Irresistible Creamy Cheddar Almond Chicken Recipe for Dinner

Tender chicken breasts dance with rich, melted cheddar cheese in this mouthwatering almond chicken recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

Nutty almonds add a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the smooth, velvety sauce.

Each bite delivers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that will make dinner feel like a special occasion.

The golden-brown chicken emerges from the oven with a crisp exterior and juicy interior, promising a meal that satisfies deeply.

Pantry-friendly ingredients come together effortlessly, making this dish both elegant and approachable.

Serve this crowd-pleasing chicken alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and memorable meal that everyone will adore.

One forkful and you’ll understand why this recipe is about to become a weeknight favorite.

Creamy Cheddar Almond Chicken Ingredients

• Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender canvas for rich, creamy topping that transforms into a luxurious main dish with delightful texture contrast.
• Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning warriors that elevate and enhance the chicken's natural flavors with subtle, balanced warmth.

• Cream Cheese, Mayonnaise: Silky smooth foundation creating irresistible richness and velvety consistency that hugs every chicken fiber.
• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Vibrant, tangy cheese that melts into golden, bubbling perfection, delivering bold flavor and dramatic visual appeal.

• Slivered Almonds: Crunchy, toasted nuggets bringing nutty sophistication and delightful crisp contrast to the creamy chicken surface.
• Garlic Powder: Subtle, aromatic seasoning that infuses subtle depth and complexity without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Green Onions: Fresh, zesty herb adding bright color, sharp bite, and elegant finishing touch to complete the dish's flavor profile.

Tools Needed for Cheddar Chicken

• Baking Sheet: Large, essential for even cooking and transferring chicken.
• Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.
• Zip-Top Bag: Perfect for pounding chicken without mess.
• Rolling Pin or Meat Mallet: Crucial for flattening chicken breasts evenly.
• Large Bowl: Needed for mixing cream cheese topping ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure garlic powder and seasonings.
• Grater: For shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
• Sharp Knife: Used for slicing green onions precisely.
• Oven Mitts: Protect hands when handling hot baking sheet.

Steps to Make Almond Cheese Chicken

Cheddar Almond Chicken Delight

• Oven Warm-Up

Get your oven cozy at 400°F with a baking sheet waiting inside.

• Chicken Prep

Gently flatten chicken breasts between parchment paper using a rolling pin until they’re thin and even.

• Creamy Topping Creation

Blend cream cheese, mayo, and cheddar into a dreamy mixture. Sprinkle in toasted almonds and a hint of garlic powder for extra magic.

• Cheese Blanket

Lovingly spread the creamy almond mixture over each chicken breast, creating a luxurious coating.

• Baking Magic

Slide the chicken onto the heated baking sheet and let the oven work its wonder for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is perfectly cooked and cheese is bubbly.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a burst of color and freshness. Let the chicken rest briefly before serving up this mouthwatering meal.

Tips for Creamy and Crunchy Texture

• Chicken Cheese Crunch Secrets: Smart Tips for Mouthwatering Results
• Cheese Melting Magic: Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending with other ingredients.
• Almond Toasting Trick: Quickly toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and enhance their nutty flavor.
• Moisture-Locking Technique: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels before seasoning to help the topping adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Flavor Boosting Swap: Replace regular cheddar with sharp or smoked cheddar for a more intense and complex taste profile that will elevate the entire dish.
• Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken breasts with turkey cutlets or thick-cut pork chops for an equally delicious protein option that works perfectly with the creamy almond topping.

Serving This Hearty Chicken Dish

• Dinner Party Delight: Serve this creamy cheddar almond chicken alongside roasted seasonal vegetables for a stunning main course that looks as good as it tastes.
• Elegant Plating Approach: Arrange the chicken on a white ceramic platter, drizzle extra green onions on top, and create a beautiful presentation that makes everyone feel special.
• Complementary Side Pairings: Pair with light and fluffy herbed rice pilaf or a crisp mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy chicken texture.
• Wine Companion Selection: Choose a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay that cuts through the creamy cheese and enhances the nutty almond undertones of the dish.

Storage Guidelines

• Smart Fridge Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The creamy topping stays delicious when sealed tightly, preventing moisture loss and maintaining flavor integrity.
• Quick Meal Prep Trick: Assemble chicken breasts with toppings in advance and store in the fridge up to 24 hours before baking. This strategy saves precious time during busy weeknights and ensures a stress-free dinner preparation.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual chicken portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen chicken can last up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to restore original texture and taste.
• Reheat with Care: When warming leftovers, use the oven instead of the microwave. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes to maintain the crispy almond topping and prevent the chicken from becoming rubbery. A splash of chicken broth can help retain moisture during reheating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 560 kcal

Servings: 5

Zesty Cheddar Almond Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade creamy cheddar almond chicken delivers rich comfort on dinner plates across North America. Melted cheese, toasted almonds, and tender meat combine for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (1.5 lbs / 680 g)
• 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, room temperature
• 1 cup (100 g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (60 g) almonds, slivered, lightly toasted
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• Salt, kosher, to taste
• Pepper, black, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and create a workspace for chicken preparation, protecting each breast inside a zip-top bag and gently flattening to an even 1/2-inch thickness using a rolling pin.
2. Seasoning: Uniformly season chicken pieces with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, creating a foundational flavor profile.
3. Cheese Mixture: Whisk cream cheese and mayonnaise until silky, then incorporate grated cheddar, toasted slivered almonds, garlic powder, and half the green onions into a rich, creamy blend.
4. Oven Preheating: Warm the oven to 400°F, positioning the baking sheet on the middle rack to ensure consistent heat distribution.
5. Assembly: Spread the decadent cheese mixture evenly across each chicken breast, creating a luxurious coating that promises depth of flavor and texture.
6. Roasting: Transfer prepared chicken onto the preheated baking sheet, roasting until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling topping and the chicken reaches a safe 165°F internal temperature, approximately 10-15 minutes.
7. Resting and Serving: Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes, enabling juice redistribution, then garnish with remaining green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.

Notes

• Flatten Evenly: Use a zip-top bag and rolling pin to ensure uniform 1/2-inch chicken thickness for consistent cooking and tender results.
• Season Strategically: Apply kosher salt and black pepper sparingly across entire chicken surface to enhance natural flavors without overwhelming.
• Cheese Mixture Tip: Blend cream cheese and mayonnaise thoroughly to create a smooth base that helps ingredients integrate seamlessly.
• Temperature Precision: Monitor chicken’s internal temperature closely, aiming for exact 165°F to guarantee safe and juicy meat while preventing overcooking.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg