Almond Chicken With Rice
Almond Chicken With Rice offers tender chicken breasts topped with a flavorful mushroom and almond sauce, perfect for a comforting and elegant meal suitable for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Brown slivered almonds in butter in a skillet; remove almonds and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and drained sliced mushrooms until tender.
- Add lemon juice, cooking sherry, and toasted almonds to the skillet, stirring well.
- Spoon the mushroom and almond mixture over the chicken pieces.
- Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- Spoon cooked rice onto a serving platter, place the baked chicken on top, and spoon the sauce over the chicken and rice before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in lemon juice and spices for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have cooking sherry, white wine or chicken broth can be good substitutes. Toast the almonds carefully to avoid burning, as they can quickly go from golden to charred. For crunch, try adding a handful of panko breadcrumbs on top before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the almond chicken over a bed of fluffy rice, drizzling extra sauce on top for richness. Complement the dish with steamed green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for a balanced meal. This recipe pairs beautifully with Chicken Casserole(Microwave Version) for a comforting dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover almond chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken and rice in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but be cautious to avoid drying out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Chicken With Rice contains roughly 410 calories, with 27g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (84% of the Daily Value), protein (54% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1837mg per serving (80% 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 skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, skin-on chicken breasts can be used, but they may require slightly longer cooking time. The skin will add extra flavor and moisture, so adjust your baking time accordingly, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What type of rice works best with almond chicken?
Long-grain white rice, such as basmati or jasmine, works well to absorb the sauce without becoming sticky. You can also use brown rice for a healthier option, but remember it will take longer to cook, so plan accordingly.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and bake them together when you're ready to serve. This allows the flavors to meld even more, enhancing the overall taste.
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).