Almond Crusted Chicken Strips
When I think about cozy weeknights, nothing beats the warmth of Almond Crusted Chicken Strips coming out of the oven. A few years ago, I decided to host a small gathering at home, and I wanted to impress my friends with something special yet simple. That’s when I stumbled upon this fantastic recipe that combines the crunch of almonds with tender chicken. As the aroma filled my kitchen, I knew I had hit a home run. My friends were raving about how crispy and flavorful these strips were! Now, they’ve become a staple in my cooking repertoire, perfect for casual dinners or elegant parties alike.
Recipe Snapshot
32 mins
12 mins
20 mins
Medium
350 kcal
30 g
Standard
18 g
Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife, Whisk, Baking Sheet, Food Processor, Oven
The Magic of This Almond Crusted Chicken Strips
Healthy and Nutritious
The combination of chicken and almonds not only satisfies the palate but also offers a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. Almonds are packed with protein and healthy fats, making this dish a guilt-free indulgence.
Easy to Prepare
One of the best parts about Almond Crusted Chicken Strips is how straightforward the preparation is. You don’t have to be a culinary expert to whip these up! With just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go.
Kid-Friendly
If you’re looking for a way to get kids excited about eating chicken, this recipe is it! The crunchy texture makes it feel like a fun meal, and dipping these strips in their favorite sauce adds an extra layer of enjoyment.
Versatile Serving Options
Whether you’re serving these strips as an appetizer, a main dish, or even in a wrap, the possibilities are endless. You can pair them with a fresh salad, use them in sandwiches, or accompany them with a variety of sauces.
Great for Meal Prep
These chicken strips are great for meal prep. You can make a big batch ahead of time, and they hold up beautifully in the fridge. Reheat them when you’re ready to enjoy a quick meal!
Perfect for Entertaining
Want to dazzle your guests? Almond Crusted Chicken Strips are a hit at gatherings. They look stunning on a platter and can be easily served with various dips, making them a crowd-pleaser.
What’s In This Almond Crusted Chicken Strips
For this recipe, I focus on wholesome ingredients that complement each other perfectly. The key players are the chicken tenders and the almonds. The almonds give a rich, nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch, while the chicken provides a tender and juicy base. Together, they create a delightful combination that’s both filling and nutritious.
- Canola oil cooking spray: This spray is essential for preventing the chicken strips from sticking to the baking sheet while adding minimal calories. It’s a healthy way to keep things crispy!
- Sliced almonds: The star of the show! These provide a crunchy coating that elevates the dish. Their nutty flavor complements the chicken beautifully.
- Whole-wheat flour: This ingredient helps the almond mixture adhere to the chicken and adds a slight earthiness that balances the flavors.
- Paprika: A touch of paprika not only adds color but also imparts a subtle smokiness to the dish.
- Garlic powder: This enhances the overall flavor profile and complements the chicken perfectly.
- Dry mustard: Adds a slight tanginess that cuts through the richness of the almonds.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Freshly ground pepper: A little kick of heat balances the dish and adds depth to the flavor.
- Extra-virgin olive oil: This luxurious oil brings everything together. It helps the almond coating to stick and adds a rich flavor.
- Large egg whites: These act as a binder, ensuring the almond coating stays put during baking.
- Chicken tenders: The hero ingredient, juicy and tender. These strips are perfect for this recipe!
Putting Together Almond Crusted Chicken Strips
Making Almond Crusted Chicken Strips is incredibly satisfying. You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create such an impressive dish. Let’s dive into the steps!
- Start by preheating your oven to 475°F. This high temperature is key to achieving that perfectly crispy crust.
- Next, line a baking sheet with foil. This will help with cleanup later. Set a wire rack on top of the baking sheet and coat it with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks.
- In a food processor, combine the sliced almonds, whole-wheat flour, paprika, garlic powder, dry mustard, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Process until the almonds are finely chopped and the spices are well mixed. You want a nice, even consistency.
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil. This helps to create a cohesive mixture that will stick to the chicken tenders.
- Once combined, transfer this mixture to a shallow dish. It’s important to have a wide enough space for the chicken to be coated thoroughly.
