Zesty Basil-Cilantro Macadamia Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this Zesty Basil-Cilantro Macadamia Chicken. This extraordinary dish combines succulent boneless chicken with a vibrant marinated mix of fresh herbs, aromatic spices, and creamy yogurt, all enhanced by the delightful crunch of macadamia nuts. Perfect for meal prepping, you can let the chicken marinate overnight, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. In just 30 minutes of cooking, you’ll create a dish that tantalizes your taste buds and leaves you wanting more. Serve it over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice for a satisfying meal that makes ordinary nights feel special.
4
Servings
450
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken
2 lbs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
fresh ginger
2 tablespoons (peeled and chopped)
garlic
5 cloves (peeled)
jalapenos
3 (seeded and chopped)
macadamia nuts
1/2 cup (chopped)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for cooking)
lime juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
plain yogurt
12 ounces (two 6-ounce containers)
basil
1 bunch (stems removed)
cilantro
1/2 cup (loosely packed)
garam masala
1 tablespoon
ground coriander
1-2 tablespoons
ground cumin
1 tablespoon
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste
chili oil
optional (for drizzling)
Instructions
1
In a food processor, combine the ginger, garlic, and jalapenos. Process the mixture until smooth.
2
Add the chopped macadamia nuts to the processor and blend until they are finely chopped and incorporated.
3
Add the olive oil, lime juice, plain yogurt, basil leaves, cilantro, garam masala, ground coriander, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Process until all ingredients are combined and the mixture is smooth.
4
Place the chicken pieces in a medium bowl and pour the marinade over the chicken. Stir well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the marinade.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or overnight for best flavor. If you’re in a hurry, marinating for just 30 minutes can work in a pinch.
6
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a wok or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
7
Add the marinated chicken along with the marinade to the hot pan. Cook the chicken thoroughly, stirring frequently, for about 20 to 30 minutes. The marinade will initially appear soupy but will thicken as it reduces and adheres to the chicken.
8
For a spicier kick, drizzle a little chili oil into the dish just before serving.
9
Serve the savory chicken over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
15g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Basil-Cilantro Macadamia Chicken?
It is a vibrant chicken dish featuring a marinade of fresh basil, cilantro, yogurt, aromatics like ginger and garlic, and finely chopped macadamia nuts.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of boneless skinless chicken cut into bite-sized pieces.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 450 calories.
Is Zesty Basil-Cilantro Macadamia Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients list, this recipe is gluten-free.
How long should the chicken marinate?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 12 hours or overnight. If you are in a rush, 30 minutes will work.
What kind of yogurt is required?
The recipe specifies 12 ounces of plain yogurt.
How many jalapenos are used in the marinade?
The recipe uses 3 jalapenos, which should be seeded and chopped.
What equipment is needed to make the marinade?
A food processor is needed to blend the ginger, garlic, jalapenos, nuts, and herbs into a smooth paste.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 30 grams of fat per serving.
What spices are included in the seasoning?
The spice blend includes garam masala, ground coriander, and ground cumin.
What should I serve this chicken with?
It is best served over fluffy jasmine or basmati rice.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 30 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep as the chicken can marinate overnight and cooks quickly.
How long does the chicken take to cook on the stove?
The chicken should be cooked for about 20 to 30 minutes until the sauce thickens and adheres to the meat.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can drizzle chili oil over the dish just before serving for an extra kick.
How many garlic cloves are used?
The recipe calls for 5 cloves of peeled garlic.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Do I need to peel the ginger?
Yes, the recipe specifies 2 tablespoons of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped.
How much macadamia nuts are required?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of chopped macadamia nuts.
What kind of oil is used for cooking?
Olive oil is used both in the marinade and for cooking the chicken in the pan.
Is the sauce soupy or thick?
The marinade will initially appear soupy in the pan but will thicken as it reduces during the cooking process.
How much lime juice is added?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lime juice.
How much cilantro is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of loosely packed cilantro.
Should I remove the stems from the basil?
Yes, the instructions state to use 1 bunch of basil with the stems removed.
What type of pan should I use to cook the chicken?
A wok or a deep skillet is recommended for cooking this dish.
How much ground coriander is used?
The recipe suggests using between 1 and 2 tablespoons of ground coriander.
Can I use chicken with bones?
The recipe is designed for boneless chicken cut into bite-sized pieces for quick and even cooking.
Is this a creamy dish?
Yes, the use of plain yogurt and macadamia nuts gives the sauce a creamy consistency.
How much cumin is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of ground cumin.