Savory Almond-Crusted Chicken with Strawberry-Balsamic Drizzle
Indulge in this delightful dish where crispy almond-coated chicken breasts meet a vibrant strawberry-balsamic sauce. The almonds provide a satisfying crunch and a wealth of healthy fats, while the strawberries bring a bright, fruity flavor enhanced by the tangy balsamic vinegar. This recipe not only tantalizes the taste buds but also packs a nutritional punch with protein-rich chicken and antioxidant-rich strawberries, making it a perfect choice for a wholesome meal that's sure to impress family and friends. Serve it with your favorite sides for a balanced dinner that’s both delicious and nourishing.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (flattened to even thickness)
almonds
1/2 cup (processed into coarse crumbs)
egg white
1 (lightly whipped)
fresh strawberries
1 cup (rinsed and stems removed)
sugar
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (for thickening sauce)
chicken broth
1/8 cup (plus additional if needed)
fresh rosemary
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a food processor, pulse the almonds until they reach a coarse, breadcrumb-like consistency. Be careful not to over-process into a powder. Set aside.
3
Prepare the chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a kitchen mallet to gently pound them to an even thickness of 1/2 inch to 1 inch.
4
In a shallow bowl, lightly whisk the egg white until frothy. Dip each chicken breast into the egg white, ensuring it is fully coated.
5
Dredge the egg-coated chicken breasts in the almond mixture, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs. Transfer the coated chicken to a greased glass baking dish.
6
Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden brown.
7
While the chicken is baking, prepare the strawberry-balsamic sauce: In the food processor, combine fresh strawberries, sugar, and balsamic vinegar. Blend until smooth.
8
Transfer the strawberry mixture to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the chicken broth, cornstarch, and finely chopped rosemary. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until slightly thickened.
9
Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Plate the chicken, generously spoon the strawberry-balsamic sauce over each piece, and garnish with additional fresh rosemary if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
11.25g
Carbs
25g
Protein
2g
Fiber
5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Almond-Crusted Chicken with Strawberry-Balsamic Drizzle?
It is a dish featuring crispy almond-coated chicken breasts served with a vibrant sauce made from fresh strawberries and balsamic vinegar.
How do I prepare the almonds for the chicken coating?
Pulse the almonds in a food processor until they reach a coarse, breadcrumb-like consistency, being careful not to turn them into powder.
What oven temperature is required for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How thick should the chicken breasts be flattened?
Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of 1/2 inch to 1 inch.
What is used to make the almond crumbs stick to the chicken?
A lightly whisked egg white is used to coat the chicken before dredging it in the almond mixture.
How long should the chicken bake?
Bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
What ingredients are in the strawberry-balsamic sauce?
The sauce contains fresh strawberries, sugar, balsamic vinegar, chicken broth, cornstarch, and finely chopped rosemary.
How do you make the strawberry sauce smooth?
Combine the strawberries, sugar, and balsamic vinegar in a food processor and blend until smooth.
How do you thicken the strawberry-balsamic sauce?
Stir in cornstarch and simmer the mixture in a saucepan for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Is this chicken recipe gluten-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients like almonds and cornstarch and the tags provided, this recipe is gluten-free.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 25 grams of protein per serving.
What are the nutritional benefits of the almonds in this recipe?
The almonds provide a satisfying crunch and a wealth of healthy fats.
What benefits do strawberries add to this meal?
Strawberries provide a bright, fruity flavor and are rich in antioxidants.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 7.5 grams of fat per serving.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
There are 5 grams of sugar per serving.
What herb is used to flavor the sauce?
Fresh, finely chopped rosemary is used in the sauce and as an optional garnish.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 11.25 grams of carbohydrates.
What is the purpose of chicken broth in the sauce?
The chicken broth is used to adjust the consistency and add depth to the strawberry-balsamic mixture.
Should the chicken rest after baking?
Yes, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure it remains juicy.
How much cornstarch is needed?
You will need 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for thickening the sauce.
What kind of baking dish should I use?
A greased glass baking dish is recommended.
Is this recipe suitable for a weeknight dinner?
Yes, it is categorized as an easy recipe and a great choice for a weeknight meal.
How much fiber does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 2 grams of fiber per serving.
What is the preparation for the strawberries?
The strawberries should be rinsed and have their stems removed before processing.
How much balsamic vinegar is required?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
The recipe specifies fresh strawberries, but frozen could be used if thawed and drained first.
What does 'dredge' mean in this recipe?
It means to coat the egg-dipped chicken breasts thoroughly in the almond crumbs.
Is there a recommended garnish for this dish?
You can garnish the finished plate with additional fresh rosemary if desired.