Baked Almond-Crusted Chicken Breasts

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden chicken breasts coated in a nutty almond crust, baked to perfection with a hint of garlic and thyme for a satisfying keto main course. This american-inspired chicken (gluten-free, low-carb) ready in about 40 minutes pairs almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (each about 6 oz) dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup almond flour, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, and 1/4 tsp salt.
  3. Step 3: Dredge each chicken breast in the almond flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  4. Step 4: Drizzle 2 tbsp olive oil over the chicken breasts, then bake for 22-25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the crust is golden brown.
  5. Step 5: While the chicken bakes, prepare the herb butter: in a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp softened unsalted butter, 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1/2 tsp lemon zest. Let sit for 5 minutes to meld flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Almond-Crusted Chicken Breasts take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Almond-Crusted Chicken Breasts?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep almond flour from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Almond-Crusted Chicken Breasts?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Almond-Crusted Chicken Breasts for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Baked Almond-Crusted Chicken Breasts gluten-free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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