Almond Crusted Catalan Chicken Recipes

ALMOND-CRUSTED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Put the almonds in a mini-chopper or food processor and pulse until finely chopped. Transfer to a shallow dish and stir in the pimenton. Lightly whisk the egg whites in another shallow dish. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Dip the chicken into the egg white and shake off any excess. Dredge the chicken in the almonds to coat. Place on a baking sheet, cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes.
• Set a wire rack on a baking sheet. Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and add the butter and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Place the chicken smooth-side down in the pan and increase the heat to medium-high. Cook, turning once, until a golden brown crust forms, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 160 degrees F, about 20 minutes.
• Whisk together the vinegar and salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil. Add the salad greens and toss to coat. Divide the salad evenly among 4 plates and serve with a piece of chicken.

ALMOND CRUSTED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Finely chop the almonds in a mini-chopper or food processor. Transfer the nuts to a shallow dish and stir in the paprika. Lightly whisk the egg whites in another shallow dish. Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, letting the excess fall back into the dish. Then press both sides of the chicken into the nuts to coat. Place on a baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to set the crust.
• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Place rack on a baking sheet.
• Heat a medium nonstick skillet over medium-low heat and add 1 tablespoon of the oil and the butter. Place the chicken smooth-side down in the pan and then raise the heat to medium-high. Cook turning once, until the nuts set and turn golden brown, about 3 to 4 minutes per side. Transfer meat to the prepared pan and bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the sides of the chicken registers 160 degrees F, about 20 minutes.
• Whisk the vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Gradually whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons olive oil, starting with a few drops and then adding the rest in a steady stream, to make a smooth dressing. Add the salad greens and toss to coat evenly. Divide the salad evenly among 4 plates, top with the chicken and serve.

CATALAN CHICKEN

Steps:

• Heat 4 TBS olive oil in a heavy pan over medium heat, then fry the chicken for about 10 minutes or until golden on all sides; remove and set aside.
• Add the onions, garlic and pepper to the pan and saute until the onion is golden.
• Add the tomatoes, sherry and saffron with water and bring to a simmer.
• Cook 10-15 minutes to evaporate excess liquid (you want to arrive at a fairly thick sauce at this stage).
• Return chicken to pan along with bay leaf, cinnamon stick, salt and pepper.
• Bring to a simmer, cover loosely and cook for about 30 minutes until the chicken is tender and completely cooked and the sauce thickened.
• To finish, heat 1 TBS oil over medium-high heat in a small skillet and fry the breadcrumbs and almonds till golden (stirring all the while); remove from heat and stir in the paprika, mixing well.
• Serve each breast with sauce and with almond mixture sprinkled over the top of all.

ALMOND CRUSTED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
• Combine the parmesan cheese and almonds in a flat dish.
• In a large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter with 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
• Dip each chicken piece into flour, shaking off the excess, then dip it into the beaten egg, then into the parmesan & almonds.
• Place chicken into hot pan and cook 2 minutes, until golden brown. Turn and cook 1-2 minutes on the other side.
• Transfer to a warm plate.
• Pour off excess oil from pan.
• Add shallots and parsley to pan and sauté over medium heat. Add wine, then gradually whisk in the remaining butter.
• Season with salt and pepper and spoon over chicken breasts. Squeeze a little lemon juice over each breast.

ALMOND-CRUSTED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a medium bowl, season bread crumbs with salt and pepper. Place eggs in a small bowl with 2 teaspoons water, and beat lightly. Dip chicken in egg, wiping away excess with your fingers, and dip in bread-crumb mixture. Dredge until lightly coated. Dip in egg again, and coat thoroughly with almonds.
• Heat butter and oil in a 12-inch ovenproof skillet over medium heat. Saute chicken until nicely browned, about 3 minutes, and turn over. Cook 1 minute more; then transfer pan to oven, and bake until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes.