Are you craving a restaurant-quality meal but short on time and effort? Then look no further! This Chicken Almondine recipe is your answer. It’s a classic for a reason – it's elegant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. This recipe offers a healthy and delicious meal, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this simple yet sophisticated dish!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, ensuring it's evenly coated.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the sliced, toasted almonds and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Pour in the white wine, chicken broth, and lemon juice. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the Dijon mustard.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Reduce the heat to low and return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon the sauce over the chicken, ensuring it's evenly coated. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to absorb the flavors.
Serve immediately over rice, pasta, or your favorite vegetable side dish. Garnish with extra toasted almonds and a lemon wedge, if desired.
Tips for the Best Chicken Almondine:
- Toasting the almonds: Toasting the almonds enhances their flavor and gives them a delightful crunch. Spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until lightly browned. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When sautéing the chicken, ensure you don't overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the chicken from browning properly and may result in steaming instead of searing. Work in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the seasoning: Feel free to adjust the amount of salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard to your liking. A pinch of garlic powder or dried thyme can also add extra depth of flavor.
- Wine substitution: If you don't have white wine, you can substitute with an equal amount of chicken broth or water.
Variations:
- Creamy Chicken Almondine: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier version.
- Lemon Herb Chicken Almondine: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, dill, or thyme) to the sauce for an extra burst of freshness.
- Spicy Chicken Almondine: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 400-450 Protein: 35-40g Fat: 20-25g Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This easy and delicious Chicken Almondine recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and a flavorful sauce makes it a satisfying and healthy meal the whole family will enjoy. It's a quick dinner idea that’s sure to become a staple in your homemade cooking repertoire! Enjoy!