The aroma of roasting chicken wafts through the air, mingling with the nutty scent of walnut crust and the crisp freshness of fennel slaw. This Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw is not just a meal; it’s an experience that takes your taste buds on a rollercoaster ride. Pomegranate Glazed Salmon Imagine succulent chicken coated in a crunchy walnut crust, complemented by a zesty and refreshing slaw that dances on your palate. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited!
Now, let me take you back to the time I first tried this dish at a friend’s dinner party. Picture this: I walked into the kitchen just as the host pulled out the golden-brown chicken from the oven, and my mouth watered faster than you could say “Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw.” The vibrant colors of the slaw looked like a garden had exploded on the plate. I knew right then that I had to recreate this masterpiece in my own kitchen—and maybe even add my quirky twist! For more inspiration, check out this Cinnamon Pear Walnut Crumble recipe.
Why You'll Love This Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw
- This amazing Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Ingredients for Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor.
- Walnuts: These provide that irresistible crunch and nutty flavor—chop them finely for an even coating.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: They lend an extra crispiness to the crust; feel free to use gluten-free if needed.
- Fennel Bulb: Thinly sliced, it adds a delightful crunch and slightly sweet licorice flavor to your slaw.
For the Dressing:
- Greek Yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt for creaminess without overwhelming fat content.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances flavors perfectly.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Prepare Your Coating
In a mixing bowl, combine finely chopped walnuts, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Coat Your Chicken
Dip each seasoned chicken breast into the walnut mixture, pressing firmly so it sticks like it’s trying to win a clingy contest! Place them in your prepared baking dish.
Step 4: Bake Away
Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Pro tip: Use a meat thermometer—165°F (75°C) means it’s done!
Step 5: Whip Up That Fennel Slaw
While your chicken bakes away like it’s at a spa day, slice your fennel bulb thinly. In another bowl, mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice before adding in sliced fennel. Greek Chicken Burgers recipe Toss until everything is coated nicely.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Once your chicken is ready, transfer it to plates alongside generous servings of fennel slaw for that perfect finish! Drizzle any leftover dressing over top.
Now you’ve created an unforgettable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy every bite of this Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw; it’s sure to be a hit at any occasion—dinner party or just because it’s Tuesday!
You Must Know About Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw
- This amazing Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw offers more than just flavor; it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
Perfecting Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw Cooking Process
Start by prepping your ingredients: chop the fennel, crush the walnuts, and season the chicken. Sear the chicken until golden brown, then bake it to perfection while tossing together the refreshing fennel slaw for a vibrant touch.
Add Your Touch to Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw
Feel free to swap out walnuts for pecans or add some dried cranberries to your fennel slaw for extra sweetness. Spice things up with a pinch of cayenne or relax the flavors with some dill instead of parsley!
Storing & Reheating Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw
Store leftover Walnut Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep that crunch intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw
- This amazing Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw offers more than just flavor it makes meal prep a breeze.
- You can easily customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- The vibrant colors and aromas make it visually stunning on any dinner table.
- Perfect for grilling but versatile enough for baking or pan-searing.
If you want perfectly crushed walnuts, place them in a zip-top bag and give them a good whack with a rolling pin—who needs fancy tools?
Don’t skip resting your chicken after cooking; this step allows juices to redistribute, preventing that dreaded dry bite.
For a zesty kick, consider adding lemon juice to your slaw right before serving—it brightens everything up and keeps things interesting!
When I first made this dish, my best friend couldn’t stop raving about it! We ended up having an impromptu dinner party because everyone wanted to try my “fancy” new recipe!
FAQs About Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw
What is Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw?
Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw is a delicious dish that features tender chicken breasts coated in a crunchy walnut crust. This recipe combines the nutty flavor of walnuts with fresh fennel slaw, which adds a refreshing crunch and brightens the dish. Spicy Lamb Meatballs recipe The preparation involves baking or pan-searing the chicken, making it both a healthy and tasty option for any meal. The slaw often includes ingredients like carrots and a tangy dressing, complementing the rich flavor of the chicken perfectly.
How do you make Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw?
To prepare Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw, start by crushing walnuts and mixing them with breadcrumbs and seasonings. Coat chicken breasts in this mixture and bake until golden brown. While the chicken cooks, prepare the fennel slaw by thinly slicing fennel and carrots, then tossing them in a vinaigrette made from oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Serve the crispy chicken alongside the vibrant slaw for a balanced meal.
What are some variations of Walnut Crusted Chicken?
Variations of Walnut Crusted Chicken can include different nuts such as pecans or almonds for a unique flavor profile. You can also experiment with spices like paprika or garlic powder to enhance the crust’s taste. Additionally, serving it over grains like quinoa or alongside roasted vegetables can provide more texture and nutrition to your meal. Each variation allows you to customize this dish according to your preferences.
Can I prepare Walnut Crusted Chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Walnut Crusted Chicken ahead of time for convenience. You can coat the chicken in walnut mixture and refrigerate it for several hours before cooking. This helps develop flavors while saving time on busy days. However, it’s best to cook it just before serving to maintain its crispiness. The fennel slaw can also be made in advance; just mix it shortly before serving to keep it fresh.
Conclusion for Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw
In conclusion, Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that make it an excellent choice for any meal. The crispy walnut crust enhances the succulent chicken while the fennel slaw adds a refreshing crunch. Lemon Butter Cod for a light meal With easy preparation methods and various options for customization, this dish is both versatile and satisfying. Enjoy making this delicious meal that is sure to impress your family or guests!
Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 people 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Walnut Crusted Chicken with Fennel Slaw is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken coated in a crunchy walnut crust with a refreshing and zesty fennel slaw. This recipe elevates your dining experience with its vibrant flavors and textures, making it perfect for any occasion—from family dinners to casual gatherings. The nutty aroma of walnuts harmonizes beautifully with the crisp fennel, creating an irresistible flavor combination that will leave your taste buds dancing!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine walnuts, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Dip each chicken breast into the walnut mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Place in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- For the fennel slaw, mix Greek yogurt and lemon juice in a bowl; add sliced fennel and toss until coated.
- Serve the baked chicken alongside the fennel slaw.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg

