The Yum Factor

• You can use peanuts and other nuts to bread chicken, although you should mix them with flour or bread crumbs so they stick well. Experiment with different types of peanuts, such as salted, unsalted, honey-roasted or even flavored peanuts, such as chili-lime. Peanuts have a robust, slightly smoky flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken's mild taste.

Mix It Up

• You really can't go wrong when using peanuts as a breading for chicken. Most of the preparation details come down to personal preference. Crush the peanuts in a food processor until they're very fine for a smooth, consistent breading or leave them a bit crunchy for more texture. Don't mash them to a paste though. Combine the crushed peanuts with flour or bread crumbs at a rate of about one part peanuts to one part starch. Add any desired seasonings to the breading mixture. Add a bit of sugar for a sweet tooth or stir in some ginger and chili powder for Asian flair. Be sure to add salt and pepper to the breading and salt the chicken lightly. Dip the chicken in beaten egg whites or a combination of melted butter and honey before coating it with the peanut breading. The liquid moistens the chicken so the breading sticks better and also adds flavor and texture.

Get Cooking

• To cook chicken breaded with peanuts, you've got a few options. The simplest is probably to bake it in an oven set at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Cover the chicken with foil if the peanuts are browning too much. The chicken is done when it's golden brown and a meat thermometer inserted in the meat registers 165 F. You can also fry the chicken in oil on the stovetop or grill it. Be careful, though, because the peanuts can burn on the grill.

Keep It Safe

• Coating chicken in peanuts is perfectly safe when you're just serving your family, but it can be risky for a group. Allergies to peanuts are one of the most common allergies and exposure to even a small amount can cause life-threatening reactions. Because peanuts aren't commonly used to bread chicken, people with allergies may not be on the alert. When serving a group, always let people know when a dish contains peanuts or other nuts. Offer an alternative food and make sure the peanuts don't come in contact with other foods in the kitchen.