Baked Almond Chicken
Baked Almond Chicken offers tender chicken breasts coated with flavorful spices and topped with sliced almonds, baked to perfection for a comforting yet elegant meal. The creamy sauce and crunchy topping make it a delightful dish suitable for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place chicken breast halves in a shallow baking dish and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Sprinkle paprika over the chicken, about 1/2 teaspoon.
- Cut up the margarine and add it to the dish along with water.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 1 hour.
- Remove from oven and spread cream of chicken soup over the chicken. Sprinkle with sliced almonds.
- Cover the dish and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for 5 more minutes.
- Serve hot with Green Rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of garlic and herbs for a few hours before cooking. If you prefer a healthier option, consider using olive oil instead of margarine. You can also substitute the cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce or a low-fat version for a lighter dish. Adding a sprinkle of lemon zest before serving can brighten the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Baked Almond Chicken alongside Green Rice for a delicious and colorful meal. This dish also pairs nicely with steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad. For a complete experience, consider serving it with crusty bread or a side of Granny'S Dressing. It makes for a comforting dinner, perfect for family gatherings or weeknight meals.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Baked Almond Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to retain moisture, and warm it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid using the microwave, as it can dry out the chicken.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Baked Almond Chicken contains roughly 159 calories, with 7g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (56% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1986mg per serving (86% 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 they should be thawed completely before baking to ensure even cooking. If you must bake from frozen, increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes, and check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Can I add vegetables to the baking dish?
Absolutely! Adding vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers can enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and place them in the baking dish with the chicken before baking. They will absorb the delicious juices from the chicken.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you want to avoid canned soup, you can make a homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, chicken broth, and cream or milk. This allows you to control the ingredients and flavor. Alternatively, a mushroom soup can work well as a substitute while providing a different 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).