Dukkah Crusted Chicken Tenders

Dukkah Crusted Chicken Tenders

Until a few weeks ago, I had never heard of dukkah, and now it seems to be everywhere (I even saw jar of it at Trader Joe’s the other day). Hmm…is this proof that the folks at McCormick really can tell the future of flavor?

You see, I first learned of dukkah (an aromatic Middle Eastern spice and nut blend), when I did this sneak preview of McCormick’s Flavor Forecast 2013. A dukkah spice blend was featured as part of the “Empowered Eating” trend, which is all about not sacrificing flavor for healthfulness.

Dukkah Spice Blend

I was immediately intrigued by the aromatic blend of toasted nuts and seeds. Dukkah is traditionally sprinkled on olive oil-dipped pita bread, but it can also be used as a versatile topping, sprinkled over roasted vegetables, pasta, or even as a crust on fish or meat. And then the light bulb went off.

Hello, Dukkah Crusted Chicken Tenders.

Fried chicken fingers get a healthy and flavorful makeover with this baked version. You still get that chicken strip crispy crunchiness you know and love, but the taste factor is punched up with toasted hazelnuts, sesame, coriander, and cumin.

Hazelnuts, Coriander, Sesame Seeds, & Cumin

It’s crazy how much flavor you get from this mixture of nuts, seeds, and spices. Toast them up to get them really aromatic, and then give them a whir in the food processor to grind it all up.

Dukkah Spice Blend

I kept some larger pieces of nuts in the mix for extra crunch in the crust.

And then the process is just like making regular fried chicken. Dust the chicken strips in seasoned flour, give it a lovely buttermilk-sage bath, and then roll it in the dukkah to give it a tasty, nutty crust.

Flour Dredge

Buttermilk-Sage Bath

Dukkah Crust

If you are in serious detox mode, you could even forego the flour dredging and buttermilk bath and use egg white instead. A bit of olive oil gives the chicken that oven-fried goodness without the guilt.

Dip these chicken tenders in honey-mustard, or try a cucumber yogurt tzatziki. Liven up your salad with them. Or make a “fried” chicken sandwich and serve with your favorite slaw.

How would you eat these fancified chicken tenders?

Dukkah Crusted Chicken Tenders ready for the oven

Dukkah Crusted Chicken Tenders
Chicken fingers get a healthy and flavorful makeover with this baked version that is encrusted in dukkah (an aromatic Middle Eastern blend of spices and nuts).

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

For the Chicken
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon finely chopped sage
1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Dukkah Spice Blend
1/2 cup hazelnuts
1 tablespoon McCormick® Gourmet Collection Coriander Seed
1 tablespoon McCormick® Sesame Seed
1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick® Cumin Seed
1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Black Pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Preparation:

Make the Dukkah Spice Blend

1. If your hazelnuts aren’t already peeled, spread them on a baking tray and bake for 3-5 minutes or until toasted. Rub the hazelnuts in between a towel to remove as much of the skins as possible. Coarsely chop the hazelnuts. Set aside.
2. Heat a medium skillet on medium heat. Add nuts, coriander, sesame, and cumin seeds. Cook and stir 2 to 3 minutes or until fragrant and toasted.
3. Pour everything into a food processor, add the salt and pepper, and process until crumbly. Do not allow mixture to become a paste. Pour onto a plate and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat oven to 425 F.
2. Butterfly the chicken breasts and cut into 1-inch strips.
3. On a large plate, combine the flour, salt, and pepper. In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, mustard, and sage. Prepare your baking sheet by covering with parchment paper and rubbing the olive oil on top so that it’s completely coated.
4. Dredge the chicken strips in the flour until they are completely coated. Shake off any excess flour.
5. Give the chicken a dip in the buttermilk mixture.
6. Roll the chicken in the dukkah so that it’s evenly coated.
7. Arrange the strips on the prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 minutes. Flip the chicken strips and bake for another 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

Print Recipe

Disclosure: This post was sponsored by McCormick & Co.