Perfectly Almond-Coated Chicken Breast: A Flavorful Dinner Recipe

Introduction: Looking for a quick and easy recipe that can transform your dinner into something special? Try this almond-coated chicken breast. This dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It pairs well with various sides, including mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. The cooking time is around 20 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.

This almond-crusted chicken breast is simple to prepare and requires just four main ingredients: chicken breasts, sliced almonds, flour, and your choice of seasoning (we recommend paprika). You’ll also need some butter and an oven. Let’s dive into how to make this tasty dish!

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup sliced almonds
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons paprika (optional)
2 tablespoons butter for coating the pan

Serving: Serves 4

Preparation Steps:

Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (356°F).
Cut the chicken breasts: Take out four chicken breasts and pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps the almond coating adhere better.
Slice almonds finely: Slicing your almonds finely is important as it allows for even cooking. You can use a food processor or just cut the almonds into thin slices by hand.
Mix flour and spices: Place all-purpose flour on a plate and add paprika (if using). This will help coat the chicken breasts before they get almond crusts.
Cover chicken with flour: Dip each chicken breast into the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour to avoid overloading the chicken with almond coating.
Mix almonds and seasoning: In another bowl, combine sliced almonds and paprika (if you're using), mixing well so that all the slices are evenly seasoned.
Cooking the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Once melted and foaming, add the almond-coated chicken breasts to the hot skillet. Fry each side until golden brown – approximately 3-4 minutes per side.
Bake in oven: After frying, transfer the fried chicken breasts into a baking dish. Place them back into your preheating oven for about 10 minutes or until fully cooked through and thoroughly heated up.

Note: Cooking time can vary slightly depending on how thick you prefer your chicken to be. For thicker pieces, extend the cooking times by a couple of minutes.

How to Serve Almond-Coated Chicken Breast:

This dish is incredibly versatile and pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or even a simple salad. If you're looking for something heartier, you could serve this alongside creamy polenta or fluffy rice pilaf.

Tips for Best Results:

Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor, always use fresh chicken breasts and freshly ground almonds. Old flour or stale nuts might not give as good results in coating your chicken breast.
Fry gently: When frying the chicken, ensure you don't overcrowd the pan; this helps achieve a nice even golden color without burning your almond crusts too quickly.
Baking time: Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken with a thermometer. The safe minimum internal temperature for fully cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C).

Enjoy your perfectly-coated, tasty almond chicken breast! This dish not only satisfies a craving but also brings out the natural flavors of almonds and chicken in an unexpected and delightful way.

Cooking Time:

Frying: 8 minutes (4 minutes per side)
Baking: 10 minutes
Total Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes