Middle Eastern > Circassian

Circassian Chicken with Yogurt and Spices Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup walnuts
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red pepper flakes
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste

Special equipment needed:
- Food processor or blender

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.

2. Place walnuts in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely ground.

3. In a large bowl, mix together ground walnuts, yogurt, chicken broth, olive oil, red pepper flakes, paprika, coriander, cumin, garlic, salt, and pepper.

4. Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and pour the yogurt mixture over them, making sure they are fully coated.

5. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.

6. Let chicken cool for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.

7. Serve chicken with the yogurt sauce on top.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 35 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Protein: 40g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chicken breasts can be substituted with boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
- Walnuts can be substituted with almonds or hazelnuts.
- Greek yogurt can be substituted with sour cream or plain yogurt.

Variations:
- Add chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro to the yogurt sauce for extra flavor.
- Use different spices such as turmeric or cinnamon to change the flavor profile.
- Add roasted vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to the baking dish for a complete meal.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to fully coat the chicken breasts with the yogurt sauce to ensure even cooking.
- If the yogurt sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth to thin it out.
- Toasting the walnuts before grinding them can enhance their flavor.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover chicken and yogurt sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat chicken and yogurt sauce in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve chicken on a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.

Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro
- Paprika

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Pair with a glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini
- Side salad with mixed greens and a vinaigrette dressing
- Rice or quinoa

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the yogurt sauce is too thin, add more ground walnuts to thicken it up.
- If the chicken is not fully cooked after 35 minutes, continue baking until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and any utensils or surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken to prevent cross-contamination.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked before serving.

Food history:
- Circassian chicken is a traditional dish from the Circassian region of Russia, made with ground walnuts and spices.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, nutty, spicy

Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a main dish for dinner or lunch.

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Region: Turkish

Taste: Tangy, Spicy, Savory, Herbal, Aromatic