Almond Chicken with Bacon (Pollo alle Mandorle e Pancetta)
Category: Main Course
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
This rich and savory dish, Almond Chicken with Bacon, is a delightful marriage of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and the aromatic crunch of toasted almonds. With a splash of white wine to deglaze and enhance the flavors, this is a mouthwatering main course that’s sure to impress your family and guests alike.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breast | 1 (about 500g) |
| Smoked bacon | 150g |
| Peeled almonds | 70g |
| White wine | 60g |
| All-purpose flour | To taste |
| Cornstarch (Maizena) | To taste |
| Water | To taste |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Peanut oil (or vegetable oil) | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken:
Start by cutting the chicken breast into bite-sized cubes, about 3 cm each. Dredge the chicken pieces in flour, ensuring they are well-coated. -
Cook the Bacon:
Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add the smoked bacon and cook until crispy and golden. Once done, remove the bacon from the pan but keep the rendered fat inside for added flavor. -
Sauté the Chicken:
In the same pan with the bacon fat, add the floured chicken pieces. Cook for about 10 minutes, turning the chicken until it’s fully cooked and golden brown on all sides. Season with a pinch of salt to taste. -
Toast the Almonds:
While the chicken is cooking, place another non-stick pan on medium heat. Add a drizzle of peanut oil and toast the peeled almonds for a few minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Once toasted, remove from heat. -
Deglaze the Pan:
Once the chicken is golden and cooked through, pour the white wine into the pan to deglaze it. Allow the wine to cook off, infusing the chicken with its rich flavor. -
Finish the Dish:
Turn off the heat and stir in the toasted almonds, mixing gently to incorporate them into the chicken. The residual heat will help bring everything together. -
Serve:
Plate the chicken with its crispy bacon and toasted almonds. The rich combination of flavors will make every bite irresistible.
Additional Notes
- Serve it with: This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or a fresh, crisp salad.
- For a thicker sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a small amount of cornstarch with water to create a slurry, then stir it into the pan just before serving. This will give the sauce a velvety finish.
- Make it spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick to balance the richness of the dish.
This Almond Chicken with Bacon is a fantastic main course that’s easy to prepare yet full of flavor, perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The crunch of almonds and the crispness of bacon elevate the chicken, making it a standout dish on any table. Enjoy this delightful blend of textures and tastes!
