Perfectly Almond-Crusted Chicken Breast

Chicken breast is a versatile ingredient that can be prepared in countless ways to suit any meal. Today’s recipe focuses on a simple yet delicious dish - Almond-Crusted Chicken Breast. This recipe will not only make your meal more interesting but also add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil for frying

Instructions

To start, preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius or 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature will ensure that the chicken is thoroughly cooked and safe to eat.

In a shallow dish, mix together the sliced almonds, salt, and pepper. Make sure each component blends well; this ensures a consistent flavor profile across your chicken pieces.

Next, coat both sides of the chicken breasts with the almond mixture. Press firmly so that the almond crumbs stick to the meat's surface evenly. Be careful not to press too hard as it could result in crumbling the meat.

In an oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers but doesn’t start smoking. Once the oil is ready, add your almond-crusted chicken breasts into the pan. Lower the heat to medium and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until golden brown on both sides.

Once done, transfer the chicken from the skillet onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place this in your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for approximately 12 minutes more. The internal temperature should reach at least 74 degrees Celsius (or 165 degrees Fahrenheit), ensuring that it's completely safe to eat.

How Long Does It Take to Cook? And How Many Servings Will This Recipe Make?

This recipe provides a quick and easy meal. The total cooking time for the chicken breasts is approximately 20 minutes, including frying them in oil and baking them further in an oven. Each serving consists of one almond-crusted chicken breast.

Why Choose Almond-Crusted Chicken Breast?

The crispy exterior created by the almonds adds a delightful crunch that complements the succulent texture inside each piece of the chicken. Additionally, almonds are packed with nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and fiber which make them healthy additions to your diet.

How To Serve Almond-Crusted Chicken Breast?

This dish pairs wonderfully well with a side of steamed broccoli or rice pilaf for a balanced meal. For those looking to add some extra flavor, you could serve it alongside a mixed green salad tossed in olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Additional Tips

To make this dish even tastier, consider marinating the chicken breasts overnight before coating them in almond crumbs. Marinades can enhance both flavor and tenderness of meats significantly.

If you prefer a gluten-free option, ensure that any marinade used does not contain wheat flour or other gluten-containing ingredients. Also, for those on low-carb diets, avoid using sliced almonds with added sugars since they might contain cornstarch which could add unnecessary carbs.

Conclusion

An Almond-Crusted Chicken Breast is an excellent choice if you're looking to create a healthier version of the traditional fried chicken breast. It's simple enough for everyday cooking yet elegant enough for special occasions too. Try experimenting with different types of nuts or herbs to customize this dish according to your taste preferences.