Perfectly Almond-Coated Chicken

This recipe for perfectly almond-coated chicken is a delicious way to enjoy the flavors of almonds and chicken without being too heavy on your palate. With just 30 minutes in the kitchen, you can prepare this tasty meal that serves four people.

Ingredients

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
1/4 cup blanched slivered almonds
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons canola oil, divided use

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Mix the slivered almonds with salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.
In a large skillet, heat one tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat for about two minutes.
Pat the chicken dry and dredge each piece through the almond mixture to coat evenly. Shake off any excess almond mixture if necessary.
Fry the coated chicken in batches until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Transfer the fried chicken to a baking dish. Reserve any remaining oil and almond mixture.
In the same skillet, add two tablespoons of oil if needed for browning. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven to bake until the chicken is fully cooked (about 10-15 minutes).
Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for about five minutes before serving.

Tips & Tricks for Success

Pat your chicken dry: Patted dry skin helps crisp up the coating during frying. Make sure to use paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Mix well before using: Ensure you mix almonds, salt, and pepper well in a small bowl to get an even coating on each piece of chicken.
Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C): This ensures the chicken is thoroughly cooked without overcooking or drying out. Adjust your oven temperature if needed for accurate cooking time.
Fry before baking: The initial frying helps form an even, crispy coating on the chicken pieces. You can also use this method to seal in moisture and ensure a delicious finish.

Nutritional Information

The exact nutritional values may vary based on the ingredients used. However, approximately per serving:

Calories: 390 kcal
Total Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 140mg
Sodium: 280mg
Total Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Protein: 45g

Conclusion

This Almond-Coated Chicken recipe is a delightful, easy-to-follow recipe for creating a crispy and delicious meal. Perfectly almond-coated chicken not only adds a delightful crunch to every bite but also enhances the flavor of chicken. It's a great option when you want something quick yet satisfying. The almond coating provides a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the tenderness of the chicken.

The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes, and it serves four people. This dish can be served as a main course or paired with sides such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to make your meal more complete. Not only is it a tasty option, but it’s also healthy enough to satisfy your cravings without compromising on nutrition.