- Now, in a second shallow dish, whisk the egg whites until slightly frothy. This will help the almond mixture adhere to the chicken.
- Take each chicken tender and dip it into the egg white mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then transfer it to the almond mixture, turning to coat evenly. Make sure each piece is generously covered for maximum crunch!
- Place the coated tenders on the prepared wire rack. Make sure they’re spaced out evenly to allow for proper cooking. Coat the tops with a bit more cooking spray to help with browning.
- Finally, bake the chicken fingers in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You’ll want them to be golden brown, crispy, and cooked through, so check that there’s no pink left in the center.
Things Worth Knowing
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh chicken and almonds enhance the flavors significantly.
- Don’t skip the wire rack: This allows air to circulate around the chicken, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to experiment with different spices based on your taste preferences.
- Proper storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Variations to Try
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, here are some fun variations to try with your Almond Crusted Chicken Strips.
- Spicy Twist: Add some cayenne pepper to the almond mixture for a little heat.
- Different Nuts: Try using crushed pecans or walnuts instead of almonds for a different flavor profile.
- Herbed Coating: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the almond mixture for added flavor.
- Parmesan Addition: Mix in some parmesan cheese to your almond mix for a cheesy crunch.
- Serving Style: Serve these strips in a wrap with fresh veggies and your favorite sauce for a fun twist.
- Make it a Meal: Pair your chicken strips with a tangy coleslaw or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Serving Ideas for Almond Crusted Chicken Strips
When it comes to serving Almond Crusted Chicken Strips, there are endless possibilities to make your dining experience special. Here are some ideas:
- As an Appetizer: Serve these delicious strips as a starter at your next gathering. Pair them with a tangy dipping sauce like honey mustard or barbecue.
- With a Salad: A fresh garden salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette complements the crunchy strips perfectly.
- In a Wrap: Place the strips in a wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado for a quick and delicious lunch.
- For Kids’ Lunchboxes: These strips make a fantastic addition to kids’ lunchboxes. They’re easy to eat and fun!
- On Game Day: Make these for your next game day gathering. They’re sure to be a hit among your friends and family!
- Seasonal Pairings: In the summer, serve with fresh corn on the cob and grilled veggies. In fall, pair it with roasted squash and a warm potato salad.
- Storing Tips: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re just as delicious reheated!
FAQ
Conclusion
In summary, Almond Crusted Chicken Strips are a delightful combination of crunch and flavor that will please anyone at your dinner table. They’re easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and enjoy the deliciousness it brings to your plate. You’ll love how simple yet satisfying this dish is, and it just might become a new family favorite!
Almond Crusted Chicken Strips
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Chef's Knife
- Whisk
- Baking Sheet
- Food Processor
- Oven
Ingredients
- 1 spray Canola oil cooking spray
- 1/2 cup Sliced almonds
- 1/4 cup Whole-wheat flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Dry mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon Freshly ground pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Extra-virgin olive oil
- 4 Large egg whites
- 1 pound Chicken tenders
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475°F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil. Set a wire rack on the baking sheet and coat it with cooking spray.
- Place sliced almonds, whole-wheat flour, paprika, garlic powder, dry mustard, salt, and freshly ground pepper in a food processor and process until the almonds are finely chopped and the paprika is mixed throughout.
- With the motor running, slowly drizzle in extra-virgin olive oil; process until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish.
- Whisk egg whites in a second shallow dish.
- Coat chicken tenders and transfer each tender to the almond mixture; turn to coat evenly.
- Place the tenders on the prepared rack and coat with cooking spray; turn and spray the other side.
- Bake the chicken fingers until golden brown, crispy and no longer pink in the center, 20 to 25 minutes.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: These chicken strips can be frozen for up to 2 months; just reheat them in the oven to regain crispiness.
- Pairing: Serve with a fresh salad or dipping sauce for a complete meal.
- Make it a Meal: Consider pairing these strips with roasted vegetables for a nutritious dinner.
- Variations: Experiment with different nuts or spices for a unique flavor.
