Meat - Chicken breast in a peanut crust by Sanda C. - Recipia
Chicken breast in hazelnut crust - A reinvented family recipe

Discover the magic of a dish that brings warm memories filled with love and joy. This hazelnut crusted chicken breast recipe is inspired by childhood, when my mother lovingly prepared this dish, and now I have reinvented it for my family. With a delicious crust of hazelnuts and a juicy interior, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home too!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Number of servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 450 calories per serving (calculations may vary depending on the ingredients used)

Necessary ingredients

- 1 large chicken breast (approximately 800 g)
- 1 red bell pepper
- 200 g hazelnuts (roasted and ground)
- 150 g melted cheese or cheddar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon Maggi Secret of Taste with intense vegetable flavor
- A pinch of salt
- A pinch of pepper
- 50 ml olive oil
- 200 ml white wine (preferably dry)
- A few black peppercorns
- 2-3 bay leaves

Necessary utensils

- Baking tray
- Aluminum foil
- Sharp knife
- Toothpicks
- Grater or food processor for grinding hazelnuts

Brief history of the recipe

This dish is a classic that has evolved over time into different variations, each with a personal twist. The idea of stuffing chicken breast with vegetables and cheese is an old technique used to add flavor and juiciness to the meat. Combining it with hazelnuts adds a special, crunchy taste and transforms a simple chicken breast into a true feast.

Preparation method

1. Preparing the chicken breast: Start by washing the chicken breast well under cold running water. Then, dry it with a paper towel to remove excess water.

2. Seasoning: Turn the chicken breast with the cut side facing up. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the entire surface. Then add the tablespoon of Maggi Secret of Taste with intense vegetable flavor to enhance the flavors.

3. Filling: Make a lengthwise incision in the chicken breast, being careful not to cut all the way through. Here, add slices of red bell pepper, which will provide a note of freshness and color to the dish.

4. Packing: Carefully fold the chicken breast from the edges toward the center and secure it with 2-3 toothpicks, making sure the filling stays well enclosed inside. Place the chicken breast in the baking tray.

5. Scoring: Score the chicken breast in 4-5 places lengthwise, without reaching the pepper filling. These cuts will help the meat cook evenly and absorb all the flavors.

6. Adding additional ingredients: Drizzle the chicken breast with olive oil, sprinkle dried thyme and a pinch of salt on top. In the tray, add the white wine, black peppercorns, and bay leaves to infuse the meat with delicious flavors.

7. Baking: Cover the tray with aluminum foil and place it in a preheated oven at 200°C for 20 minutes. This will help retain the juices in the chicken breast.

8. Browning: After 20 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and let the chicken brown for 5-10 minutes. Baste it occasionally with the juices from the tray to keep it juicy.

9. Finalizing the dish: When the chicken breast is golden and beautiful, add slices of melted cheese or cheddar on top and return it to the oven for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.

10. Serving: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it cool slightly. Carefully remove the toothpicks and slice it. Serve drizzled with the sauce from the tray, and the crunchy hazelnut crust will add an extra layer of flavor!

Practical tip

To achieve an even crunchier crust, you can toast the hazelnuts in a dry pan for a few minutes before grinding them. Additionally, you can vary the filling by adding other fresh vegetables, such as zucchini or mushrooms, for an even more complex flavor.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, you can replace hazelnuts with pecans or almonds for a different taste.
- How can I store leftovers? Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
- What side dish pairs best? This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or mashed potatoes.

Possible variations

If you want to add an international touch to the recipe, you can use feta cheese instead of melted cheese or cheddar. You can also experiment with different spices, such as smoked paprika or herbs de Provence.

Serving suggestion

For a complete meal, pair the chicken breast with a glass of dry white wine, which will highlight the delicious flavors of the dish. A arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and lemon dressing would add a fresh note and balance the richness of the meat.

Enjoy your meal and don’t forget to share this recipe with your loved ones! This combination of flavors and textures will surely bring smiles to your table!

Ingredients

a large chicken breast, a red bell pepper, 200 g of hazelnuts, 150 g of melted cheese or cheese, a teaspoon of dried thyme, a tablespoon of Maggi seasoning with an intense vegetable flavor, a pinch of salt, a pinch of pepper, 50 ml of olive oil, 200 ml of white wine, a few black peppercorns, 2-3 bay leaves

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Meat - Chicken breast in a peanut crust by Sanda C. - Recipia

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