π Almond Crusted Chicken Fingers π
History: Almond-crusted chicken fingers are a delightful twist on the classic chicken fingers. While there’s no specific historical account of their origin, this recipe likely emerged as a creative way to add extra flavor and texture to traditional chicken fingers.
Components:
- Chicken breast tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Almonds (whole or sliced).
- Flour (all-purpose or almond flour for a gluten-free option).
- Eggs (for binding).
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or your preferred spices).
- Cooking oil (such as vegetable oil or olive oil).
- Optional: Dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce.
Steps to Prepare:
-
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or use a greased baking dish.
-
Crush Almonds:
- Place almonds in a food processor and pulse until they’re finely crushed. You can also place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
-
Prepare Coating Stations:
- Set up three shallow bowls or plates. One with flour and seasonings, one with beaten eggs, and one with crushed almonds.
-
Coat Chicken:
- Take each chicken tender and dip it into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s coated evenly.
- Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs.
- Finally, coat the chicken in the crushed almonds, pressing the almonds onto the chicken to make sure they stick.
-
Cook:
- Heat some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken tenders in a single layer.
- Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. You can also bake them in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
-
Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the pan or oven and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Time Needed:
- Preparation time: Approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Cooking time: 20-25 minutes (if baking) or about 8-10 minutes (if frying).
- Total time: Around 35-45 minutes.
Enjoy your delicious homemade almond-crusted chicken fingers! They make for a crunchy and flavorful snack or meal option. π€©π½οΈ
Sure, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Crusted Chicken Fingers:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximately 3-4 chicken fingers):
- Calories: 250-300 kcal
- Protein: 25-30 grams
- Carbohydrates: 10-15 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 2-3 grams
- Sugars: 1-2 grams
- Total Fat: 12-15 grams
- Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
- Cholesterol: 80-100 mg
- Sodium: 300-400 mg
- Potassium: 250-300 mg
- Vitamin A: 2-4% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 0-2% DV
- Calcium: 4-6% DV
- Iron: 6-8% DV
Health Information:
- Protein: Chicken is a good source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Healthy Fats: Almonds provide healthy monounsaturated fats and some fiber, which can support heart health.
- Fiber: The almond coating adds a small amount of dietary fiber to the dish, aiding in digestion.
- Low in Carbs: This recipe is relatively low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for low-carb or keto diets.
- Vitamins and Minerals: While not a significant source of vitamins and minerals, it does provide some essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium from the chicken.
- Sodium: Depending on seasoning and dipping sauce choices, the sodium content can vary. Be mindful of your sodium intake.
Keep in mind that the actual nutrition content can vary based on factors such as portion size, specific ingredients used, and preparation methods. If you have specific dietary concerns or health goals, it’s a good idea to adjust the recipe accordingly or consult with a nutritionist or dietitian.
