Who doesn't love a crispy chicken dish? Welcome to the Crispy Almond Chicken Breast recipe - a simple, delightful treat that's going to make your taste buds dance. Using almond as the main ingredient for the crust, this recipe offers a nutty twist to the traditional breaded chicken. Perfect for both weekday dinners and special occasions, it's a dish that's easy to make but hard to forget.
Its golden crust, combined with juicy chicken inside, promises a culinary experience that's both unique and delicious.
Table of Contents
Why This Recipe Works
Health Meets Flavor: Almonds, as we all know, are packed with health benefits. They are a good source of essential nutrients, including fiber, protein, and healthy fats. When used as a crust, almonds not only provide these nutritional advantages but also introduce a rich, nutty flavor to the chicken. It's a pleasant departure from regular breadcrumbs, giving you a dish that's as healthful as it is flavorful.
Consistent Crispiness: One of the challenges with traditional breaded chicken is ensuring that it stays crispy. Almonds naturally have a crunchy texture. When they're baked or fried, they maintain this crispiness, ensuring every bite of your chicken is consistently crunchy. Moreover, the natural oils in almonds help in achieving that golden-brown hue, making the dish not only taste good but also look incredibly appetizing.
Ingredients
Chicken Breasts - Boneless and skinless are best for even cooking. Substitute: turkey breasts.
Almonds - Ground finely for a crispy coating. Substitute: ground pecans or hazelnuts.
Eggs - Acts as a binder for the almond coating. Substitute: milk or buttermilk.
Flour - For dusting before the egg and almond mixture. Substitute: almond flour or coconut flour for a gluten-free option.
Salt and Pepper - For seasoning. No real substitutes, but seasonings can be adjusted or skipped as per preference.
Tips
- For extra crunch, combine almonds with a bit of breadcrumbs or panko.
- Flattening the chicken to an even thickness ensures even cooking.
- Allow cooked chicken to rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the bottom crispy.
- Toasting the ground almonds briefly before using can enhance the nutty flavor.
- Always use medium heat for frying to ensure chicken is cooked through without burning the almond coating.
How to Serve
The Crispy Almond Chicken Breast is a versatile dish that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. Its nutty and crunchy exterior pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, allowing for numerous meal options.
- Salad: Slice the chicken and lay it over a fresh green salad with some berries, feta, and a light vinaigrette.
- Pasta: Serve alongside or atop a creamy pasta, like Alfredo or carbonara.
- Asian Twist: Drizzle with a light teriyaki or soy sauce and serve with steamed vegetables and jasmine rice.
Similar Recipes
Crispy Almond Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup finely ground almonds
- 2 eggs beaten
- ½ cup flour or substitute
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each breast in flour, then dip into beaten eggs.
- Coat chicken with the finely ground almonds, pressing the mixture onto the chicken to stick.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove and let rest on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
- For extra crunch, combine almonds with a bit of breadcrumbs or panko.
- Flattening the chicken to an even thickness ensures even cooking.
- Allow cooked chicken to rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to keep the bottom crispy.
- Toasting the ground almonds briefly before using can enhance the nutty flavor.
- Always use medium heat for frying to ensure chicken is cooked through without burning the almond coating.