Walnut Crusted Chicken
- Crispy, golden walnut crusted chicken with a satisfying crunch and tender interior.
- The perfect balance of nutty flavor and succulent chicken in every bite.
- An elegant yet easy dinner that’s sure to impress family and guests alike.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 25
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 chicken breast fillets (about 6–8 oz each), pounded to even thickness
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (preferably Panko)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 tbsp dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, or Italian seasoning) (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tsp lemon zest (optional)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ tsp paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a shallow dish, combine chopped walnuts, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings you’re using.
- In another shallow dish, beat the egg. If using Dijon mustard, whisk it into the egg.
- Dip each chicken fillet in the beaten egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Press the chicken firmly into the walnut mixture, turning and pressing to coat all sides evenly.
- Place coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring pieces don’t touch.
- Drizzle or spray each piece with olive oil to promote browning.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, toast the walnuts before chopping them.
- The chicken can be breaded up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Serve with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
- Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 410
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 25
- Carbohydrates: 14
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 45
- Cholesterol: 145
Keywords: walnut crusted chicken, walnut chicken, crusted chicken, nutty chicken, walnut pesto, baked chicken, nut-crusted chicken