In celebration of National Almond Day, we’re bringing you a mouthwatering recipe that not only showcases the exquisite flavor and crunch of slivered almonds but also guides you through the simple process of making them at home. Get ready to indulge in the irresistible combination of tender chicken breasts coated in a golden almond crust, all made with freshly sliced slivered almonds. Let’s dive into the culinary magic!
Ingredients for Homemade Slivered Almonds:
- 1 cup whole almonds
Instructions for Making Slivered Almonds:
- Blanch the Almonds (optional):
- If you prefer to remove the skins from the almonds, blanch them by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the almonds and let them boil for about 1 minute.
- Drain the almonds and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Pat the almonds dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- Slice the Almonds:
- Once blanched (if desired) and dried, place an almond on a cutting board horizontally.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the almond vertically into thin pieces. Aim for slices that are about 1/16 to 1/8 inch thick.
- Continue slicing each almond until you’ve transformed them all into delicate slivers.
- Dry (optional):
- To enhance their crunch and flavor, you can dry the slivered almonds further. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Preheat your oven to the lowest temperature setting (usually around 200°F or 95°C) and place the baking sheet inside.
- Let the slivered almonds dry in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are crisp and golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Store:
- Once dried (if desired), allow the slivered almonds to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container or resealable bag.
- Store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly stored, homemade slivered almonds will maintain their freshness for several weeks.
Now that you’ve mastered the art of making homemade slivered almonds, let’s put them to delicious use in our Almond-Crusted Chicken recipe!
Ingredients for Almond-Crusted Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup homemade slivered almonds
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions for Almond-Crusted Chicken:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the homemade slivered almonds with breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Coat the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Dip each chicken breast into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Apply the Almond Crust: Roll each egg-coated chicken breast in the slivered almond breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Make sure the chicken is evenly coated on all sides.
- Bake the Chicken: Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the top for added moisture and flavor.
- Bake in the Oven: Bake the almond-crusted chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the almond crust is golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Honey Mustard Glaze: While the chicken is baking, prepare the honey mustard glaze. In a small saucepan, combine honey and Dijon mustard. Heat over low heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Drizzle the honey mustard glaze over the top and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
With homemade slivered almonds adding a delightful crunch to every bite, this Almond-Crusted Chicken recipe is a true celebration of National Almond Day. By mastering the art of making slivered almonds at home, you not only elevate the flavor and texture of your dishes but also gain a deeper appreciation for this beloved nut. So, gather your ingredients, unleash your culinary creativity, and savor the joy of cooking with freshly sliced slivered almonds. Happy National Almond Day!