Chicken With Almonds
Creamy and savory, this Chicken with Almonds features tender chicken breasts baked in a rich mixture of creamy soups, rice, and toasted almonds. The dish is topped with Parmesan cheese and garnished with almonds, making it a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix together the undiluted cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, and cream of celery soups, melted oleo, and slivered almonds.
- Set aside 1 cup of the soup mixture.
- Add the uncooked brown rice to the remaining soup mixture and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart Pyrex dish.
- Place 6 halves of boned and halved chicken breasts on top of the soup and rice mixture.
- Bake in a 325°F oven for about 2 hours.
- Baste the chicken with the reserved cup of soup mixture every 20 minutes during baking.
- Near the end of baking, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken and allow it to brown.
- When done, garnish with the toasted almonds.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, garlic, and herbs before baking. If you don't have brown rice, white rice can be used, but adjust the cooking time as it may cook faster. Using low-sodium soups can help control the saltiness, especially if you're serving with sides. For crunch, top with toasted almonds just before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken With Almonds alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Zucchini Stuffing Casserole for a comforting dinner. For a heartier option, consider serving it with a side of garlic bread or a light pasta dish to soak up the creamy sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in an oven preheated to 350°F until heated through, about 20-30 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they're warmed evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Almonds contains roughly 462 calories, with 25g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 590mg per serving (26% 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 different types of chicken pieces for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of breasts. Just ensure they are cooked through, adjusting the cooking time as needed. Dark meat can add more flavor and moisture to the dish.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire dish up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it heats thoroughly.
What can I substitute for the cream soups?
If you prefer a healthier option, you can make a homemade cream sauce using chicken broth, milk, and a roux of butter and flour. This will provide a similar creamy texture without the canned soups. Alternatively, use a dairy-free cream substitute for a lighter dish.
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).