Pistachio Crusted Chicken

Pistachio Crusted Chicken Breasts are crispy, golden, and packed with flavor. This easy pistachio chicken recipe features a crunchy, nutty coating on the outside and juicy, tender chicken on the inside. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this pistachio crusted chicken can be made in the air fryer or baked in the oven. Step-by-step air fryer and oven instructions included for perfectly crisp results every time!

Easy Pistachio Crusted Chicken Recipe

Pistachios might not be the first thing you think of for coating chicken, but trust me—they’re a game changer. They add the best crunchy texture, a little surprise factor, and so much rich, nutty flavor in every bite.

No air fryer? No worries! I’ve included oven instructions too, because this recipe turns out delicious either way. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights with the family, but impressive enough to serve when you’re entertaining or hosting a holiday meal.

Key ingredients to make Pistachio Crusted Fried Chicken: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Chicken – Boneless skinless chicken breasts pounded to 3/4-inch thick.
• Pistachios and Bread Crumbs – Shelled pistachios, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese form the crispy coating.
• Yogurt – Greek yogurt adds protein and helps the nuts adhere.
• Jam – Peach jam or preserves adds a hint of sweetness.
• Oil and Lemon- Olive oil and lemon juice add flavor to the marinade.
• Spices – Garlic salt, black pepper or red pepper flakes.
• Garnish – Fresh parsley or freshness and a pop of color.

How to Make the Best Pistachio Crusted Chicken Breasts Recipe

• Yogurt – In a large shallow bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, peach jam, olive oil and lemon juice. Add chicken cutlets turning to coat. Cover and chill for 1-2 hours to marinate.
• Breading – In a shallow bowl whisk together pistachios, Italian breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
• Prepare Air Fryer – Preheat the air fryer to 360°F.
• Coat Chicken Breasts with Breadcrumbs – Remove chicken breasts from marinate allowing excess to drip off.
• Pistachio Mixture – Transfer to the bread crumb bowl and thoroughly coat both sides of the chicken pressing breading to adhere.
• Transfer to Air Fryer – Spritz air fryer rack with cooking spray. Arrange chicken breasts in air fryer and cook per the recipe turning halfway through.
• Let Rest – Remove from the air fryer and rest then serve garnished with parsley, if desired.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Pistachio Crusted Chicken Recipe

• Large air fryer. You can make this in the basket of an air fryer, in the oven or in a multi function air fryer.
• Knife and cutting board, food processor or nut chopper.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Shallow bowl or baking dish for making the pistachio coating.
• Turning spatula or tongs for turning the chicken half way through cooking.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Breadcrumb Substitution – If you have another type of seasoned breadcrumb that you prefer, feel free to use that instead. The Italian breadcrumbs include additional seasonings, so if you are using plain breadcrumbs, you may want to consider adding in dried Italian seasoning and 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese for a full flavored breading. You can also use panko breadcrumbs.
• Sour Cream – You can use sour cream if you don’t have plain Greek yogurt on hand.
• Nuts – You could adapt this tender chicken recipe using pecans, cashews or almonds in place of pistachios.
• Jam – Peach jam or preserves pair beautifully with the flavor of the pistachios. Another alternative is apricot jam or apricot preserves.
• Garlic Salt – You could use garlic powder and plain salt.
• Chicken – Boneless skinless chicken breasts are my go-to for this pistachio chicken recipe. Boneless chicken thighs would also work, but make an effort to remove all visible fat beforehand.
• Lemon Juice – Lime juice, either fresh or from concentrate, is a great substitute for lemon juice in a pinch.
• Shelled Pistachios – The nuts in this recipe are the pistachios without the shells. I would recommend chopping them using a food processor. If you chop them too thick, they won’t adhere to the chicken breast. That said, if you want to be able to tell that you are using pistachios and retain some of their green color, don’t process them too small.
• Cook in Batches – If making more than two chicken breasts, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer if your air fryer is small.

Tips for Pistachio Crusted Chicken in an Air Fryer

• Make sure to preheat the air fryer to 360°F before adding the chicken.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer, otherwise the chicken won’t cook enough. If you want to make two large pieces or 4 smaller pieces, either will work as long as there’s room for air to circulate on all sides.
• The marinade will help infuse more flavor into the chicken, but if you are short on time, you can skip the marinade and simply dredge the chicken in the marinade mixture before coating it with the breadcrumbs and pistachios.
• Make sure your chicken is not too thick. If it is, you will need to increase the cooking time.
• Either set the air fryer for 360° F at 9 minutes twice, or set it at 360° F for 18 minutes, and make sure to take out and flip over the chicken breasts at 9 minutes. You definitely want to flip the chicken otherwise the nuts and breading will burn on one side before the chicken is cooked.
• Do not use aluminum foil under the chicken breasts for this recipe, as it will trap the juices and make the breading wet.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – If you have leftovers cool then place into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – When reheating, use the air fryer to heat up each side at 350°F for around 2-4 minutes or on a baking sheet pan in a preheated 350 degrees f oven .
• Freezer Storage – You can also freeze pistachio chicken recipe leftovers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator then reheat in the air fryer.

Southern Style Side Dishes to Serve with Chicken

• A crunchy Green Bean Salad with Tomatoes.
• Fresh Corn on the Cob or may this recipe for Zucchini Salad from Fifteen Spatulas.
• A big dish of cheesy Scalloped Potatoes or Parmesan Smashed Potatoes.
• For the pasta fans at your table Creamy Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese or homemade Fettuccine Alfredo better than any you’ll get at a restaurant.
• You can never go wrong with a Spinach Salad filled with Granny Smith apples, bleu cheese and bacon.
• A basket of Honey Yeast Rolls and a glass of Southern Sweet Tea to wash it all down. You’re welcome.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Air Fryer
• Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Set
• Kitchen Utensils