Perfectly Almond-Coated Chicken

This recipe focuses on a simple yet delightful dish that can be enjoyed by all: Almond-Coated Chicken. The perfect blend of crispy texture and savory flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or simply looking for an easy weeknight meal, this Almond-Coated Chicken will not disappoint.

To prepare this recipe, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts
• 1 cup sliced almonds (toasted)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• Olive oil for frying

Ingredients and Equipment Needed

The main ingredients in this recipe are chicken breasts, sliced almonds, flour, salt, black pepper, eggs, milk, and olive oil. You'll need a skillet or frying pan to prepare the dish on the stove top.

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Preparation time is around 10 minutes while cooking takes about 15 minutes. The total cooking time for this recipe is approximately 25 minutes.

The dish serves four people, making it ideal for a casual dinner or a light lunch.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mix the flour with salt and pepper. Place sliced almonds in a shallow bowl.

2. In another small bowl, whisk together eggs and milk to form a batter.

3. Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture first, then press it lightly to coat both sides thoroughly with the almond mixture.

4. Heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet.

5. Fry until golden brown on each side and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

6. Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips and Variations

To achieve a crispier coating, you can let the coated chicken sit in the refrigerator for about an hour before frying. Alternatively, you could try adding more herbs like parsley or thyme to the almond mixture for extra flavor.

This recipe can easily be adapted into different variations. For example, you might consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular sliced almonds if you prefer a crunchier coating.

Healthy Substitutes

If you're looking to make this dish healthier without sacrificing taste or texture, try substituting whole grain breadcrumbs for the sliced almonds and use less oil during frying. Alternatively, you could bake the chicken instead of frying it to reduce fat content while maintaining its delicious flavor.

Nutritional Information

Per serving:

• Total calories: Approximately 350-400 (depending on portion size)
• Protein: Around 28 grams
• Fat: Roughly 16 grams, mostly from the frying oil and almonds used in coating.
• Sodium: About 400 mg (from salt added during preparation), which can be reduced by using less salt or opting for a low-sodium version of chicken breasts.

Almond-Coated Chicken is not only satisfying but also versatile. You can pair it with steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, or even a fresh salad to create a balanced meal.

Conclusion

Cooking Almond-Coated Chicken is relatively easy and requires minimal effort. With its appealing texture and delightful taste, this dish makes for an excellent addition to your repertoire of family favorites. Try it out today and enjoy a satisfying dinner that everyone will appreciate!