Chicken breast with peanuts and parsley

Chicken breast with peanuts and parsley – a simple and delicious recipe

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Number of servings: 2

Welcome to the world of flavors and textures! Today, I will share with you a savory recipe for chicken breast with peanuts and parsley, a dish that not only cooks quickly but will surely impress your family and friends. This recipe is a perfect combination of the healthy proteins of chicken and the crunchiness of peanuts, all enriched with the freshness of green parsley. It is ideal for quick dinners but also for special occasions.

Necessary ingredients:
- 1 boneless chicken breast (approximately 300g)
- 50g roasted peanuts (you can also use unsalted peanuts if you prefer)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 50ml extra virgin olive oil
- A bunch of fresh green parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste

Brief history:
Chicken dishes have a long tradition in world cuisine, being versatile and easy to cook. The combination of meat with different types of nuts and greens dates back to ancient times when people enriched their meals with local ingredients. Peanuts, in particular, are appreciated not only for their taste but also for their nutritional benefits, being rich in proteins and healthy fats.

Step by step, how to achieve a perfect result:

1. Preparing the chicken breast:
- Start by cleaning the chicken breast of skin and fat. This is an important step to ensure a finer texture and cleaner taste.
- Split the breast into two pieces, opening it in the middle, so that each piece becomes heart-shaped. This shape will help the filling to stay better.

2. Creating pockets:
- Using a sharp knife, make a small pocket in each piece of breast. This will be the place where you will add the peanut paste.

3. Preparing the peanut paste:
- In a blender, add the roasted peanuts. Blend them until they become smaller pieces, but not too fine – you want to keep a crunchy texture.
- Add the fresh parsley, olive oil, and lemon juice. Continue blending until you achieve a smooth paste, but with a slightly grainy texture.

4. Filling the pockets:
- Using a spoon, fill each pocket created in the chicken breast with the peanut paste. Make sure the filling is evenly distributed.
- Use toothpicks to seal each pocket so that the filling does not leak during cooking.

5. Grilling:
- Preheat the grill (or a grill pan) to medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to the grill to prevent sticking.
- Place the stuffed chicken breast on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the meat is well cooked and has reached an internal temperature of 75°C. A good trick is to turn the meat only once to achieve a nice crust.

6. Serving:
- Once cooked, let the chicken breast rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This will help retain the juiciness of the meat.
- Slice and serve with a fresh salad or grilled vegetables. A side of rice or quinoa will perfectly complete the meal.

Practical tips:
- Choose unsalted peanuts for a more balanced taste, especially if you want to control your salt intake.
- You can replace parsley with other fresh herbs, such as basil or cilantro, to vary the flavors.
- This recipe can also be made in the oven at 200°C for about 25 minutes, covering the breast with aluminum foil to prevent drying out.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use other types of nuts?
- Of course! Almonds or pistachios can be excellent alternatives.
- How can I make the recipe spicier?
- Add a little chopped chili pepper to the peanut paste for a spicy kick.
- Can they be prepared in advance?
- Yes, you can fill the pockets a few hours before cooking them. Just make sure to keep them in the refrigerator.

Nutritional benefits:
This chicken breast recipe with peanuts and parsley is not only delicious but also rich in proteins, healthy fats, and vitamins. Peanuts provide vitamin E, an important antioxidant, while parsley is an excellent source of vitamin C and iron. A 150g serving contains approximately 350 calories, making it a healthy choice for a balanced meal.

Recommended pairings:
For a complete lunch or dinner, this recipe pairs well with a glass of refreshing white wine or a citrus cocktail. A tomato and cucumber salad with yogurt dressing will add a touch of freshness.

Enjoy every bite of this simple and delicious dish! It is a recipe that brings joy to the table and will make you want to repeat it again and again. Bon appétit!