Creamy Walnut-Infused Shredded Chicken
Indulge in the rich flavors of this Creamy Walnut-Infused Shredded Chicken recipe that's perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner. Tender shredded chicken is enveloped in a creamy walnut sauce, blending the nutty richness of walnuts with aromatic onions and spices. This dish pairs beautifully with fresh fruit and can be enjoyed as a savory main course or a delicious filling for wraps and pitas. Gather your loved ones and share this delightful dish that's sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire!
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (whole)
water
3 cups (for cooking)
salt
1.5 teaspoons (divided)
walnuts
1.5 cups (raw)
onion
0.5 cup (finely chopped)
white bread
3 slices (torn into chunks)
paprika
1 teaspoon (divided)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
black olives
to taste (sliced, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring the water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a gentle boil.
2
Add the chicken breasts and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the chicken is fully cooked, approximately 20-50 minutes based on whether the chicken is boneless or bone-in.
3
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the pot and place it on a plate to cool. Strain the remaining liquid through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer to create a clear stock.
4
Boil the strained chicken stock in the pot until it reduces to about 1 and 1/2 cups. Set aside to cool.
5
Once cooled, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, discarding any bones if necessary.
6
In a food processor, combine the walnuts, chopped onions, and the reduced stock. Blend until smooth.
7
Add the torn bread, remaining 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, and black pepper to the food processor and blend until you achieve a creamy paste.
8
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the walnut sauce, tossing gently to coat all pieces evenly.
9
Spoon the mixture onto a serving platter, garnish with the remaining paprika and sliced black olives.
10
Pair this dish with fresh fruit for a delightful contrast to the savory flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Walnut-Infused Shredded Chicken?
It is a savory main dish featuring tender shredded chicken coated in a rich, creamy sauce made from blended walnuts, onions, bread, and spices.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve approximately 10 people.
Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken breasts, though the cooking time may increase to up to 50 minutes compared to boneless breasts.
What are the main ingredients for the walnut sauce?
The sauce is made from raw walnuts, finely chopped onion, reduced chicken stock, white bread, salt, paprika, and black pepper.
How do I prepare the chicken stock for the sauce?
After boiling the chicken, strain the liquid through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer, then boil it down until it reduces to 1 and 1/2 cups.
Why is white bread included in the recipe?
Three slices of torn white bread are blended into the sauce to help create a creamy, thick paste consistency.
What equipment is needed to make the sauce?
A food processor is required to blend the walnuts, onions, stock, and bread into a smooth consistency.
How should the chicken be prepared after cooking?
Once the chicken has cooled, it should be shredded into bite-sized pieces, ensuring any bones are discarded.
What is the recommended garnish for this dish?
The dish should be garnished with a sprinkle of paprika and sliced black olives.
How much water is needed to boil the chicken?
The recipe requires 3 cups of water for the initial boiling of the chicken breasts.
What type of walnuts should be used?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of raw walnuts.
How much salt is used in this recipe?
A total of 1.5 teaspoons of salt is used, divided between the cooking water and the walnut sauce.
What side dishes pair well with this creamy chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with fresh fruit for contrast or can be served inside wraps and pitas.
How much paprika do I need?
You will need 1 teaspoon of paprika in total, divided for use in the sauce and as a garnish.
What kind of pepper is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe suitable for family meals and gatherings.
How much onion is required?
You will need 0.5 cup of finely chopped onion.
How long does the chicken take to cook?
The chicken needs to simmer for approximately 20 to 50 minutes until it is fully cooked.
Do I need to peel the chicken?
The recipe specifically calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How do I mix the sauce and the chicken?
Combine the shredded chicken and the walnut sauce in a large mixing bowl and toss gently to ensure even coating.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to bring 3 cups of water and 1/2 teaspoon of salt to a gentle boil in a large pot.
How do I ensure the stock is clear?
Straining the liquid through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer after cooking the chicken will result in a clear stock.
What is the final texture of the walnut sauce?
The final sauce should be a creamy paste that adheres well to the shredded meat.
Is this a healthy recipe choice?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as healthy and utilizes nutritious ingredients like walnuts and chicken breast.
How many chicken breasts are needed?
The recipe requires 4 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Can I use this as a filling?
Absolutely, it is recommended as a delicious filling for wraps and pitas.
What is the flavor profile of the dish?
The dish is savory and nutty, with aromatic notes from the onions and paprika.
Should the stock be hot when blending?
The instructions suggest setting the reduced stock aside to cool before blending it with the walnuts and onions.
How much reduced stock is used in the blender?
The recipe uses the full 1 and 1/2 cups of reduced chicken stock in the food processor.
What are the black olives for?
The sliced black olives are used as a garnish to add flavor and visual appeal to the final platter.