Butterflied chicken with pistachio butter
Butterflied chicken with pistachio butter features the nutty richness of pistachios blended with savory butter, offering juicy, tender meat and crispy skin. This method ensures even cooking, making it an impressive dish for special occasions.
Cook time 55 min
Prep time 25 min
Ingredients:
3 lb whole chicken1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup pistachio nuts
2 garlic cloves
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 short spray cooking spray oil
Butterflied chicken with pistachio butter is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the rich, nutty taste of pistachios with the savory goodness of butter. This recipe is perfect for a special dinner or a weekend meal when you want to impress your family and friends. By butterflying the chicken, you ensure an even cooking process, resulting in juicy and tender meat with a perfectly crispy skin.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the chicken breast-side down on a cutting board. Using kitchen shears, cut along each side of the backbone from tail to neck to remove it.
- Open the chicken out and place it skin-side up. Flatten the chicken by pressing firmly on the breastbone with the heel of your hand until you hear a crack and the chicken lays flat. This process is known as "butterflying" the chicken.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and set aside.
- In a food processor, combine the softened butter, pistachio nuts, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
- Pulse until the mixture is well blended and the pistachios are finely chopped, creating a smooth, spreadable pistachio butter.
- Season with a pinch of salt if desired.
- Carefully loosen the skin of the chicken by sliding your fingers between the skin and the meat, being cautious not to tear the skin.
- Spread a generous amount of the pistachio butter mixture under the skin, ensuring the butter is evenly distributed over the breast and thigh meat. Reserve some for later use.
- Rub the outside of the chicken with any remaining pistachio butter.
- Lightly spray a roasting pan or baking sheet with cooking spray oil.
- Place the butterflied chicken skin-side up in the prepared pan.
- Roast in the preheated oven for approximately 45-55 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the skin is golden and crispy.
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Carve the chicken and serve with the delicious pistachio butter drippings from the pan.
This butterflied chicken with pistachio butter recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds but also a feast for the eyes. The combination of succulent chicken and the creamy, nutty pistachio butter is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Follow the tips provided to achieve the best results, and enjoy a meal that is both luxurious and comforting.
Butterflied chicken with pistachio butter FAQ:
Butterflied chicken should be roasted in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 45-55 minutes. It's crucial to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
To determine doneness, use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken, avoiding the bone. The chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and the juices should run clear.
Leftover butterflied chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months, making sure to wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Yes, you can substitute pistachios with other nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews. Keep in mind that this may alter the flavor profile slightly, but each nut can add its own unique taste to the butter.
A medium-sized roasting pan or a large baking sheet should work well for a 3 lb butterflied chicken. Ensure the pan is large enough to accommodate the chicken with some space for air circulation for even cooking.
Tips:
- Ensure your chicken is at room temperature before cooking to promote even cooking.
- Butterfly the chicken by removing the backbone with kitchen shears and pressing down on the breastbone to flatten it.
- Toast the pistachio nuts lightly before blending to enhance their flavor.
- Soften the butter to room temperature to make it easier to mix with the pistachios and garlic.
- Pat the chicken's skin dry with paper towels before cooking to achieve a crispy skin.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute.
Nutrition per serving
8 ServingsCalories 670kcal
Protein 45g
Carbohydrates 2.92g
Fiber 0.99g
Sugar 0.83g
Fat 50g
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