Almond Boneless Chicken may project an air of elegance, but the dish is otherwise easy to prepare. We have prepared this dish, which requires you to apply a softening tenderizer, seal it off with a crust of roasted almonds, and then bathe it in Almond Sauce, all over nicely cooked mushrooms and onions sautéed in butter flavored with nutmeg. Seated atop a breast on the plate would be mushrooms and onions bathed in one of these innocuous-looking, glossy, and creamy almond sauces, which house the bird breast and its accompaniments.
The ensemble is meant to be a demonstration of a dish that presents significant quantities of protein through the breast of a chicken plated in almond sauce with “B” vitamins from good almonds, coddled away by the company of the richest of vegetables. This almond boneless chicken recipe is crunchy at night, good for easing a headache, and will actually balance well in the event of an emergency.
So add a simple side of salad greens if you like your greens better. To convert this calling into an elegant dinner menu, add some cheese and bread too. This recipe, with the sauce and the chicken, goes a long way. Presented here is a varied discussion on the preparation and other ingredients of the Almond Sauce Chicken, health benefits, some possibilities to give it a complete and totally new life, and great serving suggestions.
Almond Boneless Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Skillet Medium-sized
- 1 Baking Dish 9×13-inch
- 1 Mixing Bowls Small and medium
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Meat Mallet To pound chicken breasts
Ingredients
- 4 halves Skinless, Boneless Chicken Breast about 1.5 lbs
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 cup Water
- 2 cups Finely Chopped Almonds
- 1/4 cup Butter 4 tablespoons
- 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 pound Fresh Mushrooms sliced
- 1 medium Onion sliced into rings
- 2 cloves Garlic crushed
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 1/4 cup Almond Paste
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
Instructions
- Pound 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) using a meat mallet. Season both sides with salt and black pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, whisk 1 large egg with 1/2 cup water to create an egg wash. Place 2 cups of finely chopped almonds in a shallow dish.
- Dip each chicken breast in the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge in the chopped almonds, pressing gently to adhere. Set aside.
- In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1/4 cup butter with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add the almond-coated chicken breasts and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- In the same skillet, add 1 pound of sliced fresh mushrooms, 1 medium onion (sliced into rings), and 2 crushed garlic cloves. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are browned and the onions are soft, about 5–7 minutes. Spread the vegetable mixture evenly over the chicken in the baking dish.
- In the same skillet, combine 1 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup almond paste. Stir over medium heat until the almond paste is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg. Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F) and no longer pink inside.
- Slice the chicken breasts or serve whole, spooning the sauce and vegetables over the top. Serve hot.
Notes
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
Almond boneless chicken is delectable in that it has a healthful capacity when consumed in moderation:
- Chicken Breast: A lean protein source (approx. 26 g protein/4 oz), chicken is low-fat and rich in B vitamins such as niacin and B6 that deliver energy metabolism and muscle health.
- Almonds: High in vitamin E, magnesium, and monounsaturated fats, almonds pave the way for heart health, reduce inflammation, and promote brain function, with an ounce adding close to 7 g of protein.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms come in at a low 15 kcal per cup and also come with good levels of B vitamins (riboflavin, niacin) and selenium, which support energy and the immune system.
- Olive oil: Olive oil has become a very particular item in the Mediterranean diet. It contains monounsaturated fats that indeed lower bad cholesterol, reducing inflammation that helps prevent cardiovascular diseases.
- Garlic: In brief, allicin, which helps you in lowering your blood pressure and cholesterol, acts as a terrific antibacterial and antiviral agent.
- Onion: Onions are beneficial for the heart and contain antioxidants, including but not limited to Quercetin; they fight inflammation and have fiber and vitamin C benefits.
- Nutmeg: Nutmeg, used in very small amounts, has antioxidants and may help digestion and sleep.
- Egg: High-quality protein, as well as choline, is essential for brain health and cell function.
