Georgian Spiced Chicken with Walnut Sauce

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts 4 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup walnuts 1 cup walnuts
• 2 cloves garlic 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup water 1/4 cup water
• Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish Fresh cilantro or parsley, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 3g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 5g, 1g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the olive oil, ground coriander, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to form a marinade.
2. 2.
   Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure that the chicken is evenly coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. 3.
   In the meantime, prepare the walnut sauce. In a food processor, combine the walnuts, garlic, white wine vinegar, and water. Blend until smooth and creamy. If needed, add more water to achieve the desired consistency. Set aside.
4. 4.
   Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess marinade.
5. 5.
   Grill the chicken breasts for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through and nicely charred. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. 6.
   Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips.
7. 7.
   Serve the grilled chicken with a generous drizzle of walnut sauce. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Chicken breasts — To ensure juicy and tender chicken, marinate it for at least 1 hour. This will help the flavors penetrate the meat and enhance its taste.
• Walnuts — Use fresh walnuts for the best flavor. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can soak the walnuts in water for a few hours before blending them.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• If you don't have a grill, you can also cook the chicken on a stovetop grill pan or in the oven.
• Leftover walnut sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can be used as a dip or sauce for other dishes.

Serving advice

Serve the Georgian Spiced Chicken with Walnut Sauce alongside a bed of fluffy basmati rice or warm crusty bread. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.

Presentation advice

Arrange the sliced grilled chicken on a platter and drizzle the walnut sauce over the top. Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color. Serve with a side of rice or bread to complete the presentation.