Walnut-Crusted Chicken Breast

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Recipe Summary Walnut-Crusted Chicken Breast

I almost never order a nut-crusted entree in a restaurant, as they often feature a sugary glaze or a too-sweet nut, like pecan or macadamia. That's not an issue here since we're going with buttery, subtly bitter walnuts, held on with a very savory 'nut glue,' made with a garlic and mustard base. This protective layer of deliciousness makes boneless, skinless chicken breast taste like it was just carved off a freshly roasted carcass.

Ingredients | Garlic Chicken Chicken Breast Recipes For Dinner

5 cloves garlic, crushed

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard, divided

2 teaspoons fresh thyme

2 (8 ounce) skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

cayenne pepper to taste

1 ½ cups finely chopped walnuts

1 tablespoon olive oil, or to taste

½ cup chicken broth

2 teaspoons honey

Directions

Mix garlic, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, and thyme together in a bowl to make the "nut glue."

Season chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and cayenne. Spread nut glue all over the chicken. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Toss walnuts over the chicken, press down firmly, and repeat on the other side to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate for 1 1/2 to 3 hours.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).

Coat the bottom of an oven-proof skillet with some olive oil. Place chicken breasts on top, reserving excess nuts if desired. Season with a pinch of salt and drizzle more olive oil on top.

Bake in the center of the preheated oven until walnuts are lightly toasted and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a breast reads 150 degrees F (66 degrees C), about 25 minutes.

Quickly remove chicken to a plate to rest. Transfer skillet to the stovetop; stir in broth, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, and honey and bring to a boil over high heat; cook until reduced by about half, 3 to 4 minutes. Spoon pan sauce over and around the chicken to serve.

You can prep the chicken hours ahead if you prefer.

Be careful taking the pan out of the oven and keep the handle covered with a towel or mitt at all times.

Nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of walnut coating. The actual amount of coating consumed will vary.

Info | Garlic Chicken Chicken Breast Recipes For Dinner

prep: 20 mins cook: 35 mins additional: 1 hr 30 mins total: 2 hrs 25 mins Servings: 4 Yield: 2 chicken breasts

TAG : Walnut-Crusted Chicken Breast

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