Perfectly Almond-Crusted Chicken Breast Recipe

Almond-crusted chicken breast is a delightful combination of tender chicken and crunchy almond coating. This simple yet flavorful recipe has been popular for its versatility and ease of preparation, making it a favorite in many households. Almond-crusted chicken breast pairs well with a variety of side dishes like roasted vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes.

Cooking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients You Will Need:

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• ⅔ cup almond flour or ground almonds
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 1/4 cup)
• Paprika (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

Start by preparing the almond coating. In a shallow dish or bowl, mix together the almond flour and salt with pepper until well combined.

In another medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs until they are frothy. Place this mixture next to your seasoned almond flour mixture. This will form two separate stations: one for egg dipping and another for almond coating.

While you're preparing these mixtures, preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and place a wire rack on a baking sheet. Once the oven is heated up, it's time to prepare each piece of chicken breast:

1. Coat both sides of each chicken breast with a thin layer of flour.
2. Dip them in beaten eggs until fully covered.
3. Carefully coat the pieces again with almond crumbs making sure to press down slightly so that they adhere properly. This will help create a crispy texture during frying.

Heat some vegetable oil over medium heat in a large skillet or frying pan. When the oil has reached a temperature where a small piece of chicken dipped into it sizzles, carefully place your coated chicken breasts into the hot oil. Fry on each side until golden brown and crispy – about 5-7 minutes per side.

After frying, transfer the pieces to your preheated wire rack placed over baking sheets lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil before serving them straight from oven for best results.

Optional garnish: Sprinkle paprika generously over each portion while still hot. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like sautéed broccoli florets or a side salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette, enhancing the overall taste experience further.

Tips & Variations:

For extra crunchiness, consider double-coating the chicken breasts – after dipping them into egg wash for the first time, place them back into the flour before transferring to almond coating again. You can also experiment with different spices in your flour mix; adding a pinch of cayenne pepper adds heat or a dash of garlic powder increases flavor intensity.

This dish works wonderfully when paired with various vegetables and grains like rice pilaf or quinoa salad. It’s particularly appealing for those looking to add more protein into their diet without sacrificing taste or health benefits. The nutty texture from the almond coating complements the mild sweetness of chicken beautifully, creating a satisfying meal that can be enjoyed by both adults and children alike.

Remember to portion control carefully; although this recipe makes four portions, it may serve less depending on individual appetites. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container within refrigeration for up to five days. Alternatively, you could freeze the leftover chicken breasts if desired – simply reheat them gently either in oven or microwave before enjoying another delicious serving!