Around the 15-minute mark, I start craving something hearty yet elegant. That’s when I reach for my chicken pine nuts recipe. It blends juicy chicken with the warm crunch of toasted pine nuts.
The aroma fills my kitchen with comfort and a hint of Mediterranean flair. I keep the ingredients basic but full of character. It feels fancy without any stress.
I make it when I want something special that doesn’t take all day. It’s perfect for both quiet dinners and last-minute guests. I’ve made this recipe so many times, and it never lets me down.
How To make Chicken Pine Nuts Recipe?
🕒 Quick Overview
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Course: Main Course
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Yield: Serves 4
🧰 Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Knife and cutting board
🛒 Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Toast the Pine Nuts
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the pine nuts and toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
4. Create the Sauce
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the toasted pine nuts and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, and oregano. Stir to combine and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
5. Combine and Serve
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce and pine nuts over the top. Allow the chicken to warm in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
🥗 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
5 Freezing Ideas
Here are five freezing ideas to make your chicken pine nuts recipe even more convenient for busy days:
- Freeze the Fully Cooked Chicken: After cooking the chicken, let it cool, then slice or shred it. Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready, reheat it in the skillet with the pine nuts and sauce for a quick dinner.
- Freeze the Sauce: Prepare the pine nut sauce (broth, garlic, and lemon juice) ahead of time and freeze it in a zip-top bag. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it overnight and simmer with fresh chicken.
- Freeze the Assembled Dish: Assemble the chicken and sauce in a baking dish without cooking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze. When you’re ready, bake it from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it heats through.
- Freeze Leftover Pine Nuts: If you have extra toasted pine nuts, let them cool completely and freeze them in a small airtight container. They’ll be ready for your next meal or to sprinkle on a salad.
- Freeze Uncooked Chicken Breasts: If you plan to make this recipe later, season your chicken breasts, and freeze them in a single layer. When you’re ready, thaw and cook as usual, making the recipe just as fresh.
Freezing these components lets you enjoy this delicious dish anytime, without the full prep work. It’s a real time-saver!
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
I often serve this chicken pine nuts recipe over a bed of fluffy couscous or steamed basmati rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
A side of roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers, complements the dish beautifully. For a lighter option, pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette.
🧂 Special Tips
Here are a few special tips to make your chicken pine nuts recipe even better:
- Toast the Pine Nuts Carefully: Pine nuts can burn quickly. Keep an eye on them while they toast, and stir frequently. I like to use medium heat for even browning.
- Use Fresh Lemon Juice: For a fresh, bright flavor, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice. It makes a huge difference in enhancing the overall taste.
- Season the Chicken Well: Don’t be afraid to season the chicken with salt, pepper, and herbs before cooking. This step brings out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Add Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil just before serving adds a burst of color and freshness.
- Make It Extra Rich: For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt to the broth. It adds richness without overwhelming the flavors.
- Swap Pine Nuts: If pine nuts are hard to find, toasted almonds or chopped walnuts are great alternatives, offering a similar crunch with their own unique flavor.
These little tricks help me perfect the dish every time. Enjoy!
🥗 Health Benefits
This dish offers a balanced combination of lean protein from the chicken and healthy fats from the pine nuts. Pine nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
The inclusion of garlic and lemon juice not only enhances flavor but also provides antioxidants and vitamin C, respectively.
📝 Note
Ensure the pine nuts are toasted just until golden to prevent a bitter taste. Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor,
but bottled juice can be used in a pinch. Adjust the seasoning to your preference, and feel free to experiment with additional herbs like thyme or rosemary.
How To Store?
Storing your chicken pine nuts recipe properly ensures it stays fresh and delicious for future meals. Here’s how I store it:
- Store the Cooked Chicken:
After cooking, allow the chicken to cool to room temperature. Place the chicken in an airtight container, and store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’re planning to keep it longer, freezing is your best option (see freezing ideas above). - Store the Pine Nuts:
If you have leftover pine nuts, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week. If you’ve toasted them, I recommend refrigerating them in an airtight container to keep them fresh for up to 2 weeks. - Store the Sauce:
After preparing the pine nut sauce, cool it completely before transferring it into a sealed container. It will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. If you prefer, you can freeze the sauce as well for up to 3 months. - Store the Assembled Dish:
If you’ve assembled the entire dish (chicken and sauce), cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the whole dish, just be sure to thaw it completely before reheating.
When storing, always ensure the food has cooled down before sealing it in a container to avoid moisture buildup. Reheat thoroughly before serving. Enjoy your meal, even days later!
✅ Conclusion
This chicken pine nuts recipe is a delightful way to bring Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Its simplicity and depth of flavor make it a favorite in my kitchen.
Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try, and enjoy the harmonious blend of tender chicken and toasted pine nuts.