Why the Almond Crusted Chicken Is a Great Chicken Dish
Almond-crusted chicken stands out as a fantastic dish for several reasons.
First, it combines the tenderness of chicken with the crunch of almonds, creating an irresistible texture. The nutty flavor complements the chicken beautifully, making each bite a delight.
Plus, it’s a versatile dish; you can serve it with various sides, from salads to grains. I love how it’s both elegant for special occasions and simple enough for a weeknight dinner.
It’s quick to prepare and cooks in one pan, which means fewer dishes to wash. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Ingredients of Almond Crusted Chicken
When it comes to making almond-crusted chicken, having the right ingredients is key to achieving that perfect blend of flavors and textures. This dish might seem fancy, but trust me, it’s pretty straightforward. You probably have some of these ingredients in your pantry already, which is always a win in my book.
The combination of crunchy almonds and juicy chicken is just so satisfying. Plus, the best part? You only need a few things to whip up this dish, so let’s get to it.
Here’s what you’ll need to gather for your almond-crusted chicken:
- 3/4 cup dry breadcrumbs
- Coarse salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons water
- 2 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 to 2 lbs)
- 1 1/2 cups sliced almonds (broken into pieces)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons canola oil
Now, let’s chat about some of these ingredients. The chicken breasts are, of course, the stars of the show, so you want them to be nice and fresh—nothing beats that juicy goodness.
The sliced almonds? They’re what give this dish its signature crunch, so don’t skimp on those. And while I love using unsalted butter for the richness, feel free to use oil or a butter substitute if that’s your jam.
Keep in mind that cooking is all about personal preference. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even experiment with different types of nuts or breadcrumbs. Just remember, the goal is to create that mouthwatering, crunchy layer that’s so addictive.
Happy cooking!
How to Make Almond Crusted Chicken
Making almond-crusted chicken isn’t only straightforward but also a great way to impress friends and family without breaking a sweat.
First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This step is essential because you want your chicken to cook through evenly while getting that golden, crispy crust we all adore.
While the oven is heating up, take a medium bowl and toss in 3/4 cup of dry breadcrumbs along with a sprinkle of coarse salt and fresh ground black pepper. Mixing these together adds flavor right from the start.
Now, grab 2 large eggs and crack them into a small bowl, adding 2 teaspoons of water. Give it a gentle whisk until it’s all blended. The egg mixture is going to be your glue, helping all those crunchy almonds stick to the chicken.
Speaking of chicken, take your 2 whole boneless skinless chicken breasts (which should be about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds) and dip them into the egg wash. Make sure to wipe away any excess egg with your fingers—you don’t want it dripping everywhere, trust me.
Next, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture until it’s lightly coated, then dip it back in the egg, and this time, coat it thoroughly with 1 1/2 cups of sliced almonds that you’ve broken into pieces.
Once your chicken is all dressed up, it’s time to get cooking. Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of canola oil in an ovenproof skillet over medium heat.
When the butter has melted and the mixture is sizzling (seriously, that sound is music to my ears), gently place your almond-coated chicken in the pan. Sauté it for about 3 minutes until it’s beautifully browned on one side.
Flip it over and let it cook for just one more minute—no need for perfection here, just a nice golden hue will do. Finally, transfer the skillet to your preheated oven and bake the chicken for about 10 minutes until it’s cooked through.
The anticipation will be worth it, especially when you pull it out and see that crispy, nutty crust glistening. How’s that for a simple yet delicious meal?
Almond Crusted Chicken Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to shake things up, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try with almond-crusted chicken.
Instead of almonds, why not use crushed pistachios or walnuts for a different nutty flavor? For a gluten-free option, I love using ground oats or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
You can even swap the chicken for turkey cutlets or tofu for a vegetarian twist. Add spices like paprika or garlic powder to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick.
Finally, try different fats—coconut oil adds a tropical flair that’s delicious.
Get creative and make this dish your own!
What to Serve with Almond Crusted Chicken
After you’ve explored some creative variations on almond-crusted chicken, it’s time to think about what to pair it with for a complete meal.
I love serving it alongside a fresh arugula salad tossed with a lemon vinaigrette for a zesty contrast.
Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, add a delightful crunch and complement the chicken’s nuttiness.
For something heartier, garlic mashed potatoes work wonders, absorbing all those lovely flavors.
If you’re in the mood for grains, a light quinoa salad with herbs and diced veggies is perfect.
Each option enhances the dish, making your meal truly memorable.
Additional Tips & Notes
A few key tips can elevate your almond-crusted chicken to a whole new level.
First, try using fresh almonds for a crunchier texture. Toasting them lightly before use enhances their flavor, too.
Don’t skip seasoning the breadcrumbs; it makes a huge difference!
If you want extra moisture, marinate the chicken in a bit of buttermilk for a few hours before breading.
For a spicy kick, add some cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
Finally, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking; it helps retain the juices.
Enjoy experimenting and making this dish your own!