There’s no scarcity of savory satisfaction when you indulge in Pecan-Crusted Chicken Breasts. A dish that’s heavily influenced by the traditions of the South, it provides a hearty, delightful twist on the classic chicken dinner. Just as a poet weaves intricate rhymes into their verses, let’s artfully infuse the lush richness of pecans into succulent chicken breasts while enhancing your heart health.
Ingredients List:
For this soulful venture into the world of culinary delights, you’ll need:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup of ground pecans
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup of flour
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- A handful of fresh parsley leaves for garnishing
Instructions:
1. Pre-heat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and set the stage for the magic to unfold.
2. In three separate dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of ground pecans along with garlic and onion powder. Add salt and pepper to the pecan mixture to taste.
3. Dip each chicken breast first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally give it a hearty swirl in the pecan mixture.
4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the pecan-crusted chicken breasts and cook for about 3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
5. Transfer the chicken into the preheat oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes or until thoroughly cooked.
6. Sprinkle with fresh parsley leaves before serving, giving it a perfect garden-fresh spin.
Cooking Time & Servings:
This pecan-wrapped wonder typically takes no more than 35 minutes to prepare and cook. As for servings, this recipe would serve up to four people, making it perfect for a snug family dinner.
Nutritional Information:
Apart from the delightful symphony of flavors it brings to your dining ensemble, Pecan-Crusted Chicken Breasts also hold several beneficial nutritional elements.
Per Serving:
- Total Calories: 500
- Fat: 26g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Protein: 59g
- CoQ10: It’s subjective, depending on the chicken’s diet, but you’re likely to get about 0.6mg per three-ounce serving.
Tips and Tricks:
– Go nuts with the nuts: For folks with nut sensitivities, you can easily substitute pecans with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips.
– Mild to wild: For those seeking a fiery twist, add some chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes to the pecan mix for an extra kick.
– Stay juicy: To keep your chicken moist, avoid overcooking. Use a food thermometer to ensure it’s fully cooked at 165°F in the thickest part.
As we bring this culinary journey to a close…
Remember to allow the Pecan-Crusted Chicken Breasts to rest for a few minutes before serving to seal in the flavors. Enjoying this dish is not just a treat for your taste buds, but also a fantastic way to care for your heart health.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?
– Yes, feel free to experiment with almonds, walnuts, or pistachios.
- How can I ensure the chicken stays moist?
- Avoid overcooking. Using a meat thermometer will help ensure it’s fully cooked at the correct temperature.
- Why isn’t my crust sticking to the chicken pretty well?
- Make sure the chicken is dry before flouring, and press the pecan mixture onto the chicken gently yet firmly.
- Can I make this dish gluten-free?
- Absolutely. Replace the flour with gluten-free flour, and you’re good to go!
- Can I prep these in advance?
- Indeed. You can crust the chicken way before and refrigerate them. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly before serving.
Inviting notes of pecan-crusted perfection to your dining table no longer relies on a trip to a high-end southern restaurant. Try this recipe at home, share your culinary journey on social media, and don’t hesitate to put forward your queries or suggest tweaks. I’m all ears for your scrumptious stories!
