Try this easy Pistachio Crusted Chicken recipe for National Pistachio Day

A recipe for Pistachio Crusted Chicken that is so easy it won't drive you nuts.

One of the more interesting nuts in the world is the pistachio. It is a bit greenish and has a distinct flavor. And they're one of the few nuts we don't seem to mind popping from a shell before popping into our mouths. But pistachios are celebrated on Feb. 26 -- it's National Pistachio Day.

According to Punchbowl.com, pistachios are of Middle Eastern derivation and are harvested in bunches, like grapes. (But are they harvested Gangnam style? Maybe. It would certainly make for an interesting video.) They're eaten fresh, roasted, or in various snack forms. They're even used to make that distinctive green ice cream. And they're good for you as well. The nuts have more antioxidants per serving than green tea and are an excellent source of fiber and Vitamin B6. Pistachios also are loaded with essential minerals like copper and manganese.

So with that in mind, you can celebrate the day with a tasty and healthy dish made with pistachios. How about a recipe that the entire family can enjoy?

Pistachio Crusted Chicken
(via AllRecipes.com)

Ingredients:

1 cup Pistachios (chopped)
1/2 cup Bread Crumbs
2 Tsps Dijon Mustard
2 Tsps Olive Oil
2 Tsps Honey
2 Chicken Breast Halves (large, skinless, boneless), cut into 1-inch strips
Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Prepare a baking sheet, coating it lightly with cooking spray.

Mix pistachios and bread crumbs in a bowl. Separately, stir into a bowl Dijon mustard, olive oil, honey, and salt and pepper until a smooth mixture is reached.

Dip chicken strips into Dijon mixture to coat. Then add a coat of pistachio-ed bread crumbs and place on baking sheet.

Place in oven. Turn down heat to 375 degrees. Allow to bake until chicken is thoroughly cooked and pistachio coating turns a golden brown (roughly 20 minutes). Remove. Let cool somewhat and serve.

Your total time: About 30 minutes.

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Since chicken is a great source of protein (about 31 grams per 100 grams) and low in fat (about 4 grams per every 100 grams), it is a common diet food. It is also a low-sodium food source, for those with high blood pressure issues. And, according to the National Chicken Council, chicken also is also a good source of zinc, which is good for the immune system, and loaded with B vitamins (B3, B6, B7, and B12). So, combined with a coating of pistachios, your half-hour meal can also be a healthy one.

Just don't tell the kids it's healthy... you know how they are about that sort of thing...

Have a great National Pistachio Day.

(photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/people/marcodisce, Wikimedia Commons)

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