Hazelnut Crusted Chicken With Gorgonzola Sauce - Rachael Ray

Julesong's Note:

This dish was prepared in the same episode of "30 Minute Meals" as the prosciutto-wrapped endive I've also entered here at RecipeZaar, so I went ahead and fixed them for dinner on the same day. :) Delicious! Hazelnuts are very well known and often used in cuisine of the Pacific Northwest, so I was happy to be utilizing them. Not to forget that I got to add stinky cheese, too!! (YUM!)

• Total Time: 22 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 ½ tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 large egg whites , beaten
• 1 cup chopped hazelnuts
• 4 (6 ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
• salt
• fresh ground black pepper or tri-color pepper
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ¾ cup whole milk
• ½ cup crumbled gorgonzola
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves , plus extra for garnish (substitute 1 teaspoon dried sage and stir into sauce, if fresh is not available, or you may substitu)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, poultry seasoning, and garlic powder.
3. In another shallow dish or bowl, beat the egg white (we substituted 1 large egg, beaten).
4. In another shallow dish place the chopped hazelnuts.
5. Over medium-high temperature, heat a non-stick skillet with an oven-safe handle.
6. Season the uncooked chicken pieces with the salt and freshly ground pepper.
7. Dredge the seasoned chicken in the flour mixture, then the egg, then press the meat into the nuts on both sides (gently pressing to get the nuts to adhere); set chicken pieces on a plate, then thoroughly wash your hands in hot water and soap.
8. Add the olive oil to the preheated pan, then add the prepared chicken.
9. Brown the encrusted chicken pieces on the stove about 2 minutes per side, then place the entire skillet into the preheated oven and complete the cooking, about 8 minutes, until chicken juices run clear.
10. While chicken is cooking, warm the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat; add the Gorgonzola and stir, melting it into the milk, then add the sage and let simmer for 5 minutes.
11. When chicken is done, place the pieces on serving plates then pour sauce over each serving, then garnish with additional chopped sage.

Reviews

[SofiaElise]

Before today, I had a slight aversion to both Gorgonzola and Rachael Ray... but based on this recipe, I think I'm a convert! The gorgonzola flavor is strong, but it pairs so well with the creamy nuttiness of the hazelnut-crusted chicken. A VERY satisfying dish.

[GreenFish]

I was disappointed with this. The sauce had some nice flavor, but the chicken itself was on the bland side. The hazlenuts gave nice texture, but they didn't help much with kick. If I make this one again, I'll at least double the spices that are mixed in with the flour.

[Chef #621487]

This dish was a success and for me, that says a lot! It was fast, easy and the gorgonzola sauce was a hit with the family. Thanks!