Perfectly Almond-Coated Chicken: A Delicious Dinner Recipe

Looking for a simple yet impressive dinner recipe? Try this almond-coated chicken. Perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender inside, it’s an easy meal that can be enjoyed by anyone. With just 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time.

This recipe serves four people, making it perfect for families or small gatherings. The preparation is straightforward, involving only five main ingredients: chicken breasts, sliced almonds, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let’s dive into the steps to bring this delightful dish to your table!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• ⅔ cup sliced almonds
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

To begin, preheat your oven to 400°F. While the oven is heating up, season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and pepper.

Preparation Steps

1. Cooking the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil to the pan and let it get hot but not smoking. Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan, skin side down first. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown.
2. Flip the chicken breasts and cook on the other side for another 3-4 minutes or until fully cooked through (check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F). Remove from heat once done and set aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

The Almond-Coating Technique

For those who love crunchy textures, this coating is a delightful addition. Sliced almonds are spread in an even layer on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once the chicken has rested and cooled slightly, it’s time to apply the almond coating.

3. Covering Chicken: Generously coat both sides of each chicken breast with sliced almonds. Press down firmly so that the almonds adhere well to the chicken. This step ensures a thicker layer for maximum crunchiness when baked.

Baking the Almond-Coated Chicken

4. Transfer the almond-covered chicken pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they don’t touch each other to allow proper air circulation. Bake in preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until the almonds are golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through.

Checking Doneness

To ensure your chicken is safe to eat, always check its internal temperature using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the breast. If it reaches 165°F, you’re good to go! The golden-brown color also provides an excellent visual cue indicating that the dish is ready.

Serving Suggestions

Once your almond-coated chicken comes out of the oven, serve immediately with a side salad or some steamed vegetables. For a more filling meal, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or rice pilaf.

• Side Dishes: Here are some ideas to complement this dish:
  • Rice Pilaf
  • Mashed Potatoes
  • Steamed Broccoli
  • Sautéed Spinach

The key to a great meal is balance, so choosing one or two of these side dishes can enhance the flavors and textures of your main course.

Tips for Success

• Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven reaches the right temperature before you start baking. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Ensuring each piece of chicken gets adequate space allows them to crisp up properly without sticking together during the baking process.
• Basting Occasionally (Optional): While not necessary, lightly brushing the almonds with additional olive oil or spraying them with cooking spray before placing into the oven can help achieve extra crunchiness.

Conclusion

Almond-coated chicken is a versatile and tasty dish that caters to various palates. Its simplicity makes it a great choice for busy weeknights, while its delightful taste ensures everyone at your table will love it. Try this recipe tonight and enjoy the satisfaction of creating a meal that’s both satisfying and easy on your time.