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Healthy Easy Pistachio Crusted Chicken Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Healthy Easy Pistachio Crusted Chicken Recipe

When I made this pistachio-crusted chicken for the first time, I couldn’t believe how simple and delicious it was. With just a handful of ingredients, I created a recipe that looks fancy but takes no effort.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound chicken breasts trimmed: Use boneless, skinless chicken breast for the best results.
  • 1 tablespoon olive or avocado oil spray: Helps the coating stick and keeps the chicken moist.
  • ½ teaspoon salt: Brings out the natural sweetness of the pistachios.
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warmth.
  • 1 cup pistachios shelled: Opt for unsalted pistachios for a balanced flavor.

Method
 

  1. Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and greasing two baking sheets with olive or avocado oil spray. This step is key to preventing the chicken from sticking and ensuring even cooking.
  2. Add the pistachios to a food processor or blender and pulse until they form coarse crumbs. Be careful not to blend them too finely. You want a texture similar to breadcrumbs, not powder or paste. Pour the crumbs into a shallow dish for easy coating.
  3. Cut the chicken breasts into strips or use chicken tenders for quicker preparation. Lightly spray the chicken pieces with oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Dip each piece into the pistachio crumbs, pressing gently to ensure a thorough coating.
  4. Arrange the coated chicken strips on your prepared baking sheets, leaving space between each piece. Lightly spray the tops with oil to maintain a crisp crust. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reads 160°F (71°C) on a cooking thermometer. Avoid overcooking for tender, juicy chicken.

Notes

  • Refrigerate Before Baking: Chill the coated chicken in the fridge for 30 minutes before baking to help the crust adhere better.
  • Check the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking and keep your chicken moist.
  • Room-Temperature Chicken: Let chicken sit out for 15 minutes before cooking for even baking.
  • Custom Crust: Experiment with mixing other nuts like almonds or walnuts for added flavor variation.