Perfectly Almond-Coated Chicken Breast

Almonds add a delightful crunch to this simple yet tasty chicken breast recipe. Enjoy it as a main course or serve with steamed vegetables for a hearty side dish.

Cooking Time: 20 minutes, Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• ½ cup slivered almonds
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Lemon wedges (optional for serving)

Instructions:

To begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, place the slivered almonds in a shallow bowl and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

In another small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and cook for approximately 4 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from the pan and transfer to an oven-safe dish.

Once you have transferred the chicken to the baking dish, lightly press each piece into the seasoned slivered almonds, ensuring they are well-coated on all sides. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

While your chicken is in the oven, prepare any side dishes you would like to serve alongside it. A fresh salad or some steamed broccoli make excellent complements.

After baking, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into serving pieces. Serve immediately with lemon wedges if desired.

Nutritional Information:

• Serving size: 1 piece of chicken
• Total calories: approximately 260 kcal (excluding side dishes)
• Protein: about 45 grams per serving
• Fat: around 12 grams
• Carbohydrates: roughly 8 grams, mostly from the almonds used in coating

Tips & Variations:

To vary this basic recipe slightly, consider substituting different nuts such as pistachios or hazelnuts. You could also mix in some dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for extra flavor.

For a more substantial meal, pair the chicken with a grain side dish such as quinoa or wild rice pilaf. Alternatively, you can serve it with mashed potatoes to create a comforting, well-rounded meal.

Health Benefits:

The addition of almonds in this recipe brings several health benefits. Almonds are rich sources of healthy fats that help lower bad cholesterol levels and improve heart health. They also contain vitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant, helping to protect cells from damage by free radicals.

Besides the nutritional value offered by almonds, chicken breast itself is a lean protein source with low fat content making it a great choice for those watching their waistlines while still getting essential amino acids. Incorporating this recipe into your diet can contribute positively towards achieving balanced nutrition and maintaining overall good health.

Conclusion:

This Almond-Coated Chicken Breast not only satisfies your taste buds but also offers numerous health advantages thanks to the inclusion of almonds. Its simplicity allows even novice cooks to prepare a dish that impresses at home or during gatherings with friends. Experimenting with side dishes and variations provides endless possibilities for enjoying this delicious meal in different ways.