Perfectly Almond-Coated Chicken

Chicken coated in a light almond crust is a delightful dish that has captured the hearts of many food enthusiasts looking for a healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks. This recipe provides you with an easy and tasty way to enjoy homemade chicken without the heaviness typically associated with fried foods.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces (breast, thighs, legs)
3/4 cup almond flour
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt, divided use
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
Vegetable oil or cooking spray (for pan)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix the almond flour and all-purpose flour in a large bowl. Add salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper into the mixture and mix well.
Carefully coat each chicken piece with the flour mixture. Ensure that the coating is even so that every part of the chicken has a nice almond crust.
Heat some vegetable oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking. If you prefer, you can also spray the pan lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure the chicken pieces don’t burn on contact.
Cook each piece of coated chicken for about 2-3 minutes on each side in the skillet until golden brown. Be careful not to overcook; you want a crisp, yet tender crust that remains moist inside.
Once cooked, place the pieces onto a baking sheet and bake them in the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes or until fully cooked through (check with a meat thermometer if needed).

Tips for Success

Ensure proper mixing: Make sure you mix all dry ingredients well before coating the chicken. This ensures even distribution of flavors and textures.
Cooking time varies: Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of your chicken pieces to avoid undercooking or overcooking.
Use an oven-safe pan: This allows you to sear the chicken in one step and then move it directly into the oven for baking, minimizing cleanup time.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is versatile; serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or rice for a balanced meal. You could also accompany your chicken with a simple green salad to add freshness and fiber to your plate. For those who like their meals packed, consider making this as part of a larger potluck platter where you can add other dishes such as pasta salads or fruit bowls.

To further enhance the flavor profile, try adding some fresh herbs like parsley or dill just before serving for an extra burst of freshness and aroma. Alternatively, if you prefer your food with a bit more spice, sprinkle a dash of cayenne pepper over each piece after cooking it in the pan for added heat.

Benefits

Coating chicken in almond flour instead of traditional bread crumbs offers several health benefits. Almonds are rich in healthy fats and protein which contribute positively to your diet without adding too much unnecessary sugar or refined carbohydrates. By reducing the need for excessive oil during cooking, this recipe also helps cut down on unhealthy fats from frying while still delivering a delicious texture.

Cooking Time & Servings

This recipe takes approximately 40 minutes to prepare and cook, yielding enough servings for 8 people. If you're hosting guests or preparing for a family gathering, this amount of chicken should suffice comfortably.

Conclusion

Incorporating more homemade dishes into your repertoire is always beneficial not only because they are fresher but also because you have control over the ingredients used. Whether you’re aiming to reduce your carbon footprint by cooking less processed food or simply looking for new and exciting ways to enjoy chicken, this almond-coated chicken dish is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.