Perfectly Almond-Crusted Chicken: A Flavorful Meal in Minutes

Keyword: Almond-crusted chicken

Almond-crusted chicken is a delightful dish that combines the nutty richness of almonds with the savory flavors of traditional chicken. It's a simple yet elegant meal that can be served as a main course for family dinners or as an appetizer at parties. The cooking time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes, and it serves four people generously.

Chicken cutlets are coated in almond meal mixed with herbs and spices before being baked until golden brown. The almonds not only add texture but also provide a healthy dose of protein and fiber to the dish. If you're looking for a light yet satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare, this is definitely one to try!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup almond flour or finely ground almonds
• 2 tablespoons dried thyme leaves
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

Instructions

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Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

In a shallow bowl or pie dish, combine the almond flour, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Set aside this mixture as your coating station.

On a clean cutting board, lay each chicken breast cutlet flat between two pieces of plastic wrap or wax paper. Using a rolling pin or meat mallet, gently pound the chicken to an even thickness. This helps the coating adhere better and ensures even cooking.

Dip one side of each pounded chicken cutlet into the almond flour mixture, pressing down lightly so that the coating sticks well. Coat both sides of all four pieces.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add two coated chicken breasts to the pan and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove them carefully using tongs and repeat with the remaining two pieces.

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p>Once all four cutlets have been seared, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake at 400°F (205°C) for another 15 minutes or until fully cooked through. An internal temperature of 165°F should be reached.

Final Touches & Serving Suggestions

While the chicken is in the oven, you can prepare some sides if desired. Some popular accompaniments include roasted vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini. These vegetables add a colorful contrast and additional nutrients to your meal.

When ready, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and juicy upon serving. Serve alongside your choice of side dishes like rice pilaf or a fresh green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette.

Nutritional Information

Per Serving (approximate values based on 4 servings): Calories: ~350, Protein: ~30g, Fat: ~18g, Carbohydrates: ~15g

Tips & Variations

• To make this dish a bit spicier, add some cayenne pepper to the almond flour mixture. For extra flavor and texture, garnish with additional fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro before serving.

• If you prefer using whole almonds instead of almond flour for coating, simply grind them finely in a food processor until they reach a fine meal consistency. Adjust the amount used depending on how thickly you want your crust to be.

Almond-crusted chicken is not only delicious but also versatile enough to suit various dietary needs and preferences. Whether you're watching calories or enjoying indulgence, this recipe offers something enjoyable for everyone. Try it out today and enjoy the rich flavors of almond-enhanced poultry in your next meal!

Conclusion

Cooking up a batch of almond-crusted chicken is an excellent way to explore new tastes while keeping things simple yet impressive. By following these straightforward steps, you'll create a dish that's sure to impress both family and friends alike. So why not give it a try at home tonight? Your taste buds will thank you for it!