Dreamy Creamy Cheddar Almond Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Creamy cheddar almond chicken brings together an unexpected symphony of rich, comforting flavors that dance across your palate.

Nutty almonds provide a satisfying crunch against tender, succulent meat.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious blanket of warmth, elevateing an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe marries classic ingredients with inventive techniques.

Each bite promises a delightful contrast of textures and robust seasonings.

Weeknight meals need not be mundane when such delectable combinations exist.

Gather your ingredients and unleash your inner culinary artist.

Why Creamy Cheddar Almond Chicken Is Worth Making

• Craft Creamy Comfort: Dive into a luxurious chicken dish that transforms ordinary poultry into a rich, indulgent meal with a velvety cream cheese and cheddar topping.
• Crunch Meets Creaminess: Experience the delightful contrast of smooth, melted cheese and toasted almonds, creating a texture explosion that keeps every bite interesting and satisfying.
• Speed Up Dinner Prep: Whip up this restaurant-worthy chicken in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Flavor Hack: Elevate a simple chicken breast with kid-approved ingredients like cheese and mild seasonings, ensuring even picky eaters will clean their plates.

Ingredient List for Creamy Cheddar Almond Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Skinless and boneless cuts perfect for a lean and tender main dish, best when fresh and evenly sized for consistent cooking.

• Cream Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Rich and tangy dairy ingredients that create a luxurious sauce and add deep flavor complexity.

• Slivered Almonds: Crunchy toasted nuts that provide textural contrast and nutty warmth to the dish.
• Garlic Powder: Subtle aromatic seasoning that adds depth without overwhelming other flavors.
• Green Onions: Fresh, mild onion flavor that brightens the overall dish, with green tops used for garnish.

• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing and balancing the overall taste of the chicken.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy binding ingredient that helps create a smooth, rich sauce and adds moisture to the chicken.

How to Get Creamy Cheddar Almond Chicken Just Right

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F. Slide a large baking sheet onto the middle rack to get nice and hot.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Breasts

• Grab a generous sheet of parchment paper
• Place chicken breast inside a zip-lock bag
• Squeeze out excess air and seal
• Gently flatten chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a rolling pin
• Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper

Step 3: Create Cheesy Almond Topping

• Cream cheese
• Mayonnaise
• Grated cheddar cheese
• Toasted slivered almonds
• Garlic powder
• Half of the sliced green onions

Stir until smooth and creamy

Step 4: Layer The Topping

• Spread the decadent mixture evenly across each chicken breast
• Carefully transfer chicken onto the preheated baking sheet using parchment paper

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

• Cook in the oven for 10-15 minutes
• Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F
• Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after baking

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Sprinkle remaining green onions on top for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Ideas to Level Up Creamy Cheddar Almond Chicken

• Pound Precisely: Ensure even thickness by gently pounding chicken breasts to create uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
• Chill Cream Cheese First: Let cream cheese soften at room temperature for easier mixing and smoother topping consistency.
• Toast Almonds Carefully: Lightly toast slivered almonds in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch before adding to the mixture.
• Check Temperature Accurately: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.
• Parchment Paper Trick: Utilize parchment paper for easy transfer and cleanup, preventing the cheesy topping from sticking to the baking sheet.

Smart Storage Tips for Creamy Cheddar Almond Chicken

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled chicken to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat Oven: Warm chicken at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Microwave Option: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture to maintain chicken’s tenderness.

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Cheddar Almond Chicken

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enjoy a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, cheesy chicken. The wine’s bright acidity cuts through the rich topping and balances the dish’s richness.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Create a colorful side of roasted asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini. The caramelized vegetables add a light, fresh contrast to the creamy chicken and provide extra nutrition.
• Match with Herbed Quinoa Pilaf: Prepare a light quinoa side dish with fresh herbs like parsley and thyme. The grain’s nutty flavor echoes the toasted almonds while offering a protein-packed, textural complement to the chicken.
• Enhance with Tangy Citrus Salad: Whip up a quick salad with mixed greens, mandarin oranges, and a light lemon vinaigrette. The citrusy brightness cuts through the dish’s creaminess and adds a refreshing element to the meal.

Creamy Cheddar Almond Chicken: Fun Ways to Switch It Up

• Spicy Southwest Fusion: Replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, add diced jalapeños to the topping, and sprinkle chili powder for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Swap almonds with pine nuts, incorporate crumbled feta cheese, and mix in fresh chopped basil and oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Lighter Protein Alternative: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese, add lemon zest, substitute sliced almonds with crushed pistachios for a tangy, protein-packed version.
• Smoky BBQ Transformation: Mix in barbecue sauce with the cream cheese, top with smoked gouda, and add crispy bacon bits for a rich, smoky rendition of the original recipe.

Creamy Cheddar Almond Chicken Recipe

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4.9 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cheddar almond chicken delivers a luxurious blend of crispy and creamy textures that elevate classic poultry to gourmet heights. Nutty almonds and sharp cheddar combine for a mouthwatering dish you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds / 680 grams)

Cheese and Creamy Components:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup (80 milliliters) mayonnaise

Seasoning and Garnish:

• ½ cup (60 grams) slivered almonds, lightly toasted
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare a spacious work surface with parchment paper for chicken preparation and line a baking sheet for efficient cooking.
2. Create a protective enclosure for each chicken breast using a zip-top bag, then gently flatten to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a rolling pin or meat mallet.
3. Season the chicken pieces with a delicate sprinkle of kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, ensuring uniform coverage.
4. Whisk cream cheese and mayonnaise in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, homogeneous texture.
5. Fold in grated cheddar cheese, toasted slivered almonds, aromatic garlic powder, and half of the thinly sliced green onions into the creamy mixture.
6. Preheat the oven to 400°F, positioning the baking sheet on the middle rack to warm simultaneously.
7. Generously spread the decadent cheese mixture across each chicken breast, creating a luxurious and even coating.
8. Carefully transfer the prepared chicken onto the preheated baking sheet using the parchment paper as a convenient handler.
9. Roast in the oven until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling topping and the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F, approximately 10-15 minutes.
10. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and flavors to meld.
11. Finish by sprinkling the remaining green onions over the chicken, adding a fresh, vibrant garnish before serving.

Notes

• Chicken breasts transform into a luxurious dinner with a creamy, nutty topping that melts perfectly in the oven.
• Toasting almonds beforehand releases their rich, deep flavor and adds a satisfying crunch to the cheese mixture.
• Parchment paper simplifies cleanup and helps transfer delicate chicken breasts without breaking or tearing them during baking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 482
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 570 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 117 mg