Almond Fried Chicken
Crunchy almond crusted chicken with a buttery glaze—savory, nutty, and perfectly golden, ideal for a comforting family dinner or a quick weekday meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a shallow dish.
- In a separate bowl whisk together milk and eggs.
- Dip each chicken breast first in the flour mixture, then in the milk mixture, back into the flour, again into the milk, and finally coat with chopped almonds.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a pan over medium heat and add the chicken breasts, cooking until golden brown on both sides.
- Add the remaining butter to the pan, allowing it to melt and coat the chicken, then transfer the pan to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C).
- Bake for 1 hour, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the almonds are crisp.
- Remove from oven, let rest briefly, and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken breasts in buttermilk for a few hours before breading. You can use panko breadcrumbs instead of chopped almonds for a different texture. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, substitute flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to achieve a perfect crisp.
Serving Suggestions
Serve almond fried chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, consider serving it alongside the Wild Rice Overnight or a creamy Sour Cream Cheddar Potato Casserole.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover almond fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. This will help maintain the crispiness of the almonds.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Fried Chicken contains roughly 694 calories, with 33g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (172% of the Daily Value), iron (86% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (77% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 676mg per serving (29% 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 bone-in chicken instead of breasts?
Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but cooking times will vary. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Adjust your frying time to accommodate the larger size, which may require longer baking in the oven.
What can I substitute for almonds?
If you have nut allergies or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute chopped almonds with crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs. Both options will provide a nice crunch while keeping the dish deliciously satisfying.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Almond fried chicken is great for meal prep. Just store it in individual portions with your favorite sides, like steamed broccoli or a light salad. This makes for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week, while keeping the flavors intact.
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).