This walnut-crusted chicken recipe is a delightful blend of textures and flavors. The rich, nutty crust provides a satisfying crunch to the tender and moist chicken. The blend of dijon and honey mustard glaze enhances the flavor, making it a perfect dish to charm your dinner guests with.
The key ingredient to pay special attention to is the walnuts. You'll need them finely chopped to give your chicken the right texture and crunch. Another important ingredient is dijon mustard, which adds a distinctly tangy flavor to the marinade and glaze. If you're not a regular buyer of these ingredients, you'll want to remember to pick them up from the supermarket.
Ingredients for the Walnut-Crusted Chicken
Chicken breasts: Lean, protein-rich meat that's perfect for a hearty meal.
Extra virgin olive oil: An essential cooking oil and flavor enhancer.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy and spicy flavor.
Dry white wine: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds depth of flavor.
Garlic cloves: Adds a savory touch to the dish.
Dried thyme: Aromatic herb that complements chicken.
Walnuts: Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the dish.
All purpose flour: Helps in creating a thick crust on the chicken.
Salt: Brings out the other flavors in the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat.
Fresh parsley: Gives a fresh, herbal note to the dish.
Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to balance the tanginess of the mustard.
One reader, Gladi Braswell says:
This walnut-crusted chicken recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The crunchy walnut coating adds a delightful texture, and the honey mustard glaze is the perfect finishing touch. It's a hit with my family every time!
Techniques Required for Making Walnut-Crusted Chicken
How to marinate the chicken: Combine the chicken, olive oil, mustard, white wine, garlic, and dried thyme in a large zipped-top bag or container. Seal shut and shake to combine. Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
How to coat the chicken: Combine the walnuts, flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shake off excess, and dip both sides of the chicken in the walnut mixture, coating it well.
How to sear the chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 2 minutes, 1 minute on each side.
How to make the honey mustard glaze: Whisk the honey and Dijon mustard together until well combined.
How to serve: Drizzle the honey mustard glaze over the chicken and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
How To Make Walnut Crusted Chicken
This delicious crusted chicken is marinated in white wine and herbs, coated with nuts, then paired with a honey mustard glaze, for a juicy and filling meal!
Serves:
Ingredients
- 4large chicken breasts,boneless, skinless
- ⅓cupextra virgin olive oil,plus more for pan
- ¼cupDijon mustard
- ¼cupdry white wine,or chicken broth
- 3garlic cloves,minced
- 1tspdried thyme
- 1½cupswalnuts,finely diced
- 1cupall purpose flour,or whole wheat flour
- 1tspsalt
- ½tspfreshly ground black pepper
- fresh parsley,for serving, optional
For Honey Mustard Glaze:
- 3tbspDijon mustard
- ⅓cuphoney
Instructions
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Place the chicken, olive oil, mustard, white wine, garlic, and dried thyme in a large zipped-top bagger container. Seal shut, then give it a shake to combine.
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Refrigerate for 4 hours or overnight.
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Combine the walnuts, flour, salt, and pepper together in a shallow dish. Remove the chicken, shake off a little excess marinade and dip both sides of the chicken in the walnut mixture, coating it well.
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
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Over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet. Add the chicken and sear for 2 minutes, 1 minute on each side.
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Transfer skillet to the oven and bake, covered loosely with aluminum foil, for 15 to 20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked through.
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Whisk the honey and Dijon mustard together. Serve with chicken, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 777.05kcal
- Fat: 40.38g
- Saturated Fat: 8.49g
- Trans Fat: 0.23g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 22.21g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.22g
- Carbohydrates: 50.60g
- Fiber: 2.42g
- Sugar: 23.77g
- Protein: 50.22g
- Cholesterol: 139.20mg
- Sodium: 801.47mg
- Calcium: 65.46mg
- Potassium: 619.19mg
- Iron: 4.39mg
- Vitamin A: 68.56µg
- Vitamin C: 5.63mg
Essential Technique Tip for Perfect Walnut-Crusted Chicken
When coating the chicken with the walnut mixture, press firmly to ensure the mixture adheres well to the chicken. This will create a more robust and flavorful crust. Also, remember to shake off the excess marinade before coating to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet and not sticking properly.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Chicken Recipe
Prep ahead: Marinate the chicken the night before to save time on the day of cooking.
One-pan meal: Use an oven-safe skillet to sear and bake the chicken in the same dish, reducing clean-up time.
Efficient coating: Use a large zipped-top bag or container to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade.
Quick glaze: Prepare the honey mustard glaze while the chicken is baking to streamline the serving process.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen tools like a garlic press to expedite the preparation process.
Organized workspace: Set up all ingredients and tools in an organized manner to work efficiently.
Substitute Ingredients For Walnut Crusted Chicken Recipe
Walnuts - Substitute with Pecans: Pecans have a similar rich and buttery flavor to walnuts and will provide a delicious nutty crust for the chicken.
Dijon mustard - Substitute with Whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard has a similar tangy flavor and texture, which will work well in the marinade and glaze for the chicken.
Dry white wine - Substitute with Chicken or vegetable broth: Broth can provide a similar depth of flavor and moisture to the dish without the use of alcohol.
All purpose flour - Substitute with Almond flour: Almond flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative and will create a nuttier flavor and crunch in the crust.
Honey - Substitute with Maple syrup: Maple syrup can offer a similar sweetness and depth of flavor to the glaze for the chicken.
Best Way to Present Walnut-Crusted Chicken
Elevate the plating: When presenting the walnut-crusted chicken, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Use edible flowers and microgreens to add vibrant colors and delicate textures to the dish.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Introduce a contrast of textures by adding a side of crispy kale chips or roasted root vegetables to complement the tender and crunchy elements of the walnut-crusted chicken.
