Crispy Almond-Crusted Chicken with Herbed Ricotta

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

Juicy chicken breasts coated in a golden almond flour crust, topped with creamy herbed ricotta and tangy tomato sauce, baked to perfection with minimal carbs. This american-inspired keto ready in about 40 minutes pairs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, almond flour, large egg for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

★ 4.2 (11 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts dry with paper towels, then season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, whisk 1/2 cup almond flour, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; in another shallow dish, beat 1 large egg until smooth.
  3. Step 3: Dredge each chicken breast by dipping into the beaten egg, then pressing firmly into the almond flour mixture until fully coated, shaking off excess.
  4. Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 30 seconds).
  5. Step 5: Place coated chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy (edges should be firm and lightly browned).
  6. Step 6: Transfer skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.
  7. Step 7: While chicken bakes, mix 1/2 cup ricotta, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil in a small bowl until smooth.
  8. Step 8: Remove skillet from oven, spoon 1/4 cup marinara sauce over each chicken breast, then spread 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture evenly on top.
  9. Step 9: Return to oven for 5 minutes until ricotta is melted and bubbly.
  10. Step 10: Garnish with additional fresh basil and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Almond-Crusted Chicken with Herbed Ricotta 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 Crispy Almond-Crusted Chicken with Herbed Ricotta?

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 Crispy Almond-Crusted Chicken with Herbed Ricotta?

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 Crispy Almond-Crusted Chicken with Herbed Ricotta 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 Crispy Almond-Crusted Chicken with Herbed Ricotta keto?

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

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