Perfectly Almond-Coated Chicken: A Flavorful Meal for Your Family

Almond-Coated Chicken is a delightful and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by the entire family. The crispy coating made from almonds, breadcrumbs, and spices adds an extra layer of flavor to the already tender chicken meat. This recipe is perfect for those looking to incorporate more vegetables into their meals as well.

The preparation time for this dish is approximately 30 minutes, while the cooking time is around 25 minutes. The yield is enough for four servings, making it an excellent choice for a family dinner or even a casual get-together with friends.

Ingredients

• 4 skinless and boneless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total)
• 1 cup almond flour or finely ground almonds
• 3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon paprika, divided use
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs beaten in a bowl
• Vegetable oil for frying (optional)
• Veggies of your choice: broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a shallow dish, mix together the almond flour, breadcrumbs, 1 tablespoon of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
3. Place the beaten eggs in another shallow bowl. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture to coat evenly, then transfer them to the dry coating mixture. Press gently to ensure a good coating.
4. Heat 1-2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C). If you prefer not using oil, you can bake the chicken instead by skipping this step and moving on to step four.
5. Fry the chicken breasts for approximately 6 minutes per side or until golden brown. Alternatively, if baking, place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet and bake them for about 20-25 minutes or until fully cooked through. Check internal temperature using a meat thermometer (165°F/74°C).
6. Once done, let it sit for a few minutes before serving with your choice of sides such as steamed vegetables or a simple green salad.

Enhancing the Flavor Profile

To make this dish even more exciting, consider adding some fresh herbs like parsley or chives to garnish. You could also try incorporating different types of almonds based on what you have available—such as sliced almonds for crunch or slivered almonds for a smoother coating texture.

• Serving Suggestions: Serve this alongside a side salad, quinoa pilaf, or roasted potatoes. For those who prefer something lighter, pair it with steamed vegetables like broccoli florets or sautéed spinach. If you want to add some color and freshness to your plate, consider adding slices of ripe tomatoes on top.
• Storage: Any leftover almond-coated chicken can be stored in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage or freezing options, package tightly wrapped individually and store them in the freezer where they will last about 6 months.

Nutritional Information per Serving (Approximate values)

This dish offers a balanced meal that includes protein from the chicken breast combined with healthy fats found within almonds. Here's an overview of the approximate nutritional content based on serving sizes:

• Calories: Approximately 450 kcal
• Fat: ~18g
• Saturated Fat: ~3g
• Total Carbohydrates: ~29g
• Fiber: ~7g
• Sugar: ~6g
• Protein: ~40g

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your almond-coated chicken turns out perfectly every time:

• Don't skip the egg wash step: The beaten eggs help create a bond between the almonds and breadcrumbs, resulting in a crispier coating.
• Use the right temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying; otherwise, your chicken might not get crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
• Let it rest: After taking it out of the oven or pan, let the chicken sit for a couple of minutes. This allows excess grease to drain off and ensures that the coating stays intact when cutting into each piece.

Enjoy creating this Almond-Coated Chicken with your loved ones! It’s not only tasty but also provides nutritional benefits due to its high protein content from the chicken breast and healthy fats from almonds. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, spices, or even add some lemon juice before serving for a zesty twist!