Chicken breast in cheese and walnut crust with rice and tomatoes

Chicken breast with cheese and walnut crust, served with rice and tomatoes – a delicious combination that blends the crunchy texture of the crust with the juiciness of the chicken and the rich flavor of the rice, perfect for a family dinner or a festive lunch. This recipe not only provides a feast for the taste buds, but it is also easy to prepare, even for those less experienced in the kitchen.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 45 minutes
Total: 1 hour
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

For the chicken breast:
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 600g)
- Salt, to taste
- 250 ml heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
- Pepper, to taste
- 50 g ground walnuts
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 100 g grated smoked cheese

For the garnish:
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- Olive oil, for sautéing
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup rice (approximately 200 g)
- 1 cup tomato paste (approximately 250 g)
- 2 cups water (approximately 500 ml)
- 150 ml semi-dry white wine
- 2 bay leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation steps

1. Preparing the chicken breast:
Start by washing the chicken breast well and cutting it into 4-5 medium-thick slices. This will help cook the meat evenly. Sprinkle salt on both sides and set aside for 10 minutes. This will allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat better.

2. Preparing the crust mixture:
In a bowl, combine the cream, ketchup, crushed garlic, chopped parsley, pepper, ground walnuts, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. This combination will create a delicious crust that will enhance the flavor of the chicken.

3. Assembling the dish:
Grease a heat-resistant dish with butter or olive oil, then place the chicken breast slices in the dish. Spread the cream and walnut mixture over each chicken slice, covering them well. Cover the dish with a lid and place it in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes.

4. Adding the cheese:
After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle the grated cheese on top of the chicken. Place the dish back in the oven, still covered, for another 15 minutes. The cheese will melt and form a golden, appetizing crust.

5. Preparing the rice and tomato garnish:
In a large pot, heat the olive oil and sauté the finely chopped onion until it becomes translucent. Add the diced bell pepper and continue to sauté for 2-3 minutes. Add the rice and stir continuously to lightly fry it until it becomes glossy.

6. Boiling the rice:
Pour the wine into the pot and let it evaporate a little. Then, add the tomato paste and water, seasoning with salt, pepper, and adding the bay leaves. Cover the pot with a lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 20 minutes. It is important not to let the liquid evaporate completely; the rice will absorb the remaining liquid, learning to be fluffy.

7. Serving:
Once the chicken breast is cooked and the cheese has melted, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the chicken breast alongside the rice with tomatoes, garnishing with a little fresh parsley for an extra touch of freshness.

Practical tips

- Choosing ingredients: Make sure the chicken breast is fresh and of good quality. You can also use free-range chicken for a richer taste and texture.
- Variations: You can add vegetables like carrots or zucchini to the rice mixture to enrich the dish with additional nutrients.
- Parsley: If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use other herbs like basil or dill, depending on your preferences.
- Cooking the rice: Check the rice after 15 minutes; if it is still hard, let it cook for a few more minutes, but make sure it doesn’t run out of liquid.

Nutritional benefits

This recipe is well-balanced, rich in protein due to the chicken breast and in fiber and vitamins from the tomatoes and vegetables. The walnuts add healthy fats, and the cream provides an extra dose of calcium. Together, these ingredients contribute to a nutritious meal, ideal for the whole family.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use another type of meat? Yes, you can replace the chicken breast with turkey or even fish, but the cooking time will change.
- How can I make the recipe easier? You can use a ready-made sauce instead of making the cream mixture from scratch.
- What other side dishes can I serve? This recipe pairs well with mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad.

A personal note

This recipe reminds me of family meals when we all gathered around the table to enjoy a warm dish full of flavors and aromas. It is a recipe that combines tradition with innovation, and each bite takes you back to pleasant moments spent with loved ones.

So, don’t wait any longer! Embrace the art of cooking and treat your family to this delicious chicken breast with cheese and walnut crust, accompanied by a rice with tomatoes that will turn any meal into a special moment. Enjoy your meal!