Highlight the honey mustard glaze: Drizzle the honey mustard glaze in an artistic manner on the plate, using a squeeze bottle or a small spoon to create elegant swirls or drizzles that enhance the overall presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the walnut-crusted chicken to be the focal point. Arrange the components thoughtfully, leaving areas of the plate bare to create a visually appealing and balanced presentation.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the walnut-crusted chicken.
Consider plate shape and color: Choose a plate that complements the colors of the dish, such as a white or neutral-toned plate, to allow the vibrant hues of the food to stand out. Additionally, consider using uniquely shaped plates to add an element of creativity to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Walnut-Crusted Chicken
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for a variety of tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Used for accurately measuring ingredients in both liquid and dry forms.
- Mixing bowl: Used for combining ingredients and mixing batters or dough.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending, whipping, and beating ingredients.
- Food processor: A versatile appliance used for chopping, pureeing, and blending ingredients.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and sloping sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing.
- Oven-safe skillet: A skillet that can be used on the stovetop and then transferred to the oven for cooking.
- Zipped-top bag or container: Used for marinating ingredients by sealing them in a bag or container.
- Aluminum foil: Used for covering and wrapping food for cooking or storage.
How To Store and Freeze Walnut-Crusted Chicken
Let the walnut-crusted chicken cool completely before storing it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
To freeze the chicken, place the cooled pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid (about 2 hours). Once frozen, transfer the chicken to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents.
Frozen walnut-crusted chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
To reheat, place the thawed chicken on a baking sheet and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. You can also reheat individual pieces in the microwave, but the crust may lose some of its crispiness.
If you want to maintain the crunchiness of the walnut crust, it's best to reheat the chicken in the oven or toaster oven rather than the microwave.
Avoid refreezing the chicken once it has been thawed, as this can affect the texture and quality of the dish.
How To Reheat Leftover Walnut-Crusted Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover walnut-crusted chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the walnut crust is crispy once again. This method helps to preserve the texture of the crust while ensuring the chicken remains moist.
For a quicker option, use a microwave. Place the chicken on a microwave-safe plate and heat it on high power for 1-2 minutes, depending on the thickness of the chicken and the power of your microwave. To prevent the chicken from drying out, cover it with a damp paper towel before microwaving. Keep in mind that the crust may soften slightly using this method.
If you have an air fryer, you can reheat the walnut-crusted chicken while maintaining its crispy texture. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the crust is crispy. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even reheating.
For a stovetop method, heat a small amount of olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken to the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is warmed through and the crust is crispy. This method helps to refresh the flavors of the herbs and spices in the crust.
If you want to add some extra moisture to the leftover chicken, create a quick pan sauce. After reheating the chicken using one of the above methods, remove it from the pan and add a splash of white wine or chicken broth. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan and let the liquid simmer for a minute or two. Stir in a small amount of butter or heavy cream to create a silky sauce, then spoon it over the reheated walnut-crusted chicken for added flavor and moisture.
Random Fact About Walnut-Crusted Chicken
The walnut-crusted chicken recipe is a delicious and nutritious dish that provides a good source of protein and healthy fats. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and brain function. This recipe offers a unique and flavorful way to enjoy chicken, incorporating the crunchiness of walnuts and the tanginess of Dijon mustard. It's a great option for those looking to add variety to their chicken dishes while still keeping it healthy and satisfying.
Is This Chicken Recipe Economical for Home Cooking?
This walnut-crusted chicken recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as chicken breasts and walnuts, are reasonably priced and readily available. The addition of olive oil and honey may slightly increase the cost, but they are versatile ingredients that can be used in various other recipes. Overall, I would rate this recipe an 8 for cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it a budget-friendly yet delicious option for a family meal.
Is This Chicken Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The walnut-crusted chicken recipe has both healthy and unhealthy aspects. On the positive side:
- Chicken breast is a lean protein source, providing essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair
- Walnuts are rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber
- Dijon mustard contains beneficial compounds like glucosinolates, which may have anti-cancer properties
- Garlic and thyme offer antioxidants and potential immune-boosting benefits
However, there are some less healthy components:
- The recipe uses all-purpose flour, which is refined and lacks fiber and nutrients compared to whole-grain alternatives
- Frying the chicken in oil adds extra calories and unhealthy fats
- The honey mustard glaze, while tasty, contributes added sugars to the dish
To make this recipe healthier, consider these suggestions:
- Swap all-purpose flour for a whole-grain variety like whole-wheat or almond flour to increase fiber and nutrient content
- Instead of frying, try baking the chicken on a wire rack to allow excess fat to drip away
- Reduce the amount of honey in the glaze or opt for a sugar-free dijon mustard to minimize added sugars
- Serve the chicken alongside a generous portion of colorful, non-starchy vegetables to boost the overall nutrient profile of the meal
- Use a heart-healthy oil like avocado or coconut oil for cooking to provide beneficial fats
Editor's Thoughts on This Delightful Chicken Dish
The walnut-crusted chicken recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The marinade infuses the chicken with a rich and savory taste, while the walnut crust adds a satisfying crunch. The honey mustard glaze provides a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. This dish is a perfect choice for a special dinner or a gathering with friends. The recipe is well-structured and easy to follow, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels. Overall, it's a winning recipe that is sure to impress and satisfy anyone who tries it.
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Why trust this Walnut Crusted Chicken Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience, as it features walnuts for a rich, nutty flavor and dijon mustard for a tangy kick. The combination of extra virgin olive oil and dry white wine ensures succulent and moist chicken. The use of fresh parsley adds a burst of freshness to the dish. The honey mustard glaze provides a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess. With a perfect blend of flavors and textures, this recipe is a testament to culinary excellence.
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