Circassian Walnut Chicken Delight
Circassian Walnut Chicken Delight is a rich and flavorful dish that hails from the Caucasus region, presenting an exquisite blend of tender chicken and a nutty walnut paste. This recipe combines the warmth of paprika, the zest of lemon, and the creaminess of walnuts, creating a vibrant sauce that envelops perfectly shredded chicken. Served at family gatherings and special occasions, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with wholesome nutrients. Inspired by Elise Bauer's delightful approach from Simply Recipes, every bite of this dish is a testament to the beauty of homemade cooking.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
full chicken breasts
2 (both halves)
olive or walnut oil
4 tablespoons (as preferred)
paprika
4 teaspoons (ground)
chopped walnuts
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
garlic cloves
3 (chopped)
green onions
2 tablespoons (chopped)
cayenne
1 teaspoon (ground)
parsley
2 tablespoons (chopped)
bread
2 slices (crusts removed, torn into chunks)
chicken stock
1 quart (for simmering)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
lemon
1 (juice of)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring the chicken stock to a gentle simmer. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully submerged. If necessary, add water to cover the meat completely. Allow them to simmer gently for about 10 minutes, then remove from heat and let the chicken sit in the stock.
2
While the chicken simmers, heat the olive or walnut oil in a small pot over low heat. Add the paprika, stirring well to combine. Heat just until the oil becomes infused with the paprika aroma, then turn off the heat.
3
Tear the slices of bread into chunks and place them in a bowl. Ladle out 1-2 cups of the chicken broth and pour it over the bread, allowing it to soak for a few minutes.
4
In a separate bowl, reserve 1/2 cup of the chopped walnuts. Combine the reserved walnuts with the chopped green onions and 1 tablespoon of parsley, mixing well and setting aside.
5
In a food processor, combine the remaining chopped walnuts, garlic, cayenne, approximately 1 teaspoon of salt, the rest of the parsley, and the soaked bread. Blend until you achieve a thick and relatively chunky paste. If the mixture seems too thick, add chicken broth a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
6
Stir the warm paprika-infused oil into the walnut paste in the food processor, blending until fully combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the salt according to your preference.
7
Remove the chicken breasts from the broth, discarding the skin. Use your hands or forks to shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces, then transfer the shredded chicken to the bowl with the reserved walnuts and green onion mix.
8
Pour the walnut-paprika paste over the chicken mixture. Gently fold and combine all ingredients until well mixed. Finally, add black pepper and fresh lemon juice to taste, stirring again to incorporate all flavors. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Circassian Walnut Chicken Delight?
Circassian Walnut Chicken Delight is a rich and flavorful dish from the Caucasus region featuring tender chicken and a creamy, nutty walnut paste.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This dish originates from the Caucasus region and is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Who inspired this specific version of the recipe?
This recipe is inspired by Elise Bauer's approach from Simply Recipes.
What type of chicken is used for this dish?
The recipe calls for 2 full chicken breasts, using both halves.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What are the primary flavors in the sauce?
The sauce is a blend of walnuts, paprika, garlic, and lemon, creating a savory and creamy flavor profile.
Can I use walnut oil for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either olive oil or walnut oil depending on your preference.
How do I prepare the chicken breasts?
Simmer the chicken in chicken stock for about 10 minutes, let it sit in the stock, then shred the meat into bite-sized pieces.
What role does bread play in the recipe?
Bread slices with crusts removed are soaked in chicken broth and blended into the walnut paste to add thickness and texture.
How do I make the paprika-infused oil?
Heat olive or walnut oil over low heat, add the paprika, and stir until the aroma is infused, then remove from heat.
What is the consistency of the walnut paste?
The walnut paste should be thick and relatively chunky, achieved by blending walnuts, garlic, spices, and soaked bread.
How do I thin out the sauce if it is too thick?
You can add chicken broth one tablespoon at a time to the food processor until you reach your desired consistency.
What nuts are required for this dish?
The recipe requires 1 1/2 cups of chopped walnuts.
Are there any fresh herbs in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley.
How is the chicken shredded?
Once cooked and cooled slightly, you can use your hands or forks to shred the chicken meat into bite-sized pieces.
When do I add the lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is added at the final step to taste, helping to incorporate all the flavors.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy and nutritious dish packed with wholesome nutrients.
What spices provide the heat in this dish?
Ground cayenne pepper and paprika provide a gentle warmth and spice to the sauce.
How do I use the green onions?
Chopped green onions are mixed with the shredded chicken and reserved walnuts before adding the paste.
Should the chicken skin be included?
No, the instructions specify to discard the skin after the chicken has been simmered.
What liquid is used to simmer the chicken?
The chicken is simmered in 1 quart of chicken stock.
How much paprika is needed?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of ground paprika.
What is the first step in making the walnut paste?
The first step is soaking torn chunks of bread in the warm chicken broth.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to blend the walnuts, garlic, bread, and spices into a paste.
Can I adjust the salt level?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding salt to taste and adjusting it after blending the paste.
How is the dish served?
It is recommended to serve the Circassian Walnut Chicken Delight warm.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe uses 3 chopped garlic cloves.
Is there black pepper in this recipe?
Yes, black pepper is added at the end to taste.
What makes the sauce vibrant?
The combination of paprika-infused oil and the nutty walnut base gives the sauce its vibrant appearance and taste.
What should I do with the reserved walnuts?
1/2 cup of chopped walnuts should be set aside to be mixed directly with the shredded chicken for extra crunch.