Chicken Almondine Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon Herbes de Provence
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 8 chicken tenderloins
• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup sliced raw almonds
• 3 green onions, sliced, white and green parts separated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup white wine
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Directions:

Step 1: In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the flour, Herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper. Shake the bag gently to mix the ingredients evenly.

Step 2: Add the chicken tenderloins to the bag. Seal the bag and toss until the chicken is evenly coated with the flour mixture.

Step 3: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the butter begins to sizzle, add the sliced almonds. Stir frequently and cook for about 3 minutes, until the almonds are lightly browned. Be cautious not to burn them.

Step 4: Carefully pour the contents of the skillet through a wire mesh sieve. The almonds will stay in the sieve, and the butter will collect in a heat-proof bowl. Set both aside.

Step 5: Wipe the skillet clean with a paper towel, then return the butter to the skillet. When the butter is hot again, add the floured chicken tenderloins to the skillet. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, until the chicken is browned.

Step 6: Add the white parts of the green onions and the minced garlic around the chicken. Saut for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 7: Pour the white wine and chicken broth into the skillet around the tenderloins. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for about 5 to 8 minutes. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165F (74C) when tested with an instant-read thermometer.

Step 8: Remove the chicken tenderloins from the skillet and place them on a serving plate. Keep the chicken warm.

Step 9: Increase the heat to medium. Once the liquid begins to bubble, return the almonds to the skillet. Adjust the seasoning if needed, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 10: Pour the almond sauce over the chicken tenderloins and garnish with the reserved green onion tops.

Cook's Note: This is a sauce, not a gravy, and it will only thicken slightly.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 837
• Total Fat: 64g (82% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 26g (131% DV)
• Cholesterol: 193mg (64% DV)
• Sodium: 491mg (21% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 11g (4% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 2g (8% DV)
• Total Sugars: 1g
• Protein: 49g (97% DV)
• Vitamin C: 3mg (3% DV)
• Calcium: 76mg (6% DV)
• Iron: 7mg (37% DV)
• Potassium: 771mg (16% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Origin of Chicken Almondine

Chicken Almondine, or "Poulet Amandine" in French, has its roots in classic French cuisine. The dish is a variant of the traditional "amandine" style, which generally refers to recipes that feature almonds as a key ingredient. Although the name itself may sound elegant, it is essentially a simple preparation of chicken cooked with a butter-based almond sauce. The origins of almondine cooking can be traced back to the 19th century, where it was often used to enhance the flavors of fish or poultry, making it a favored dish among French aristocrats. Over time, Chicken Almondine has become a popular entre in restaurants, often served to showcase both French technique and the richness of almonds.

Regional Variations

While Chicken Almondine is typically associated with French cuisine, it has also found its place in other culinary traditions, particularly in the United States, where it is frequently featured in upscale bistros and home kitchens. The regional variations of this dish mostly revolve around the inclusion of additional ingredients like mushrooms, herbs, or different types of wine. In some parts of France, you may find the dish served with a more refined sauce made from cream or stock, while in others, a more rustic approach is taken, simply using butter, almonds, and fresh vegetables like green onions. These slight differences in preparation allow Chicken Almondine to adapt to regional tastes and ingredient availability.

What Sets Chicken Almondine Apart

Chicken Almondine is often compared to other almond-based dishes, such as Almond-Crusted Chicken or Chicken Piccata. However, what makes Chicken Almondine truly unique is its delicate almond sauce, which is created by browning almonds in butter and infusing the dish with the rich flavor of toasted nuts. Unlike other almond-crusted recipes that use almond meal or flour for breading, Chicken Almondine is about creating a sauce thats both flavorful and creamy, without overwhelming the dish. The combination of herbs, white wine, and chicken broth creates a slightly tangy and savory flavor profile, contrasting beautifully with the crunch of the almonds.

Where Chicken Almondine Is Typically Served

Chicken Almondine is commonly found in upscale restaurants, particularly those offering French or continental cuisine. It is often served as a main course at dinner parties or special occasions due to its refined presentation and rich taste. In the United States, it is also popular in French-inspired bistros, and it occasionally appears in holiday menus or fine-dining establishments. The dish is typically accompanied by simple side dishes like sauted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or rice, which help balance the richness of the almond sauce.

Interesting Facts About Chicken Almondine

• Almonds, the star ingredient in this dish, are rich in healthy fats, protein, and vitamin E, making them both a tasty and nutritious addition to any meal.
• The term "Amandine" comes from the French word for almond ("amande"), reflecting the dishs emphasis on the nut as the primary flavor enhancer.
• Chicken Almondine is a popular dish for holiday dinners or special celebrations because of its elegant presentation and the luxurious flavors imparted by the almond-infused sauce.
• In some regions, this dish is served with a sprinkling of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme, enhancing both its appearance and aroma.

FAQ about Chicken Almondine Recipe

Comments