Perfectly Almond-Coated Chicken Breasts: A Nutty Delight

Almond-coated chicken is a versatile and delicious recipe that can be enjoyed as a main course or served alongside salads for a light meal. The combination of crispy, golden-brown almonds and tender chicken creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that many food enthusiasts enjoy.

This dish is particularly popular in various cuisines around the world, offering a unique twist on traditional chicken dishes. For this recipe, you can prepare approximately 4 servings, with a total cooking time of about 30 minutes, excluding cooling time for the almonds.

Ingredients

8 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb/450g)
1 cup slivered almonds
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a shallow dish, combine the slivered almonds with salt and pepper. Stir until all the nuts are evenly coated.
Cut each chicken breast into two or three pieces if they are particularly large; this will help ensure even cooking.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken pieces one by one into the almond mixture, making sure to coat them thoroughly on all sides. You might need to work in batches depending on your skillet size.
Cook the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side until it is golden brown and crisp. Remove from heat when done and place the pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you prefer, you can also use non-stick foil or aluminum foil to avoid any sticky residues.
Bake in the oven for approximately 15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked through, which should be evident if it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
Let the chicken breasts rest on the baking sheet for a couple of minutes before serving. Serve with lemon wedges for extra flavor and garnish.

Additional Tips

Cooking Time: The total cooking time, including almond coating preparation and baking, is roughly 35 to 40 minutes depending on the size of your chicken pieces. Adjust accordingly if using smaller cuts like tenders.
Preparation Tips: For a more robust flavor, consider marinating the chicken for at least an hour in lemon juice or any other preferred marinade before coating them with almonds.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (approximate)

The following is based on the total yield of 4 servings:

Calories: ~500 per serving
Protein: ~50g
Fat: ~30g
Total Carbs: ~18g
Sodium: ~750mg (adjustable to your taste)

Tips for Perfect Almond-Coating

Almonds: For an extra crunch, lightly toast the almonds in a dry skillet until they become fragrant before adding salt and pepper. This step is optional but recommended.
Serving Suggestions: Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. Alternatively, drizzle some honey mustard sauce over the chicken for an extra kick of sweetness.

This recipe offers not only a delightful taste and appearance but also a healthy option as almonds are rich in essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin E and magnesium.