Sweet And Tangy Almond Chicken

Prep: 75 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Sweet and tangy almond chicken features tender breasts coated with ground almonds and flavored with molasses, mustard, garlic, and lemon zest, perfect for a flavorful family dinner.

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Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves
  • 1/4 cup light molasses
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1 medium clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon grated fresh lemon rind
  • 1/4 cup ground almonds
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Combine molasses, mustard, garlic, parsley, and lemon rind and brush mixture lightly over both sides of chicken breasts.
  2. Spread ground almonds on a dinner plate and carefully dip breasts into almonds.
  3. Place chicken on a waxed-paper-covered plate and refrigerate for at least an hour.
  4. Heat oil in a large skillet.
  5. Saute breasts for 10 to 15 minutes, until lightly browned and cooked through.
  6. Garnish with parsley and lemon.
  7. Serve with buttered parsley noodles or rice pilaf.

Tips & Substitutions

For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the molasses mixture overnight. If you don't have ground almonds, finely chopped nuts or breadcrumbs could work as a substitute. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet while sautéing to ensure even cooking. For a different taste, try using honey instead of molasses.

Serving Suggestions

This Sweet And Tangy Almond Chicken pairs beautifully with buttered parsley noodles or rice pilaf. For a complete meal, serve alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. A light white wine or iced tea complements the dish well, enhancing the sweet and tangy flavors.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it moist, and cover until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Sweet And Tangy Almond Chicken contains roughly 248 calories, with 13g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (56% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (34% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. It also contributes 8g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

248 kcal 12% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 12.9g 26% DV
Total Fat 10.6g 14% DV
Carbs 30.7g 11% DV
Fiber 8.1g 29% DV
Sugar 7.7g 15% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 331.3mg 14% DV
Potassium 1276.9mg 27% DV
Cholesterol 37.1mg 12% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 3.9mcg
Vitamin C 30.8mg 34% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 137mg 11% DV
Iron 10.1mg 56% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal
Contains Tree nuts

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 pieces instead of breasts?

Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in pieces generally take longer to cook through, so ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The flavor will still be delicious!

Is there a vegetarian alternative to this dish?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with firm tofu or tempeh. Marinate the tofu or tempeh in the same molasses and mustard mixture, then coat with ground almonds and sauté until golden. It will give a similar sweet and tangy flavor profile.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It will maintain its best quality for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

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).

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