Maple Walnut Chicken

Like anything thing else we have done on this blog, there are about 100 variation of this recipe.  Some are Paleo and some are not.  This obviously is Paleo.  Like anything else that I make, this recipe is super easy.   Seriously, I just press the "easy" button.  Literally, it takes longer to cook the chicken than prepare the chicken.  

Admittedly, this recipe didn’t blow my socks off.  Maybe its because this dish didn’t have bacon or maybe I was expecting something a bit more.  In either case, it’s worth trying out.  I mean, really, who doesn’t like chicken, maple syrup or walnuts.  Maybe it will blow your socks off?

I wouldn’t recommend this dish as leftovers.  Eat it hot (just out of the pan) and plan to have a few side dishes.  The maple-vinegar flavor combo really packs a punch (in a good way).  So much so that it will wake up your taste buds, particularly, if you are really limiting your sugars in your Paleo Diet.

What you will need:

1 lb of boneless chicken breast (5-7 pieces)

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 tablespoon of fresh thyme

0.5 cups of walnuts

0.5 cups of water

5 tablespoons of cider vinegar

2 tablespoons of real maple syrup (read label).

0.25 teaspoon of sea salt

0.25 teaspoon of pepper

What to do:

Combine olive oil, salt, pepper and thyme in a small dish and rub chicken breasts with mixture.  Let chicken stand in refrigerator until ready to use.

In a large non-stick skillet, toast walnuts under medium flame until golden brown.  Watch your nuts so they do not burn.  Hahaha.  Remove your toasted nuts and place in a small dish for later.

In the same non-stick skillet, under the same heat, cook chicken breasts until fully cooked.  Turn frequently. When fully cooked, set chicken aside in a dish.  Do not throw out the juices. 

In the same non-stick skillet, add cider vinegar.  Stir thoroughly, mixing chicken juices and cider vinegar for one min.  Then add syrup and water and let simmer for 6-7 min.  Liquids may be come thicker, which is a good thing.

Spoon juice over chicken breasts and sprinkle toasted walnuts over chicken.  Serve HOT!