Almond-Crusted Chicken With Sumac Kale (Print view)

Crispy almond chicken with vibrant marinated kale, sumac, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Gluten-free and satisfying.

# What You'll Need:

→ Almond-Crusted Chicken

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 cup almond meal or finely ground almonds
03 - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 2 tbsp olive oil for frying

→ Marinated Kale and Sumac Salad

10 - 1 large bunch kale, stems removed, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
11 - 2 tbsp olive oil
12 - 1 tbsp lemon juice
13 - 1/2 tsp salt
14 - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
15 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
16 - 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
17 - 2 tsp sumac
18 - 1/4 cup toasted slivered almonds

# Cooking Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a shallow bowl, combine almond meal, Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
03 - In another bowl, beat the eggs.
04 - Pat chicken breasts dry. Dip each breast first in the eggs, then coat thoroughly with the almond mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
05 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
06 - Transfer the seared chicken to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F.
07 - In a large bowl, massage kale with olive oil, lemon juice, and salt until leaves soften, approximately 2 minutes.
08 - Add red onion, cherry tomatoes, parsley, and sumac to the kale. Toss well to combine.
09 - Top salad with toasted slivered almonds just before serving.
10 - Serve almond-crusted chicken alongside the marinated kale and sumac salad.

# Expert Ideas:

01 -
  • The almond crust stays crispy without any breadcrumbs, giving you that satisfying crunch in every bite.
  • Massaging the kale transforms it from tough to tender, and the sumac adds a lemony brightness you can't get anywhere else.
  • It's hearty enough to feel like a real meal but light enough that you won't feel weighed down afterward.
  • Everything comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.
02 -
  • Don't skip patting the chicken dry, any moisture will prevent the egg and almond coating from sticking properly.
  • Massage the kale longer than you think you need to, it's the difference between tough leaves and tender, almost creamy greens.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check doneness, overcooked chicken will be dry no matter how good the crust is.
  • Let the seared chicken rest on the baking sheet for a minute before transferring to the oven, this helps the crust set and stay intact.
03 -
  • Toast the slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and golden.
  • Press the almond coating onto the chicken firmly but gently, if it's too loose it will fall off during searing.
  • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking, this helps the juices redistribute and keeps the meat tender.
  • Make the salad ahead and let it marinate in the fridge for up to an hour, the flavors deepen and the kale gets even more tender.
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