Pistachio crusted chicken with creamy red pepper sauce

This is another favorite item I was talking about yesterday from Cucina Paradiso, a restaurant by my office.  It may sound weird, but the combo of the crust and the dipping sauce is outstanding.  This is my first attempt at making it. I am just guessing on the ingredients.  I am using my sister’s creamy red pepper sauce I posted the other day for the dipping sauce.   I decided just to make one chicken breast because just in case it didn’t work out, I didn’t want to waste the food.   Here is what I used:

• (1)  4 to 5 ounce chicken breast, pounded thin
• 1 oz. pistachios, coarsely chopped 
• a few small handfuls of panko bread crumbs (found by other bread crumbs in the store)
• skim milk
• salt and pepper to taste

Don’t ask me why, but when I make my chicken tenders, I dip the chicken in skim milk to make the coating stick.  I did the same thing here, by pounding out the chicken breast, I dredged it in the panko bread crumbs, then the chopped pistachios, then sprinkled salt and pepper on each side.  In a small skillet I added a little grape seed oil. On medium heat, cook the chicken on both sides about 4 minutes, or until no longer pink. One thing my sister and I learned at a cooking class we took, was once you place the chicken in the pan, do not move it, don’t keep flipping it, just be patient and you will have a deluxe crust on each side.  At the restaurant they serve this as a sandwich on peasant bread which is like a crusty yummy bread.  You can do that, or just serve it as is.  Make the creamy red pepper sauce I linked above and heat until just warm.  You can either put it on top of the chicken in the sandwich, or you could serve it just by itself with the dipping sauce on the side.   It tasted really good.  I’m thinking the version I get at the restaurant has a ton more pistachios on it, but I will definitely make this again. And the best part is pistachios are a great addition to your diet.  Here are some facts you may not know about pistachios: 

1. They contain lutein (also found in dark leafy vegetables)
2. They have the richest source of phytosterols –  which help lower your cholesterol and helps fight heart disease.
3. They have 3 grams of fiber per 1 oz. serving.
4. Other nutrients include, copper, thiamin, B6, potassium, magnesium and manganese.  These nutrients help support a healthy body.