Description
This Crispy Pistachio Crusted Chicken Breast recipe offers a gourmet and easy-to-make dish that combines nutty, crunchy pistachios with tender, flavorful chicken breasts. Perfectly coated and baked to golden perfection, this dish is enhanced with garlic, lemon zest, and a beautiful garnish of pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 2 pieces boneless and skinless chicken breasts
Crust
- 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Binding & Cooking
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Finishing & Garnish
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest or 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken and achieving a crispy, golden crust.
- Prepare Pistachio Mixture: Pulse the shelled pistachios in a food processor until crumbly. In a bowl, combine the chopped pistachios with breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to create the coating mixture.
- Prep Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and pound them to an even thickness to ensure uniform cooking.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs to coat, then press and coat thoroughly with the pistachio and breadcrumb mixture, covering all sides.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil or melted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the coated chicken breasts for about 2 minutes on each side to lock in flavor and add extra crispiness to the crust.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the seared chicken breasts on a lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- Finalize & Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven. Drizzle with lemon juice or sprinkle lemon zest for brightness. Optionally, garnish with pomegranate seeds to add a pop of color and a sweet-tart flavor contrast before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute pecans for pistachios if desired for a different nutty flavor.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Adjust garlic powder, salt, and pepper to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Ensure chicken breasts are even thickness for consistent cooking and to avoid under/overcooking.
- Searing before baking helps to develop extra crispness and seals in juices.
- Pomegranate seeds are optional but add a lovely color contrast and flavor dimension.
