Who says "fried" chicken can't be nutritious? This almond chicken recipe will thrill any lover of southern fried chicken any day-and keep them coming back for more! Plus this almond crusted chicken is South Beach Diet™ approved. The secret of this almond chicken? Herbs, garlic, spices, and the wonderful, nutty flavor of the almonds bring out the best in the chicken breasts. Yes, this South Beach Diet™ oven baked chicken is even better than fried. Once you try this southern style chicken, you'll want to make this unique almond recipe again and again. It's even better than fried chicken!
Serves 3
Ingredients
1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs or panko
1/8 cup (1/2 ounce) grated Parmesan cheese
1/8 cup finely chopped almonds
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1/2 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon dried thyme
Pinch of ground black pepper
1/8 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2" thickness and cut into 6 pieces or chicken breast strips
Sprig Italian parsley, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a medium bowl, combine the bread crumbs, cheese, almonds, parsley, garlic, salt, thyme, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Place the oil in a shallow dish. Dip the chicken first in the oil, then dredge in the crumb mixture. Place the chicken in a shallow baking pan.
Bake for 25 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted in the center of a piece registers 170°F and the juices run clear. (Do not turn the chicken during cooking.) Garnish with the parsley.
Nutritional Information:
383 calories
16 total fat (4 g sat)
91 mg cholesterol
15 g carbohydrate
41 g protein
1 g fiber
730 mg sodium
