Baked Almond Crusted Chicken: A Crispy, Low-Carb, and Gluten-Free Delight

Discover the ultimate weeknight hero with our Baked Almond Crusted Chicken recipe. This dish brilliantly marries tender, juicy chicken breasts with an irresistibly crispy, crunchy, and flavor-packed almond coating. It’s not just delicious; it’s also a fantastic low-carb and gluten-free chicken option, making it a perfect fit for a variety of dietary needs. Prepare to be amazed by the rich, nutty flavor that bursts with every bite, transforming a simple chicken dinner into a culinary experience.

Why This Baked Almond Crusted Chicken Recipe is a Must-Try

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Every single bite of this almond crusted chicken delivers a delightful light crunch, giving way to an incredibly juicy and flavorful interior. It’s a remarkable choice for those following a gluten-free diet, offering a healthier and more satisfying alternative to traditional crispy fried chicken. Unlike heavy, flour-based breadings, our oven-baked approach utilizes nutrient-rich almonds, providing a lighter yet equally satisfying crunch without the excess oil. This recipe keeps things refreshingly simple, relying on the natural goodness of roasted almonds, savory Parmesan cheese, a thoughtful blend of seasonings, and a single egg to expertly bind it all together. The result is a dish that’s not only incredibly tasty but also wonderfully wholesome and easy to prepare. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe truly shine.

Healthy & Wholesome: A Smart Choice for Your Dinner Table

In today’s health-conscious world, finding a chicken dinner that’s both indulgent and good for you can be a challenge. Our baked almond crusted chicken strikes that perfect balance. By opting for oven-baking instead of deep-frying, we drastically cut down on unhealthy fats while still achieving a perfectly golden and crisp exterior. Almonds, the star of our coating, are packed with essential nutrients like Vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy monounsaturated fats, contributing to a meal that supports your well-being. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a step towards healthier eating without compromising on flavor or texture.

Gluten-Free & Low-Carb: Catering to Dietary Needs

For individuals avoiding gluten or seeking low-carbohydrate options, this recipe is a game-changer. The almond flour-like coating provides all the texture and flavor you’d expect from a breaded chicken dish, but without any wheat-based ingredients. This makes it naturally gluten-free and significantly lower in carbs compared to traditional breadcrumbs, aligning perfectly with keto and paleo lifestyles. You can enjoy a classic comfort food experience with complete peace of mind, knowing it fits seamlessly into your dietary requirements.

Unforgettable Flavor Profile: Nutty, Savory, and Aromatic

The beauty of this recipe lies in its robust flavor. Roasted almonds offer a deep, earthy nuttiness that pairs exquisitely with the tender chicken. Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, umami punch, while a carefully selected blend of paprika, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper infuses the chicken with warmth and aromatic depth. The combination creates a sophisticated yet comforting taste that appeals to both adults and children, making it an ideal family dinner or a show-stopping dish for entertaining.

Essential Ingredients for Your Almond Crusted Chicken

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To create this delightful almond crusted chicken, you’ll need a handful of fresh, high-quality ingredients. The full printable recipe card with exact measurements and detailed instructions can be found at the very end of this post, but here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to gather:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: The lean and tender foundation of our dish.
• Roasted Almonds: The key to our crispy, flavorful coating.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory depth and helps achieve that golden crust.
• Paprika: For a touch of color and mild, sweet pepper flavor.
• Garlic Salt: A convenient blend for savory seasoning.
• Onion Powder: Enhances the aromatic profile.
• Black Pepper: For a hint of classic spice.
• Large Egg & Water: To create the perfect binding wash for the almond mixture.

Ingredient Spotlight & Expert Substitution Advice

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Understanding each ingredient and knowing your options for substitutions can elevate your cooking experience and adapt this recipe to your preferences or what you have on hand.

ALMONDS – For this recipe, we prefer using roasted almonds that are ground to a uniform, fine texture, similar to breadcrumbs. This ensures an even coating and consistent crispiness. However, if you’re a fan of extra crunch, you can blend your almonds slightly less, leaving some larger pieces for a more rustic and pronounced texture. While almonds are central to this recipe’s identity, feel free to experiment with other nuts if you desire. Walnuts or pecans, for instance, offer a different but equally delicious nutty flavor profile and will still provide that satisfying crunch and remain low-carb and gluten-free. Ensure any substituted nuts are unsalted and unroasted for best results, then roast them lightly if desired, before grinding.

CHICKEN – This recipe calls for 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Proper preparation of the chicken is crucial for even cooking and optimal tenderness. Start by trimming away any excess fat or tendons. Depending on the initial thickness of your chicken breasts, you may want to butterfly them or pound them to an even 3/4-inch thickness. This ensures that the chicken cooks uniformly and remains juicy throughout. This almond coating is incredibly versatile and works wonderfully with other cuts of chicken too! Chicken tenders or strips are excellent alternatives; they cook quickly and are always a hit, especially with kids. Chicken thighs, while a different texture, would also be delicious with this flavorful crust, though cooking times would need to be adjusted.

PARMESAN CHEESE – Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is highly recommended over pre-grated varieties, as it melts better and offers a superior flavor. It adds a salty, savory, and slightly tangy note that complements the almonds beautifully. If you need a dairy-free option, nutritional yeast can be a suitable substitute, providing a cheesy flavor without dairy. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the almond mixture.

