Almond Lemon Chicken
Almond Lemon Chicken offers a vibrant blend of tangy lemon, toasted almonds, and savory herbs, perfect for a flavorful and elegant meal suited for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 5 Tbsp. lemon juice ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. Dijon mustard ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 6 1/2 Tbsp. olive oil, divided ⓘ
- 3 whole chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced almonds ⓘ
- 2 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. lemon or orange marmalade ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine lemon juice, Dijon mustard, chopped garlic, and pepper in a bowl.
- Beat in 5 tablespoons of olive oil. Add chicken breasts, skinned, boned, and cut in half, and marinate for 1 hour at room temperature.
- In a large skillet, sauté sliced almonds in 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil until golden. Remove and reserve.
- Wipe out the pan.
- Drain the chicken and reserve the marinade.
- Cook the chicken over high heat in the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil until brown on each side, about 6 to 10 minutes, until just tender.
- Remove the chicken from the pan.
- Strain the marinade into the pan.
- Add chicken broth and the dissolved cornstarch mixture to the pan.
- Cook over high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reduces by half, about 5 minutes.
- Add marmalade and stir over medium heat until melted.
- Stir in butter, chopped parsley, and red pepper.
- Return the chicken to the pan, heat through, then add toasted almonds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a punch of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a bit of heat. If you don't have Dijon mustard, you can substitute with whole grain mustard or honey mustard. For a nut-free version, you can skip the almonds or use sunflower seeds instead. Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavor even further, if time permits.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Almond Lemon Chicken over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed asparagus to balance the richness of the dish. For an interesting twist, try serving it with a side of Macaroni-Chicken-Cantaloupe Salad for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Almond Lemon Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, covering it to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Almond Lemon Chicken contains roughly 688 calories, with 44g protein, 95g carbohydrates, and 25g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (214% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (144% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 752mg per serving (33% 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 boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well in this recipe and will add even more moisture and flavor. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through, usually around 8-12 minutes.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Almond Lemon Chicken gluten-free, ensure that the Dijon mustard and chicken broth you use are gluten-free. You can also use cornstarch as a thickener, which is naturally gluten-free. Always check labels to be sure.
What can I substitute for lemon juice?
If you don't have lemon juice on hand, white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute, although they will impart a slightly different flavor. For a sweeter note, orange juice can also work well, especially when paired with the marmalade.
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).