Cashew Encrusted Chicken with Buttermilk and Chive Cream 🍗🥛🌿

Introduction:

Welcome to this delightful culinary adventure featuring a tantalizing recipe I discovered in InStyle magazine today! This Cashew Encrusted Chicken with Buttermilk and Chive Cream is a symphony of flavors that promises to elevate your weeknight dinner experience to new heights. Bursting with the richness of cashews, the tanginess of buttermilk, and the freshness of chives, this dish is as impressive as it is easy to make. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into this recipe that’s bound to become a household favorite!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 1/2 cups buttermilk, divided
2 cups unsalted cashews
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried basil
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
3/4 tsp salt, divided
1/4 tsp black pepper
Cooking oil for frying

For the Buttermilk and Chive Cream:

1 cup sour cream
1/4 cup fresh chives, finely chopped
1/4 tsp hot pepper sauce (optional)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

In a medium bowl, combine the chicken breasts with 1 cup of buttermilk, ensuring they are fully coated.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight, allowing the flavors to meld and the chicken to tenderize.

2. Prepare the Buttermilk and Chive Cream:

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/2 cup of buttermilk, sour cream, chopped chives, 3/4 tsp of salt, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce if using.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dip until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.

3. Prepare the Cashew Coating:

In a food processor, combine the unsalted cashews, all-purpose flour, ground cumin, dried oregano, dried basil, cayenne pepper, 1/4 tsp of salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
Process the mixture until the cashews are finely ground and the spices are evenly distributed, creating a flavorful coating for the chicken.

4. Cook the Chicken:

Remove the marinated chicken breasts from the refrigerator and drain off any excess buttermilk marinade.
Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
Dredge each chicken breast in the cashew-flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated on all sides.
Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

5. Serve:

Arrange the golden-brown cashew encrusted chicken breasts on a platter, alongside the prepared Buttermilk and Chive Cream dip.
Garnish with fresh chives or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Serve the Cashew Encrusted Chicken hot, allowing your guests to dip each succulent piece into the creamy, tangy dip and savor the irresistible combination of textures and tastes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

Calories: 61.2
Fat: 2.8g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 12.9mg
Sodium: 128.4mg
Carbohydrates: 3.5g
Fiber: 0.2g
Sugar: 0.6g
Protein: 5.4g

Tips for Success:

For a crispier crust, you can double coat the chicken by dipping it back into the buttermilk mixture and then into the cashew-flour mixture before frying.
If you prefer a spicier kick, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper in the cashew coating or add extra hot pepper sauce to the Buttermilk and Chive Cream dip.
To make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for the all-purpose flour in the cashew coating.

Conclusion:

With its crunchy cashew crust, moist and tender chicken, and creamy buttermilk dip, this Cashew Encrusted Chicken with Buttermilk and Chive Cream is sure to impress even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or hosting a special occasion, this dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. So, don’t wait any longer—gather your ingredients, fire up the stove, and treat yourself to a culinary masterpiece that’s as delicious as it is unforgettable!