SEASONINGS – Our blend of paprika, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper creates a balanced and savory flavor base. Paprika adds a mild, sweet pepperiness and a lovely reddish hue to the crust. Garlic salt and onion powder infuse the chicken with classic aromatic notes that are universally appealing. Feel free to adjust these to your taste. Smoked paprika can add an extra layer of complexity, while a touch of dried Italian herbs could lend a Mediterranean twist. Always taste your seasoning blend before coating the chicken, if possible, to ensure it meets your preference.

EGG & WATER – The egg wash acts as the essential binder, helping the almond mixture adhere beautifully to the chicken. Whisking it with a small amount of water creates a thinner consistency that ensures an even, rather than clumpy, coating. For an egg-free alternative, you could try a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water, allowed to sit for 5 minutes) or a dairy-free milk alternative, though the adhesion might be slightly different.

Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Almond Crusted Chicken

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These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to help you visualize the process of making this delicious recipe. For a complete printable version, including all measurements and detailed instructions, please Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this post.

1. Prepare Your Baking Setup: Begin by preheating your oven to a robust 450°F (232°C). This high temperature is key to achieving that perfectly crispy crust. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easier cleanup. Crucially, place a wire rack over the lined baking sheet and generously spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Baking on a wire rack allows air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring crispiness on all sides without the bottom becoming soggy.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Take your 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and meticulously trim away any excess fat or unsightly tendons. This ensures a clean, lean cut of meat. To guarantee even cooking, it’s often beneficial to either butterfly thicker chicken breasts or use a meat mallet to gently pound them to a uniform thickness of approximately 3/4-inch. Uniform thickness is paramount for preventing some parts from drying out while others are still cooking.

   CHEF TIP – We started with 2 pounds of chicken, but after trimming and preparing, we typically end up with about 1 1/2 pounds of ready-to-use chicken. This accounts for any discarded fat or sinew.

3. Create the Almond Coating: In a food processor or a mini food chopper, combine the roasted almonds, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Pulse the mixture until the nuts are finely ground. The goal is a texture resembling coarse breadcrumbs, not a paste. Once ground, transfer this aromatic almond mixture into a large bowl or a shallow dish, which will be used for dredging.

   CHEF TIP – Exercise caution and avoid over-processing the almonds. Blending for too long will release their natural oils, causing them to turn into an almond paste or butter, which will not create a crispy crust. Pulse in short bursts and check the texture frequently.

   

4. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the large egg and water until they are well combined and smooth. This creates the essential liquid layer that will help the almond mixture adhere to the chicken.
5. Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken breast and first dip it thoroughly into the egg wash, ensuring both sides are fully coated. Allow any excess egg to drip off to prevent a thick, gloopy layer. Immediately transfer the egg-washed chicken into the bowl with the ground almond mixture. Press the almond mixture gently but firmly onto both sides of the chicken cutlet, ensuring a generous and even coating. Once coated, place the breaded chicken cutlet onto the prepared wire rack on the baking sheet.
6. Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking sheet with the breaded chicken to your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the almond crust is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when checked with an instant-read thermometer. The exact cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your chicken and the calibration of your oven. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Success

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Delectable Serving Suggestions for Your Almond Crusted Chicken

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This Baked Almond Crusted Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide array of side dishes. For a light and fresh meal, serve it alongside a vibrant leafy green side salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or a crisp cucumber and tomato salad. If you’re looking for something more substantial, creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy quinoa, or even a flavorful cauliflower mash (to keep it low-carb) would be excellent choices. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or sweet potatoes offer a wonderful balance of textures and flavors. It’s also fantastic when sliced thinly and tossed into a hearty salad, making it perfect for meal prep or a light lunch. Don’t forget a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving to brighten all the flavors. Enjoy this dish warm straight from the oven for the best experience, and consider a light dipping sauce like honey mustard or a creamy avocado ranch for an extra touch of indulgence!

Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes

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If you’ve enjoyed this delightful almond crusted chicken, you’re in for a treat! Our kitchen is always buzzing with creative and delicious ways to prepare chicken. Here are a few more popular chicken recipes that we think you’ll absolutely love, offering a variety of flavors and cooking styles to inspire your next meal:

• Chicken Milanese: A classic Italian-American dish featuring thinly pounded, breaded, and pan-fried chicken cutlets, often served with a fresh salad.
• Honey Garlic Chicken Breasts: Sweet and savory chicken breasts glazed with a sticky, irresistible honey garlic sauce that’s perfect over rice.
• Chicken with Onion Thyme Sauce: An elegant and flavorful chicken dish simmered in a rich, aromatic onion and thyme-infused sauce.
• Pretzel Chicken with Honey Mustard Dressing: A fun and crunchy alternative, this chicken is coated in crushed pretzels and served with a tangy homemade honey mustard dressing.
• Sous Vide Chicken Breast: For perfectly tender and consistently cooked chicken every time, this sous vide method guarantees juicy results.
• Chicken Katsu: A Japanese-inspired dish featuring crispy, deep-fried breaded chicken cutlets, often served with tonkatsu sauce.

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