Pistachio Cilantro Crusted Chicken

Here’s something crispy, nutty, and downright irresistible: Pistachio Cilantro Crusted Chicken. It’s easy and flavorful. Additionally, it’s baked, not fried. And yes, it’s crunchy. So crunchy, in fact, that your taste buds might throw a party.

The Magic of the Crust

The secret? A perfectly balanced crust made from pistachios, cilantro, and panko crumbs. The pistachios bring a buttery, nutty crunch. The cilantro adds a fresh, herby zing. The panko? Well, it locks in that signature crispiness without the deep fryer.

Start with chicken breasts, sliced into strips. Give them a generous sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper. Now, here’s where things get exciting. Dip each piece into a beaten egg mixture. Then, coat it in the pistachio cilantro crust. You’re officially a flavor architect.

Lay those beauties onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. No oil splatters. No frying guilt. Then it’s just a quick trip to the oven at 350°F. In 30 minutes, you’ve got golden, crispy pistachio cilantro crusted chicken that crunches like a dream.

Here’s another benefit of this recipe. Baked chicken is healthier than fried chicken because it uses less oil, reducing overall fat and calorie content. When you fry chicken, it absorbs a significant amount of oil. This adds extra fat. Baking, on the other hand, allows the chicken to cook in its natural juices. So it preserves moisture without excess grease. Baked chicken also retains more of its natural nutrients.

Pistachio Cilantro Crusted Chicken Dipping & Serving Ideas

Now, let’s talk dipping. A zesty lemon mayo takes this dish to the next level. Just mix mayo with freshly squeezed lemon juice, zest, and a pinch of lemon-flavored salt. It’s tangy, creamy, and perfect.

However, there are many other side dishes to serve with this dish. Try laying these crispy chicken strips over pasta. Or over a gorgeous fresh vegetable salad, or with fluffy rice. Saffron or yellow rice comes to mind as a presentation showstopper.

This recipe is a lovely option for Easter or any springtime feast. But honestly? You don’t need an excuse to enjoy it. So make it on a Monday. Celebrate your excellent life choices.

Print

Pistachio Cilantro Crusted Chicken

Course Brunch, Dinner, Lunch

Cuisine American

Keyword baked chicken recipes, chicken recipes, chicken strips recipe, cilantro chicken, Pistachio chicken

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Servings 6

Author Lora Wiley-Lennartz

Ingredients

• 2 lbs chicken breast
• Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 medium-sized eggs
• 1/2 cup chopped lightly salted pistachios
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs

Instructions

1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F
3. Cut the chicken breasts into strips and season with salt and pepper.
4. Combine the pistachios, cilantro, and panko in a shallow bowl.
5. Beat the eggs in a separate small bowl.
6. Dip the chicken strips in the egg, and coat with the pistachio mixture.
7. Place on the baking sheet.
8. Bake for 30 minutes.
9. Remove from oven.
10. Plate and serve.

So, do you like this Pistachio Cilantro Crusted Chicken? Then also check out some of these other delicious recipes:

WALNUT MUSTARD CRUSTED ASPARAGUS

PARMESAN CRUSTED PEAR SALAD

FRIED BRIE NUGGETS WITH PUMPKIN HONEY DIP