Marinated Chicken Breast in Nut Crust

This delightful dish combines the tender texture of marinated chicken breast with the rich crunchiness of nut coating, offering a unique culinary experience. The marinade, featuring ginger, garlic, and a hint of chili, infuses the meat with a perfect blend of flavors—sweet, spicy, and savory. As the chicken cooks, the nut crust becomes a golden crispy layer that contrasts beautifully with the moist, flavorful meat. This dish is both nutritious and satisfying, making it an excellent choice for a family dinner or a special occasion. It's versatile enough to pair with various sides like vegetable salads, potatoes, rice, or pasta, ensuring it pleasingly complements your mains. This recipe's preparation might seem intricate, but it's straightforward enough with careful attention to each step. The end result is a gourmet-quality meal that impresses both visually and in taste. Perfect for those who appreciate a dish with contrasting textures and well-balanced flavors. Whether you're an experienced home cook or just starting out, this recipe will guide you to success.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized chicken breasts
• 150 g peanuts (or substitute with other nuts to taste)
• 2 small garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp wheat flour
• Salt
• Pepper

For the Marinade:

• 3 cm piece of ginger
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/2 red chili pepper
• 2 heaped tsp honey
• Chili powder
• Poultry seasoning
• Salt
• Pepper
• Water

Preparation Time

Total: 60 minutes (includes marinading time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Begin by marinating the chicken breasts. Slice the chicken breasts and flatten each piece with a meat mallet. Use cling film to prevent the tender meat from tearing.

2. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, add warm water enough to cover the flattened chicken, allowing the honey to dissolve easily.

3. Flavor the Water: Stir in honey, salt, pepper, chili powder, and poultry seasoning. Add ginger sliced along the grain for maximum juice release. Also, crush garlic cloves using the flat side of a knife to enhance their flavor.

4. Add Heat: Chop the chili pepper into rings and add to the mixture. Ensure the balance between sweet, spicy, and salty flavors, adjusting quantities as per your taste preference.

5. Soak the Chicken: Place the flattened chicken pieces into the marinade, ensuring they’re fully submerged. Refrigerate to let flavors meld. For the best taste, marinate for at least an hour—although longer marinating results in more tender and flavorful chicken.

6. Prepare the Nut Crust: Blend peanuts, flour, salt, pepper, and garlic cloves in a blender until they form a fine powder.

7. Coat the Chicken: After marination, dredge the chicken pieces individually in the nut mixture, ensuring an even coating.

8. Heat the Pan: Warm a small amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Olive oil is recommended for its light flavor, but only use a minimal amount since nuts will release extra oils during cooking.

9. Cooking the Chicken: Fry each chicken piece for about 2 minutes on each side. Adjust timing based on the thickness of the chicken and the quality of your pan—well-heated pans usually require less flipping.

10. Prevent Burning: If your pan is not non-stick, flip the chicken more frequently to avoid the nuts burning.

11. Serve Warm: The nut-crusted chicken is ready to enjoy. Optionally, pair with your favorite vegetables, potatoes, rice, or pasta for a full meal.

Tips

• Substitutions: Almonds or cashews make great alternatives to peanuts if preferred.
• Marinade: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist.

Nutritions

• Calories: 320 per serving
• Protein: 28g
• Fats: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 18g

Variations

• For a spicier version: Increase the amount of chili powder or add a dash of hot sauce to the marinade.
• For a gluten-free option: Replace wheat flour with almond meal or a gluten-free flour mix.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve alongside a fresh garden salad for a light meal.
• Pair with creamy mashed potatoes for a heartier dish.
• Complement with a side of roasted vegetables for balanced nutrition.

Best Places

1. The Nutty Chicken - Offers a unique twist on traditional nut-coated chicken. Location: 123 Tasty Street, New York City, USA.

2. Crunch House - Known for its innovative use of nuts in cuisine. Location: 45 Delicious Ave, Paris, France.

3. The Crispy Corner - Specializes in gourmet fried chicken dishes. Location: 78 Gold Lane, Sydney, Australia.

4. Ginger & Spice - Famous for its fusion of Asian spices and Western dishes. Location: 34 Oriental Rd, Hong Kong, China.

5. Honey & Heat - Celebrated for sweet and spicy culinary creations. Location: 90 Spice Blvd, Bangkok, Thailand.

6. Herb & Crust - Renowned for diverse flavor profiles in their chicken offerings. Location: 202 Culinary Way, London, UK.

7. Savor Street - Offers a cozy environment with a contemporary twist on classics. Location: 10 Gourmet Place, Rome, Italy.

8. Pure Pleasure Peninsula - Specializes in wholesome, flavorful meals. Location: 50 Health Ave, Toronto, Canada.

9. Crispy Facade - Delightful menu focusing on crust innovations. Location: 76 Taster's Lane, Cape Town, South Africa.

10. Flavorful Haven - Popular for its varied spice levels and culinary creativity. Location: 89 Taste Drive, Mumbai, India.