Pistachio Chicken

This is a delicious Pistachio Chicken dish you can enjoy as a special dinner with the family, just chicken mixed with pistachios and other seasonings, then baked to get that beautiful, crispy texture.

Mixing chicken with nuts is always a good idea to create new flavors with the tender taste of chicken. But have you ever tried it with pistachios? For me, it was a first, I’ve made chicken with almonds and other nuts before, but pistachios never crossed my mind until now.

The taste of pistachios adds a great flavor alongside the chicken and other seasonings. I used a light seasoning mix with garlic, onion, thyme, salt, and pepper. I thought about adding Tuscan seasoning, but I wanted the pistachio flavor to stand out. Of course, I also used breadcrumbs to give a nice crispy texture in the end.

For the cooking, I cooked the chicken a little in my pan and then baked it for 20 minutes, but you can bake it directly if you prefer.

This Pistachio Chicken dish is not hard to make at home and will take a maximum of 40 minutes. The flavors at the end will satisfy you, especially if you love the taste of nuts with meats.

If you want, you can serve your Pistachio Chicken with a Spinach Arugula Salad, as I did. It adds a nice green and refreshing taste to your dish.

What is Pistachio Chicken?

Pistachio Chicken is a delicious crispy dish made with chicken breasts coated in a crunchy pistachio crust. This crust is made from chopped pistachios, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a little garlic and thyme. You can cook it by baking or by cooking it in a pan first and then baking it like I did. The nutty pistachios make the dish crunchy and give it an unusual flavor that goes perfectly with the taste of other seasonings. Plus, it’s easy to make in about 40 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Meat mallet or rolling pin
• Plastic wrap
• Shallow dishes (for coating)
• Large ovenproof skillet
• Oven
• Meat thermometer

How to Make Pistachio Chicken?

Step 1:

Start by turning on the oven to 375°F (190°C). Put the chicken between two pieces of plastic wrap and then tap it with a rolling pin until it’s flat, This is not necessary, sometimes I ignore this step.

Step 2:

In a big bowl, mix the chopped pistachios, breadcrumbs, cheese, and seasonings like garlic, onion, thyme, salt, and pepper, or use any seasoning you like.

Step 3:

In another bowl, crack the eggs and mix them up. This will make the nuts stick to the chicken.

Step 4:

Now Dip the chicken in the egg mixture, then press it into the pistachio mix so it’s covered in nuts.

Step 5:

Now you have two choices, you can bake the chicken directly in the oven or heat some oil in a big pan. Cook the chicken on each side and after that move it to the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Enjoy.

Some Tips!

• Make sure to use fresh pistachios for the best flavor.
• Place the pistachios in a plastic bag and crush them very well. This makes it easy to get the right texture or use a blender to chop the pistachios quickly, But be careful not to turn them into powder.
• If you want to mix things up, you can try using different cheeses in the coating.
• If you want, you can use chicken tenders instead of breasts. They cook faster and also taste so good with the Pistachio mix.

How to Store Leftovers?

Put any leftover Pistachio Chicken in a container with a lid and keep it in the fridge. It will stay good for 2 days maximum. You can also keep it in the freezer for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to eat it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in the oven.

What to Eat with Pistachio Chicken?

The dish goes so well with green salads, but there are lots of other sides and drinks you can pair with it, Roasted vegetables or Creamy mashed potatoes are the best for me to pair as a side with this Pistachio Chicken, Also a simple pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs can be a great meal to eat with it. If you’re a true lover of pistachio, complete your meal with a pistachio shot for a fun, nutty treat, and enjoy a full meal packed with pistachio flavors.

FAQ

What is Pistachio Chicken made of?

Pistachio Chicken is made with chicken breasts coated in a crunchy mixture of crushed pistachios, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings, then baked.

Can I use other nuts for this recipe?

Yes, you can use almonds if you prefer. Just make sure they are finely chopped and don’t forget to share with us your experience.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs in place of regular breadcrumbs.

What if I don’t have an ovenproof skillet?

You can use a regular skillet to brown the chicken and then transfer it to a baking dish for baking.

Conclusion

I loved this Pistachio Chicken, and I’m sure you will too, It’s a fantastic dish with the nutty, delicious flavors of pistachios, chicken breast, and tasty seasonings. Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and subscribe to my blog for more new-style chicken recipes.