Description
This Honey Walnut Chicken with goat cheese is made with chicken breasts, buttermilk, walnuts, flour, thyme, garlic powder, and honey.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of large chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup of buttermilk
- 2 cups of chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons of all purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of chopped thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 cup of honey
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 ounces of goat cheese
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by greasing it lightly.
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In a shallow bowl or dish, pour the buttermilk and season it with salt and pepper. Place the chicken breasts in the buttermilk, making sure they are fully coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator) to tenderize.
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In a separate bowl, combine the chopped walnuts, flour, dried thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the dry ingredients.
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Remove the chicken breasts from the buttermilk and let the excess liquid drip off. Dredge the chicken in the walnut mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks.
- Place the coated chicken on the baking dish and repeat with the rest. Bake in the oven for 17-22 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Meanwhile, make the honey sauce when there are about 5 minutes left for the chicken. In a small saucepan on low heat, pour the butter and the honey into the saucepan until it melts. Take the chicken out, and pour HALF of the honey mixture in. Place the goat cheese on each piece of chicken and place it back in the oven for another 5 minutes.
- When the chicken is done, pour the rest of the honey mixture on the chicken. Garnish with the extra sprigs of thyme and enjoy.
Notes
- Some of the walnuts may be thicker and more difficult to stick on, so top each chicken with the thicker walnuts.
- The amount of time to bake depends on the thickness of the chicken
- Leave the goat cheese on longer if the cheese doesn't melt
- Properly Coat the Chicken: Ensure that each chicken breast is fully coated with the walnut mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken firmly to help it adhere well. This will result in a more even and crunchy crust.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh and high-quality ingredients to maximize the flavors of the dish. Fresh herbs, good-quality walnuts, and flavorful honey will contribute to a tastier final result.
- Let the Chicken Rest: After baking the honey walnut chicken, allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute within the chicken, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
- Experiment with Toppings: Get creative with toppings to add more interest to the dish. Sprinkle some fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme, over the chicken after baking for a pop of color and freshness. Squeeze a bit of lemon juice over the chicken before serving to brighten the flavors.
- Customize the Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices and herbs to your taste. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
- Serve with Accompaniments: Pair honey walnut chicken with your favorite sides to create a complete meal. It goes well with roasted vegetables, steamed greens, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. Consider a tangy side like a citrusy slaw or a side of quinoa for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 332.1
- Sugar: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 216.8 mg
- Fat: 7.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 6.7 g
- Fiber: 1.0 g
- Protein: 57.1 g
- Cholesterol: 137.9 mg
