-brown crust.
- Season Generously: Don't be shy with salt, pepper, and rosemary - these seasonings are key to developing deep, rich flavors.
- Watch Your Heat: Medium-high heat is crucial for creating a perfect sear without burning the chicken or pine nuts.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check that chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's fully cooked.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking helps redistribute juices, keeping the meat tender and moist.
- Toast Pine Nuts Carefully: Add pine nuts in the last 2 minutes of cooking and stir frequently to prevent burning, as they can quickly go from perfectly toasted to burnt.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
