The Almond-Crusted Catalan Chicken recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a culinary delight with its unique blend of flavors and textures. This dish, perfect for occasions like Passover or a special family dinner, combines the richness of almonds and the sweetness of honey with savory chicken, creating a memorable meal that pairs beautifully with Basmati rice and a fresh green salad.
Recipe Overview:
- Name: Almond-Crusted Catalan Chicken
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Prep Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Description: A flavorful chicken dish with almond crust, enhanced with honey and cinnamon.
- Recipe Category: Whole Chicken
- Keywords: Chicken, Poultry, Fruit, Nuts, Spanish, European, Kosher, Potluck, Hanukkah, Weeknight, Oven, < 4 Hours, Easy
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 517.4
- Total Fat: 34.6g
- Saturated Fat: 8.1g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 530.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 17.9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3.8g
- Protein: 32.7g
Ingredients:
- 1 broiler-fryer chicken
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 2 teaspoons salt, divided
- 2 teaspoons black pepper, divided
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (matzoh meal for Passover)
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
Instructions:
-
Marinating the Chicken:
- In a large mixing bowl, prepare the marinade by combining mayonnaise, minced garlic, honey, 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.
- Add the chicken to the bowl, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour, occasionally spooning marinade over the chicken to ensure even flavoring.
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Preparing the Almond Crust:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a pie pan or shallow dish, mix together the remaining cinnamon, salt, pepper, breadcrumbs (or matzoh meal), sliced almonds, and olive oil.
-
Coating and Baking:
- Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade, allowing excess marinade to drip off.
- Roll each chicken piece in the breadcrumb-almond mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in a lightly greased shallow baking pan, arranging them in a single layer.
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Baking the Chicken:
- Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for about 1 hour or until the crust is crisp and golden brown, and the chicken is cooked through. You can test doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part of the chicken; the juices should run clear.
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Serving:
- Once baked, serve the Almond-Crusted Catalan Chicken hot, alongside Basmati rice and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. The almond crust adds a delightful crunch while the honey and cinnamon flavors complement the savory chicken.
Tips and Variations:
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance for even more flavorful results.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or ground almonds for a gluten-free version of this recipe.
- Side Dish Ideas: Consider serving with roasted vegetables, couscous, or quinoa for a different twist on sides.
This recipe not only satisfies with its flavorful profile but also offers a creative way to elevate your chicken dishes with ingredients that blend beautifully together. Whether for a special occasion or a weekday meal, Almond-Crusted Catalan Chicken is sure to become a family favorite.