If you’re looking for a dish that delivers elegance, texture, and flavor with minimal fuss, chicken almondine should be your next go-to. This French-inspired recipe features tender pan-seared chicken finished with toasted almonds, lemon juice, and buttery pan sauce—ready in just 30 minutes.
It’s a perfect midweek meal that feels fancy but is built from pantry staples. And if you’re familiar with the classic trout almondine? You’re already halfway there.
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What Is Chicken Almondine?
Chicken almondine (sometimes spelled amandine) is a simple yet flavorful dish where chicken is cooked and topped with toasted almonds, often accompanied by a lemon-butter pan sauce. It borrows its name and inspiration from traditional French techniques typically used with fish.
The Story Behind the Almonds
“Amandine” means “with almonds” in French. This method of cooking—originally designed for fish like trout and sole—became a versatile technique for other proteins. Over time, chefs started applying it to chicken, creating a heartier, more comforting spin on a classic bistro favorite.
The almonds don’t just look pretty. They add a distinct crunch and a warm, nutty aroma that contrasts beautifully with the buttery sauce and tender meat.
Why This Dish Just Works
This recipe balances:
- Crispy textures from toasted almonds
- Bright acidity from lemon juice
- Richness from butter and shallots
- Savory depth from pan-seared chicken
With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create layers of flavor and contrast in every bite. And the best part? It all happens in one skillet.
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Chicken Almondine: A Classic French-Inspired Dish with a Crunchy Twist
Chicken Almondine is a French-inspired dish that pairs juicy pan-seared chicken with a bright lemon-butter sauce and crunchy toasted almonds. It’s elegant yet simple — a 30-minute skillet meal with layers of flavor and texture.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 small shallot, finely chopped
⅓ cup chicken broth or dry white wine
2 tbsp lemon juice
2 tbsp unsalted butter (cold, for finishing)
⅓ cup sliced or slivered almonds
2 tbsp chopped green onions or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Toast the Almonds
- Sear the Chicken
- Deglaze the Pan
- Finish the Sauce
- Assemble the Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need for a traditional yet flexible version of chicken almondine:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Slivered or sliced almonds
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Shallots or garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: white wine, Dijon mustard, parsley, capers
Want a lighter twist? Swap butter for olive oil and skip the wine. Craving richness? Add a spoonful of cream or finish with Dijon.
How to Toast Almonds the Right Way
Toasted almonds are key to great chicken almondine. Here’s how to do it:
- Dry skillet method: Place almonds in a pan over medium heat. Stir constantly until golden (2–3 mins).
- Oven method: Spread on a tray and bake at 350°F for 5–8 minutes.
- Keep a close eye—almonds burn fast!
Always toast your almonds before starting the chicken so they stay crisp when added at the end.
How to Make Chicken Almondine
Simple prep, fast cooking, fancy results.
Step-by-Step:
- Prep the Chicken
- Pound chicken breasts to even thickness
- Season with salt and pepper
- Sear the Chicken
- In a skillet, heat butter + olive oil
- Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden
- Remove and set aside
- Build the Sauce
- In same pan, add shallots (or garlic)
- Deglaze with lemon juice or white wine
- Reduce slightly, then swirl in more butter
- Finish the Dish
- Return chicken to skillet
- Spoon sauce over top
- Add toasted almonds and parsley just before serving
The result? Juicy chicken with a citrusy, nutty sauce that clings beautifully to each bite.
Tips for Success
- Use a stainless steel or cast-iron pan for best browning
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet—work in batches if needed
- Almonds go in last to keep their crunch
- Add lemon zest for extra brightness
What to Serve With Chicken Almondine
This dish pairs well with:
- Steamed green beans or haricots verts
- Lemon rice or wild rice blend
- Mashed potatoes with olive oil
- Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
Serve with a dry white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Blanc for bistro-style balance.
Light or Rich? You Choose.
- Light version: skip butter, use olive oil and extra lemon
- Richer version: add Dijon mustard or cream at the end
- Dairy-free: use margarine or vegan butter substitutes
The base recipe is forgiving and easy to adapt.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Toast almonds in advance and store airtight
- Cooked chicken almondine keeps for 3 days in fridge
- Reheat gently to avoid overcooking and softening almonds
- Great for meal prep or slicing into sandwiches and salads
For more chicken inspiration, explore our chipotle honey chicken recipe for a sweet-savory twist, try the infused fried chicken techniques to elevate crispy textures, or prep ahead like this refreshing BLT chicken salad — all perfect complements to a classic chicken almondine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “almondine” mean in cooking?
It refers to a dish garnished or cooked with toasted almonds.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs stay juicy and absorb flavor beautifully.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you don’t dredge the chicken in flour or use a gluten-free option.
How do you pronounce almondine?
Typically: al-mon-deen (French), but al-mon-dine is common in English.
Final Thoughts
Chicken almondine is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a restaurant chef—without any fuss. With its buttery sauce, toasty almond topping, and 30-minute cook time, it’s a keeper for weeknights and dinner guests alike.
Try it once, and it might just become a new classic in your kitchen.
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