Pistachio Crusted Chicken Breast

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your weeknight dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, this Pistachio Crusted Chicken Breast is a must-try. Juicy, tender chicken wrapped in a crunchy, nutty pistachio coating creates an irresistible combination that feels gourmet yet simple to make. The vibrant green pistachios not only add a lovely pop of color but also bring a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with lean chicken breast.

This dish strikes the perfect balance between healthy and indulgent. The pistachio crust keeps the chicken moist while adding a delicious crunch, and it’s versatile enough to serve for a casual family meal or an impressive dinner party. You’ll love how easy it is to make and how quickly it becomes a household favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Pistachio Crusted Chicken Breast

This recipe is a refreshing change from ordinary breaded chicken. It’s packed with texture and flavor thanks to the pistachios, and it’s naturally gluten-free. With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh chicken breasts, you can whip up a restaurant-worthy dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.

What’s the Best Way to Crush Pistachios for This Recipe?

To get the perfect consistency for your pistachio crust, place shelled pistachios in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or pulse them a few times in a food processor. You want them finely chopped but not powdery, so the crust stays crunchy and textured.

Ingredients for the Pistachio Crusted Chicken Breast

This dish comes together with a few wholesome ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The star of the show is, of course, pistachios, which provide a nutty, buttery crunch that transforms the chicken into something special. You’ll also need chicken breasts, which are lean and juicy when cooked right, and egg to help the pistachio crust adhere perfectly. A touch of garlic powder and salt & pepper season the chicken beautifully, and a little olive oil ensures a golden finish.

• Pistachios
• Chicken breasts
• Egg
• Garlic powder
• Salt & pepper
• Olive oil

How To Make the Pistachio Crusted Chicken Breast

Step 1: Prep the Pistachios

Shell the pistachios and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or a food processor. Transfer to a shallow dish.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Beat the egg in a shallow bowl. Dip each chicken breast into the egg, then press into the crushed pistachios, making sure each piece is fully coated.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2–3 minutes per side until golden, then transfer to a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving to lock in the juices.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

One common mistake is over-crushing the pistachios into a powder, which can lead to a soggy crust instead of a crispy one. Make sure to keep the pieces small but with some texture. Also, avoid overcooking the chicken — use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F for juicy results. Lastly, don’t skip the resting time after baking, as this helps keep the chicken moist.

Serving and Storing Pistachio Crusted Chicken Breast

This recipe serves about 4 people generously. Serve the chicken hot and freshly cooked for the best crunch. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer to maintain the crispy crust.

What to Serve With Pistachio Crusted Chicken Breast?

Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic complement the nutty crust beautifully.

Roasted Vegetables

Caramelized seasonal veggies like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers make a colorful and healthy side.

Lemon Herb Quinoa

Fluffy quinoa with fresh herbs and lemon zest adds a light, refreshing contrast.

Arugula Salad

A peppery arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and a lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.

Honey Glazed Carrots

Sweet and tender carrots with a sticky glaze pair wonderfully with the savory chicken.

Crispy Parmesan Asparagus

Asparagus spears roasted with parmesan cheese add a touch of elegance and crunch.

Wild Rice Pilaf

Earthy wild rice with toasted nuts and cranberries echoes the pistachio flavor while adding depth.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Pistachio Crusted Chicken Breast, you’ll probably enjoy these other flavorful chicken recipes:

• Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A Creamy Flavor-Packed Delight
• Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts
• Marry Me Chicken
• One Pan Chicken with Buttered Noodles
• Slow Cooker Creamy Ranch Chicken

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try adding herbs to the pistachios? Or maybe a drizzle of honey? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated dinner and health-boosting recipes on Nina Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to dish!

Conclusion

Pistachio Crusted Chicken Breast is proof that you can create a dish that’s simple, healthy, and impressive all at once. With its vibrant flavors, crisp texture, and easy preparation, it’s bound to become a weeknight and weekend favorite alike. Give it a try and savor every nutty, juicy bite!

Print

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?