Cashew Crusted Chicken with Herby Avocado Dijonnaise

Ever wish you could capture the incredible texture and flavor of fried chicken without having to mess with any of the annoying smells or dangers? I’ve been there and when I am craving the crispy, tender and juicy goodness in the aforementioned tricky dish, I turn to this recipe.

Throughout bouts of trying to find a healthier balance in the meals I prepare for myself and others, it’s been fun to play around with different techniques, options and swap-outs in the process. This Cashew Crusted Chicken with Herby Avocado Dijonnaise is a surefire meal that’ll have lunch or dinner on the table in less than an hour. Crunchy cashews, delicious chicken and a sauce that will blow your mind as we head into spring. Feel free to swap out your favorite nuts if so inclined. Let’s do this!

Cashew Crusted Chicken with Herby Avocado Dijonnaise

For the Chicken:

• 4 Medium Chicken Breasts, thinly pounded
• 2 Eggs
• 1/2 cup Panko
• 1 tbsp Salt
• 1 tbsp Pepper
• 1 cup Whole Cashews, crushed

Preheat oven to 400F. Lay chicken breasts out on cutting board. With the help of a rolling pin, meat mallet or other heavy object, pound the chicken breasts to about 1/2” thickness. Add cashews to a small food processor and pulse until just broken up (you want those large pieces, trust me!). Combine crushed cashews, panko, salt and pepper in a small dish. In two separate bowls, lightly beat 2 eggs in one and add panko and cashew mixture to the other. Dredge chicken breasts one by one in the egg mixture and then fully cover and press chicken into cashew panko mix. Set chicken on lightly oiled, aluminum foil covered baking sheet. Bake chicken for 25 minutes and serve immediately, top with Dijonnaise.

Herby Avocado Dijonnaise

• 1/2 large Avocado
• 2 tbsp good Dijon Mustard (I like Sir Kensington’s)
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (I like Primal Kitchen)
• 1 1/2 tbsp chopped Tarragon 
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients in small food processor until smooth. 

Pro tip: The Dijonnaise is the perfect dip, spread or condiment for any spring savory recipes. Have fun!