Chicken Breasts Amandine is a classic American dinner recipe inspired by the French culinary term “amandine,” which refers to dishes garnished with almonds. Popular in mid-century home cooking, this comforting baked chicken recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a lightly seasoned flour coating and a buttery sherry glaze finished with crunchy almonds. The result is a simple yet elegant main dish that feels both cozy and dinner-party worthy. Recipes like this became especially popular during the 1950s through the 1970s when home cooks embraced easy baked casseroles and sophisticated European-inspired flavors. The toasted almonds provide a rich nuttiness while the sherry adds subtle depth and warmth to the dish.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika
- ⅛ tsp pepper
- 3 tbsp dry sherry
- 2 tbsp butter (or oleo, melted)
- 2 large chicken breasts (boned and sliced lengthwise (about 2 ½ lbs))
- ⅓ to ½ cup almonds (sliced )
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoned Flour
- Combine the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a shallow bowl.
Step 2: Prepare the Sherry Mixture
- In a separate bowl, combine the dry sherry and melted butter or oil.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Coat the chicken pieces with the flour mixture.
- Dip both sides into the sherry mixture.
Step 4: Add Almonds
- Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with sliced almonds.
- Pat gently so the almonds adhere to the chicken.
Step 5: Arrange for Baking
- Place the chicken in a shallow greased baking dish.
Step 6: Bake Covered
- Cover the dish and bake in a 375°F oven for 20 minutes.
Step 7: Finish Baking
- Uncover the dish and bake for an additional 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Tips
- Use chicken tenders for faster cooking.
- Substitute white wine for dry sherry if preferred.
- Toast the almonds lightly before using for deeper flavor.
- Add a splash of cream to the baking dish for a richer sauce.
- Serve over rice or buttered noodles for a complete meal.
- Add mushrooms to the baking dish for extra savory flavor.
- Use smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
- Try pecans instead of almonds for a Southern twist.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
- Pair with roasted green beans or asparagus.
Nutrition
Calories: 410kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 42gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 1020mgPotassium: 690mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 420IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 75mgIron: 2.4mg
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