Walnut Chicken

Authentic Persian Walnut Chicken Recipe - Delicious and Flavorful

Region / culture: Persia | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Walnut Chicken is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with the crunch of walnuts and a savory sauce. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests.

History

The origins of Walnut Chicken are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region, where walnuts are a common ingredient in savory dishes. This recipe has been adapted and modified over the years to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

2 tsp olive oil
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
0.5 cup chopped onions
1 clove garlic, minced
0.5 cup chopped walnuts
2 tbsp flour
0.5 tsp cinnamon
1 pinch red pepper flakes
1 (14 oz (397 g)) can chicken broth
0.5 cup chopped parsley
1 tbsp white wine vinegar
salt and pepper
2 cups cooked rice

How to prepare

Heat oil in a skillet. Add chicken and brown on both sides for 3 – 5 minutes per side. Remove chicken from skillet.
Add onions and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2 minutes.
Add walnuts to the skillet. Cook for 1 minute.
Add flour, cinnamon, and red pepper flakes to the skillet. Stir well.
Add broth to the skillet. Stir to mix well.
Return chicken to the skillet. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
Stir in parsley, salt, pepper, and vinegar.
Serve the dish over rice.

Variations

For a twist on the classic recipe, try adding dried cranberries or raisins to the sauce for a touch of sweetness. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken well on both sides before adding it back to the skillet. This will help seal in the juices and keep the chicken moist.

- Be sure to stir the sauce well to ensure that the flour is fully incorporated and the sauce thickens properly.

- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences. If you like a little heat, add more flakes. If you prefer a milder dish, use less.

Serving Suggestions

Walnut Chicken pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad. It can also be served over a bed of quinoa or couscous for a heartier meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making Walnut Chicken is to cook the chicken until it is tender and the sauce is thick and flavorful. Be sure to simmer the dish covered to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have walnuts on hand, you can substitute almonds or pecans for a similar crunch. You can also use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of chicken breasts for a different texture.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce for Walnut Chicken ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and cook the chicken according to the recipe.

Presentation Ideas

To make Walnut Chicken look more elegant, garnish it with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Serve it on a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Walnut Chicken pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Walnut Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until heated through or warm it in a skillet on the stove.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Walnut Chicken contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Walnut Chicken contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Walnut Chicken contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Walnut Chicken contains approximately 25 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Walnut Chicken is a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, iron, and magnesium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (walnuts) and gluten (flour). It may also contain dairy if served with a side of cheese or yogurt.

Summary

Walnut Chicken is a well-balanced dish that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious choice for a meal.

Summary

Walnut Chicken is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or for entertaining guests. With its tender chicken, crunchy walnuts, and savory sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always stay with me. It was many years ago, back in the small village where I grew up. I was just a young girl at the time, curious and eager to learn everything I could about cooking.

One day, I was visiting my neighbor, Mrs. Patel, who was known for her delicious home-cooked meals. As I sat in her kitchen, watching her prepare a meal for her family, I couldn't help but ask her about the secret behind her flavorful dishes.

Mrs. Patel smiled at me and handed me a handwritten recipe card. "This is a special recipe for Walnut Chicken that has been passed down in my family for generations," she said. "I think you will enjoy making it."

I thanked her and carefully tucked the recipe card into my apron pocket. From that moment on, I was determined to master the art of making Walnut Chicken.

I spent hours in my own kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques. I tried roasting the walnuts, marinating the chicken in a special blend of spices, and even adding a touch of honey for sweetness.

After many failed attempts and countless hours of trial and error, I finally perfected the recipe. The Walnut Chicken was tender and juicy, with a rich and nutty flavor that was simply irresistible.

I proudly served the dish to my family that evening, and they couldn't believe how delicious it was. From that day on, Walnut Chicken became a staple in our household, a dish that we would always look forward to.

As the years passed, I continued to refine the recipe, adding my own unique twists and flavors to make it even more special. I shared the recipe with friends and family, who all raved about its mouthwatering taste.

One day, a friend of mine suggested that I enter a cooking competition in the nearby town. She was convinced that my Walnut Chicken would be a hit with the judges.

I was hesitant at first, unsure if my humble recipe would be able to compete with the other dishes in the competition. But with my friend's encouragement, I decided to give it a try.

On the day of the competition, I arrived at the town hall with a pot of steaming Walnut Chicken in hand. The aroma of the dish filled the room, drawing the attention of the judges and the other contestants.

As I presented my dish to the judges, I could see the curiosity in their eyes. They took a bite, savoring the flavors, and their faces lit up with delight.

To my amazement, I was awarded first place in the competition. The judges praised my Walnut Chicken for its unique combination of flavors and the perfect balance of textures.

Word of my winning dish spread quickly throughout the town, and soon I was receiving requests from neighbors and friends to make it for special occasions and gatherings.

I was thrilled to see how much joy my Walnut Chicken brought to others. It was a dish that had become a symbol of love and tradition in our community, a recipe that was cherished and passed down from one generation to the next.

To this day, whenever I make Walnut Chicken, I can't help but think back to that moment when Mrs. Patel handed me the recipe card. It was a simple gesture that sparked a passion for cooking in me, a passion that has brought me so much happiness and fulfillment over the years.

And as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the warm aromas of spices and herbs, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to discover the magic of Walnut Chicken. It is a recipe that will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the power of tradition and the joy of sharing good food with the ones we love.