Almond Chicken

My Go-To Weeknight Dinner: Crispy Almond Chicken

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and healthy meals can be a real challenge. Weeknights are particularly hectic, juggling work deadlines, homework help, and the general chaos of family life. That's why I've perfected a recipe that's both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly quick to prepare: Crispy Almond Chicken. This recipe is my lifesaver, a weeknight warrior that always delivers. It’s become a staple in our household, a dish that everyone, including my picky eaters, loves.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. No fancy ingredients, no obscure techniques – just a few pantry staples combined to create a truly satisfying meal. The chicken is wonderfully crispy, thanks to a clever breadcrumb and almond coating that adds a delightful crunch. The creamy sauce is the perfect complement, rich and tangy, with just a hint of spice. And the best part? It’s all done in under an hour! From prepping the chicken to serving it up, this recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights. It's adaptable, too – sometimes I swap the sun-dried tomatoes for some fresh basil or spinach, depending on what's in the fridge. And the sides? Rice is a classic choice, but roasted vegetables or even a simple salad work wonders.

The Secret to Perfectly Crispy Chicken: The key to this recipe is the three-step breading process. First, you dredge the chicken in seasoned flour, then dip it in a light egg wash, and finally, coat it generously in a mixture of breadcrumbs and sliced almonds. This layering technique ensures that the breading adheres perfectly, creating a beautiful, golden-brown crust. Remember, don’t overcrowd the pan when you’re cooking the chicken. Give each piece of chicken ample space to brown evenly.

Making the Sauce: The creamy sauce is just as important as the chicken itself. It’s a simple roux-based sauce, meaning it starts with a mixture of butter and flour cooked together until smooth. This base is then enriched with heavy cream, creating a luxuriously creamy texture. Season it with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick. The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity, balancing the richness of the cream. And the best part about this sauce? It comes together in minutes! Just remember to stir constantly while it simmers to prevent lumps.

Serving Suggestions: This Almond Chicken is incredibly versatile. Serve it with a side of fluffy white rice, steamed vegetables (broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are all excellent choices), or a crisp salad. It's a complete and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering. This recipe is a winner, consistently impressing family and friends alike.

Variations: Feel free to experiment with the spices and herbs to customize the dish to your preferences. Add some fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to the chicken breading, or use different types of nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for added texture and flavor. You can also adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less cayenne pepper. This recipe truly is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

So, the next time you're short on time but craving a delicious and satisfying meal, give my Crispy Almond Chicken recipe a try. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will become a staple in your kitchen, too. The compliments are always worth it!

Step-by-step

• In a bowl combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder.
• In a second bowl whisk together eggs.
• In a third bowl combine bread crumbs and almond slices.
• Set up dipping station. First flour mixture, then egg, then bread crumbs.
• Dredge chicken breasts into flour, then egg wash, then coat them with the bread crumbs. Gently press the almonds into the chicken so they stick.
• Heat oil in pan. Cook chicken 3-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Place on rack.
• To make the sauce, mix butter and flour to create a roux. Allow flour flavor to cook out; approximately 5 minutes. Stirring constantly.
• Whisk in heavy cream, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper and garlic powder.
• Add in the sun dried tomatoes. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens.
• Serve the sauce over chicken.
• Serve with a side of rice and vegetables.
• Enjoy :)