Oven-Fried Almond Chicken: A Crispy, Flavorful Delight in Under an Hour
This Oven-Fried Almond Chicken is an incredibly easy and flavorful recipe that will satisfy your cravings for a crispy, savory dish. The combination of crunchy breadcrumbs, aromatic fresh parsley, and nutty almonds gives the chicken an irresistible texture and taste, all baked to perfection in the oven. Perfect for busy weeknights or even a special dinner, this recipe delivers a healthy, high-protein meal in under 40 minutes, with minimal prep time. The result? Golden, crispy chicken breast that’s juicy inside, with a delightful almond-parmesan coating on the outside.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Recipe Category: Chicken Breast
- Cuisine: American
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (26 Reviews)
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 329.1 kcal |
| Total Fat | 20.9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.3 g |
| Cholesterol | 50.1 mg |
| Sodium | 649.2 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 14.7 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugars | 1.4 g |
| Protein | 20.4 g |
Ingredients
To make this Oven-Fried Almond Chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | 1/4 cup |
| Fresh parsley (chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Minced garlic clove | 2 cloves |
| Dried thyme | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/4 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Chicken breast halves | 6 pieces |
| Almonds (slivered or chopped) | 1/4 cup |
| Plain breadcrumbs | 1 cup |
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat will ensure that the chicken gets a crispy exterior while staying tender on the inside.
2. Prepare the Coating Mixture
In a shallow, flat pie plate, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, almonds, fresh parsley, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. The breadcrumb mixture will form a fragrant and flavorful coating that adds both crunch and savory depth to the chicken.
3. Dip the Chicken in Olive Oil
In another shallow pie plate, pour the olive oil. Take each chicken breast half and dip it into the oil, ensuring that it is well-coated on all sides. The oil helps the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken, ensuring that it crisps up beautifully as it bakes.
4. Coat the Chicken
Now, transfer each oil-coated chicken breast into the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to make sure the chicken is evenly coated with the breadcrumb, almond, and Parmesan mixture. This step is crucial for achieving the crispy, golden crust that makes this dish so irresistible.
5. Arrange on the Baking Sheet
Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet that has been lightly sprayed with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking while it bakes, ensuring a smooth release after cooking.
6. Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 20 minutes. The chicken is done when the juices run clear when the thickest part of the chicken is pierced with a knife. Avoid turning the chicken during baking to maintain the integrity of the crispy coating.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the meat moist and tender.
Cooking Tips
- Chicken Thickness: If your chicken breasts are particularly thick, consider pounding them to an even thickness before coating. This will help ensure that they cook more evenly.
- Almond Variations: Feel free to use slivered almonds or finely chopped almonds depending on your texture preference.
- Make It Spicy: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for a bit of heat.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Oven-Fried Almond Chicken with a variety of side dishes. It’s excellent with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes. For a low-carb option, serve with steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice.
This dish is not only packed with protein but also offers healthy fats from the olive oil and almonds, making it a well-rounded meal that’s both delicious and nutritious.
With its crispy, nutty coating and juicy chicken, this Oven-Fried Almond Chicken is sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. Enjoy a quick, satisfying meal that’s ready in under 40 minutes—perfect for those busy days when you still want to serve something special and wholesome.
