Crispy Almond Chicken Breast

Crispy Almond Chicken Breast is crispy on the outside, juicy and tender in the center, and full of nutty flavor for a family-friendly weeknight meal!

Tasty Crispy Almond Chicken Breast Recipe

You’ve had crispy almond chicken breast from Panda Express, but now you’re ready to make it at home! The good news is that copycat almond chicken is easier than you think. Plus, when you make it yourself, you can make it healthier and customize it with your own favorite sauces and sides.

In fact, you can serve this crispy almond chicken breast with a savory Asian-inspired sauce like Panda Express. Or, you can also pair it with other cuisines and flavors. Like grilled BBQ chicken and baked chicken breasts, it’s the kind of easy chicken recipe you’ll find yourself turning to again and again.

This crispy almond chicken breast recipe makes the perfect chicken. Crispy on the outside, it’s tender and juicy on the inside. It’s also incredibly flavorful, with a full teaspoon of black pepper, savory garlic and onion powder, and nutty almonds.

Ingredients for Crispy Almond Chicken Breast

To print: see recipe card below

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts – Try to choose ones that are roughly the same size so they finish cooking at the same time. You can use chicken tenders instead, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour if needed.
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly cracked is best!
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – This distributes more evenly than fresh garlic.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 eggs – Here’s the best way to crack an egg!
• 1 teaspoon water
• 1 cup slivered or sliced almonds – Although some recipes use almond flour, we like using crushed almonds for some additional texture. Use leftovers to make Almond Cookies!
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs work better for baking than the puffed rice used in the Panda Express breading. Find this in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.
• 4 tablespoons olive oil

Variations

• Swap out the almonds with chopped walnuts, cashews, or peanuts for a slightly different taste.
• Add Parmesan cheese to the breading for a cheesy flavor that pairs well with Italian dishes.
• Use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Directions for How To Make Crispy Almond Chicken Breast

1. Prepare: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Create the dry breading: Mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder with a fork in a small bowl.
3. Create the egg coating: Whisk the eggs and water in a separate bowl.
4. Create the breadcrumb mixture: Pulse the almonds in a food processor to crush, or smash them in a bag with a rolling pin. They shouldn’t be a powdered consistency! Add the breadcrumbs, and pulse one more time to combine. Then, transfer them to a shallow container.
5. Dry the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with clean paper towels.
6. Dredge the chicken: Working with one piece at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, coating both sides. Then, coat it in the egg wash followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Set the chicken aside on a paper towel-lined plate, and repeat, breading all the pieces.
7. Cook: Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil begins to shimmer, add the chicken. Cook for five to six minutes on each side or just until the breading turns golden brown.
8. Bake: Drizzle the chicken with the remaining oil, and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
9. Rest: Allow the chicken to rest for three to four minutes, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

First things, first, don’t forget to pair your almond chicken with all the best sauces for dipping! Pair it with sweet chili sauce for a Thai-inspired dish, or teriyaki sauce for more of a Japanese twist. Or, go with a savory soy garlic sauce to serve it up Panda Express style.

Then, while the chicken is cooking, whip up your favorite sides. Roasted broccoli, air fryer Brussels sprouts, steamed green beans, mashed potatoes, or crispy Parmesan potatoes all work well.

You can also serve the chicken over a salad. Or, serve it with steamed rice and sautéed veggies like red peppers for an easy almond chicken stir fry recipe!

Did you make this Crispy Almond Chicken Breast? Let us know how it came out in the comments and leave a rating!

Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas To Try Next!

Best Chicken Recipes

The Easiest Baked Cheesy Chicken with Mushrooms

Best Chicken Recipes

Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta

Best Chicken Recipes

Marry Me Chicken

Best Chicken Recipes

Ultimate Chicken Casserole

Appetizers & Snacks

The Best Crispy Baked Buffalo Wings

Best Chicken Recipes

Campbell’s Chicken Pot Pie