Almond Crusted Chicken
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines crunch, flavor, and nutrition, look no further than this Almond Crusted Chicken. This recipe is a delightful twist on classic chicken dishes, featuring a nutty almond crust that adds a satisfying crunch to tender chicken breasts. Pair this dish with a tangy cherry preserve and balsamic glaze, and you’ve got a meal that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
Almond Crusted Chicken is a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s baked rather than fried, making it a healthier option without sacrificing flavor or texture. The crunchy almond crust brings an irresistible texture, while the juicy chicken ensures that every bite is full of moisture. Plus, the sweet and tangy cherry preserves paired with balsamic vinegar elevate this dish to gourmet status, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Whether served with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad, this dish is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters.
Ingredient Rundown
To create this mouthwatering Almond Crusted Chicken, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound thinly sliced chicken breasts or chicken breasts pounded thin
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup sliced almonds
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 cup sweet onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 cup cherry preserves
- 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
Each ingredient contributes to the dish’s flavor profile, bringing together creaminess, crunch, and a hint of sweetness that is simply irresistible.
Cook’s Kit
Before you begin, make sure you have the following kitchen tools on hand:
- Large mixing bowl for combining ingredients
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup
- Meat mallet or rolling pin if you’re pounding chicken breasts
- Sharp knife for chopping onions and herbs
- Whisk for mixing yogurt and seasonings
- Small saucepan for warming cherry preserves and balsamic vinegar
Having these tools ready will streamline the cooking process, allowing you to focus on creating this delicious meal.
Almond Crusted Chicken: Step-by-Step Guide
Getting to the heart of the matter, here’s how to make your Almond Crusted Chicken:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and the almond crust gets nice and crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, kosher salt, and pepper. This mixture will act as a marinade and help the almonds stick to the chicken.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Take your thinly sliced chicken breasts and dip each piece into the yogurt mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step 4: Prepare the Almond Coating
In another bowl, combine sliced almonds, olive oil, chopped sweet onion, fresh thyme, and additional salt and pepper. Mix well until the almonds are evenly coated with the oil and seasonings.
Step 5: Crust the Chicken
Press each piece of yogurt-coated chicken into the almond mixture, coating both sides thoroughly. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Bake the Chicken
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the almond crust is golden brown and crispy.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the chicken is baking, combine cherry preserves and balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the preserves have melted and the mixture is well combined. This glaze will add a beautiful finishing touch to your chicken.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is done baking, drizzle the warm cherry glaze over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy the delicious flavors of your Almond Crusted Chicken!
Allergy-Friendly Swaps
If you have specific dietary restrictions, here are some easy swaps to make this dish work for you:
- For a nut-free version, replace sliced almonds with crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Substitute Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative if lactose-intolerant.
- Use a gluten-free soy sauce in place of balsamic vinegar for a gluten-free option.
- Replace sweet onion with green onions or shallots for a different flavor profile.
These alternatives ensure that everyone can enjoy this delicious dish!
Avoid These Traps
While making Almond Crusted Chicken, keep these tips in mind to avoid common pitfalls:
- Don’t skip the marination step with yogurt; it tenderizes the chicken and helps the crust adhere.
- Ensure your oven is preheated to achieve a crispy crust.
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, which can lead to steaming instead of baking.
- Monitor the chicken closely towards the end of the baking time to prevent burning the almond crust.
By being mindful of these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a perfect meal!
Make-Ahead & Storage
If you want to save time, you can prepare this dish in advance:
You can marinate the chicken in the yogurt mixture and coat it with almonds a few hours ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Cooked Almond Crusted Chicken can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispiness of the almond crust.
Troubleshooting Q&A
What if my almond crust isn’t sticking to the chicken?
If the almond crust isn’t sticking, make sure you’re thoroughly coating the chicken in the yogurt mixture before pressing it into the almonds. You might also try refrigerating the coated chicken for 15 minutes before baking to help the crust adhere better.
How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
For an extra crispy crust, consider broiling the chicken for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just watch it closely to avoid burning the almonds!
Can I freeze the Almond Crusted Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked, coated chicken. Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What sides pair well with Almond Crusted Chicken?
This dish is versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even quinoa pilaf for a complete meal.
If you loved making Almond Crusted Chicken, here are some delicious recipes to try next:
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have all the details, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get started on this delicious Almond Crusted Chicken. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the delightful crunch and flavor explosion in every bite!
Almond Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, kosher salt, and pepper.
- Take your thinly sliced chicken breasts and dip each piece into the yogurt mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- In another bowl, combine sliced almonds, olive oil, chopped sweet onion, fresh thyme, and additional salt and pepper. Mix well.
- Press each piece of yogurt-coated chicken into the almond mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
- Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through and the almond crust is golden brown.
- While the chicken is baking, combine cherry preserves and balsamic vinegar in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until the preserves have melted.
- Once the chicken is done baking, drizzle the warm cherry glaze over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken in yogurt for best flavor and texture.
- For extra crispiness, consider broiling the chicken for the last few minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