- Heavy cream and butter, on the other hand, are high in saturated fats and, therefore, such condiments can be considered for an occasional indulgence only. Lighter versions like half-and-half can help replace the heavy cream and butter.
Serving Ideas and Variations
Almond boneless chicken is versatile and pairs well with various sides and adaptations:
Other Ideas:
- Dinner Party: Serve with roasted asparagus and garlic mashed potatoes for an elegant feast.
- Weeknight Dinner: Pair with a simple green salad and quinoa for a healthy, simple dinner.
- Special Occasion: With wild rice pilaf and steamed green beans for a rare effect.
Variations:
- Spicy Twist: If you want your tastebuds to be tingling, always add a small pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the almond chicken sauce recipe.
- Nut Swap: Replace almonds with chopped pecans or hazelnuts in a wonderful twist of nutty flavors.
- Vegetarian Option: Tofu slices, thickly or portobello mushrooms, sliced into rounds, can be used to substitute for the cooking time for proper implementation.
- Lighter Sauce: We can always use half-and-half or Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream in order to drop the fat count and create a creamy almond chicken recipe alternative.
Tips on Ingredient Selection and Storage
To ensure the best flavor and quality:
- Chicken Breast: Select chicken breasts, including fresh and plump ones without odor, store for several days in the refrigerator without freezing up to 2 days, or freeze them if needed for 6 months.
- Almonds: The best option is to use almonds that are raw and unsalted so that you can chop them fine for an even coating that adds taste. Store in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months, or if opted, keep in a refrigerator for up to 1 year worth of time.
- Mushrooms: Go for firm mushrooms with a dry surface and no slimy spots. Keep in a paper bag in the refrigerator for at most a week.
- Olive Oil: Opt for extra-virgin olive oil for maximum flavor and potential health benefits. You should store it in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
- Onion and Garlic: It is best to pick up dry onions with a smooth texture and garlic with firm, tight cloves. Store in a cool, dry place for one to two months.
- Almond Paste: It is important to ensure that it is fresh and pliable. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. However, almond paste can be kept much longer if frozen.
General Tip: Go ahead and prepare the almond crust and sauce a day ahead. Then you can assemble and bake just before serving in order to maintain the texture of the chicken. This approach works well if you’re looking for an easy almond chicken recipe to prep in advance.
Beverage Pairings
The nutty, creamy flavors of almond boneless chicken pair beautifully with a variety of beverages:
- White Wine: A Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish’s rich and nutty notes.
- Red Wine: A light Pinot Noir exquisitely contrasted against the earthy mushrooms and savory chicken.
- Non-Alcoholic: A sparkling apple cider or a rosemary-infused iced tea sounds very refreshing.
- Beer: A wheat beer or a Pale Ale would offer a delightful pair with the creamy and nutty tastes of the dish.
Best Time of Day to Consume
Presented during a tea party, this pu-erh-based tea, also referred to as a “Tuo Cha” tea, is grenadine in color, with a solid punch and hints of woodiness. With scents of smoky/spicy undertones, the sweetness shifts its way to the foreground. You will also feel a light tingle left on your tongue after conveniently allowing the tea leaves to steep; antioxidant-rich pu-erh cuts gingerly into soft spice and bitterness. What may concern some people is that they are afraid they might have started a passionate relationship after one snoops out of the tea in the blowing of the wind.
Conclusion
A luscious mix of tender chicken, almonds, and rich, nutty sauce makes this dish quite impressive, augmented by the aroma of mushrooms and good spices. You are having those nutrients that you love when following this recipe without guilt, almond, chicken, more deliciousened by some mushrooms in balance.
Almond Sauce Chicken Breasts will linger long in the minds of your guests, with the serving of a few of them, too. Thanks to the intricate way in which almond sauce enriches nut flavors alongside the hearty, optimum beverages. Try this authentic almond chicken recipe or give it your own twist. This chicken almond recipe is a great balance of health, flavor, and elegance.
