Hazelnut-Crusted Chicken
Tender chicken breasts with a crunchy, golden-brown crust of toasted hazelnuts and panko breadcrumbs. A simple yet elegant dinner that's ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for a weeknight treat.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 20 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Chicken
- b.Place chicken breasts between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a meat mallet, pound them to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm).
- c.Pat the chicken completely dry with paper towels.
- d.Season both sides of each chicken breast with a total of 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Set Up Breading Station
- b.Arrange three shallow dishes. In the first, place the all-purpose flour.
- c.In the second, lightly beat the two eggs with a fork.
- d.In the third dish, combine the finely chopped hazelnuts, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Coat the Chicken
- b.Working with one chicken breast at a time, dredge it in the flour, making sure to coat all sides, then shake off the excess.
- c.Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip back into the dish.
- d.Finally, press the chicken firmly into the hazelnut mixture, ensuring a thick, even coating on both sides.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cook the Chicken
- b.Heat the olive oil and butter in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. The butter should be melted and foamy.
- c.Carefully place two coated chicken breasts in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in two batches.
- d.Fry for 5-6 minutes per side, until the crust is a deep golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer.
- e.Transfer the cooked chicken to a wire rack to drain and rest. Repeat with the remaining two chicken breasts.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Rest and Serve
- b.Let the chicken rest on the wire rack for at least 5 minutes before serving. This helps keep the crust crispy and the meat juicy.
- c.Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best crust, pulse the hazelnuts in a food processor until finely chopped, but be careful not to turn them into nut butter.
- 2To keep your hands clean during breading, use one hand for the dry ingredients (flour, hazelnut mix) and the other for the wet ingredient (egg).
- 3Ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. A piece of breadcrumb dropped in should sizzle immediately.
- 4Resting the chicken on a wire rack instead of a plate prevents the bottom from becoming soggy.
- 5To get ahead, you can bread the chicken up to 4 hours in advance. Store it on a parchment-lined baking sheet in the refrigerator.
Adapt it for your goals.
Nut-Free
Replace the hazelnuts with an equal amount of extra panko breadcrumbs and add another 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese for flavor.
Gluten FreeGluten-Free
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
HerbaceousHerbaceous
Add 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh rosemary or sage to the hazelnut breading mixture for a different flavor profile.
Spicy KickSpicy Kick
Incorporate 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the flour mixture for a touch of heat.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Chicken breast is a prime source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, supporting immune function, and maintaining overall body strength.
Rich in Heart-Healthy Fats
Hazelnuts are packed with monounsaturated fats, which can help reduce bad cholesterol levels (LDL) and raise good cholesterol levels (HDL), contributing to better cardiovascular health.
Provides Essential Vitamins and Minerals
This dish offers a range of nutrients. Hazelnuts are a good source of Vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells from damage, while chicken provides B vitamins crucial for energy metabolism.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of Hazelnut-Crusted Chicken contains approximately 620-680 calories, depending on the exact size of the chicken breast and the amount of oil absorbed during frying.