This pistachio-crusted chicken dish is a delightful combination of crispy and savory chicken breasts topped with a tangy sun-dried cherry and orange sauce. The pistachio crust adds a wonderful crunch, while the sauce provides a burst of sweet and tangy flavors. It's a perfect dish for a special dinner or any time you want to impress your guests. With a preparation time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is convenient and quick to make. It is suitable for various diets and cuisines, making it a versatile option for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup shelled pistachios
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup sun-dried cherries
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a food processor, pulse the pistachios until finely chopped. Transfer to a shallow dish.
- In another shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the chicken breast into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Place the chicken breast into the dish with the chopped pistachios, pressing gently to adhere the nuts to the chicken. Coat both sides with the pistachio crust.
- Heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the pistachio-crusted chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
- Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the sun-dried cherry and orange sauce. In a small saucepan, combine the sun-dried cherries, orange juice, and honey. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 8-10 minutes, until the cherries are plump and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the sauce, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens further.
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- To serve, spoon the sun-dried cherry and orange sauce over the pistachio-crusted chicken breasts. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Enjoy this delicious pistachio crusted chicken with the tangy sun-dried cherry and orange sauce!
Interesting Facts
Pistachios are a healthy source of protein, fiber, and beneficial fats.
Orange juice adds a citrusy flavor and vitamin C to the sauce.
The combination of pistachios, cherries, and orange creates a unique flavor profile.
This recipe can be easily customized by substituting chicken with fish or tofu for a vegetarian option.
The pistachio crust adds a gluten-free crunch to the dish.