Are you tired of bland, boring chicken dishes that leave you unsatisfied? Prepare to be amazed by our Pine Nut Crusted Chicken - a mouthwatering recipe that combines the rich, buttery flavor of pine nuts with perfectly crispy, golden-brown chicken. This restaurant-quality meal is not just a recipe; it's a culinary experience that will elevate your home cooking and impress even the most discerning food lovers. Get ready to turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into an extraordinary gastronomic adventure!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup pine nuts, crushed
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for drizzling
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating adhere better and ensures a crispy crust.
- In a shallow dish, combine crushed pine nuts, breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly to create an even coating mixture.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring even distribution of seasoning.
- Prepare a breading station: Beat eggs in one bowl, and place the pine nut-breadcrumb mixture in another bowl.
- Dip each chicken breast first into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then carefully coat with the pine nut and breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the crust adhere.
- Place the crusted chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.
- Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top of each chicken breast to help promote golden browning.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moist and tender chicken.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, and serve with a side of roasted vegetables or salad.
Tips
- Always pat chicken breasts completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Use fresh, high-quality pine nuts for the most robust flavor and best texture.
- Press the pine nut mixture firmly onto the chicken to create a thick, even crust.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness without overcooking.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking to retain maximum juiciness.
- For extra flavor, toast the pine nuts lightly before crushing them.
- If pine nuts are expensive, you can substitute with sliced almonds for a similar crunch.
- Serve immediately after resting to maintain the crispy crust's texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 125mg
