Almond Chicken Breasts
Almond Chicken Breasts feature tender baked chicken topped with a creamy mushroom sauce and crunchy almonds, offering a delightful blend of savory, nutty flavors suitable for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Salt and pepper the chicken breasts, then brown them in 4 tablespoons of cooking oil.
- Place the browned chicken in a baking dish.
- Combine the cream of mushroom soup, cooking sherry, sharp Cheddar cheese, grated onion, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the chicken in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the slivered almonds on top of the sauce.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in a mixture of Worcestershire sauce and sherry for at least an hour before cooking. If you don’t have cooking sherry, white wine or chicken broth can be used as a substitute. For a twist, add some slivered almonds or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the sauce for added texture and taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Almond Chicken Breasts over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A crisp green salad pairs nicely, adding freshness to the dish. This recipe also complements well with a side of mashed potatoes, making it a comforting choice for family dinners. For a twist, browse more American recipes for additional pairing ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Almond Chicken Breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a covered baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but be mindful not to overcook them.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Chicken Breasts contains roughly 1011 calories, with 36g protein, 43g carbohydrates, and 79g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (75% of the Daily Value), protein (72% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (47% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but it's best to thaw them completely first to ensure even cooking. You can leave them in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cooking time may vary slightly if the chicken is still partially frozen.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don’t have cream of mushroom soup, you can use homemade white sauce mixed with sautéed mushrooms, or substitute with cream of chicken soup. For a lighter option, a mixture of Greek yogurt and vegetable broth can also work, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check this at the thickest part of the breast. If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the juices run clear when cut into, and the meat is no longer pink.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).