ALMOND CHICKEN & STRAWBERRY-BALSAMIC SAUCE

Almond Chicken & Strawberry-Balsamic Sauce image

Crispy chicken with a sweet-tart sauce is served alongside wilted spinach for this special meal. I created the recipe many years ago for a contest, and it won the grand prize! It's easy to make and comes off as very elegant. -Virginia Anthony, Jacksonville, Florida

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
1/3 cup unblanched almonds, coarsely ground
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (4 ounces each)
3 teaspoons canola oil, divided
1/4 cup chopped shallots
1/3 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup strawberry preserves
3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
1 package (9 ounces) fresh baby spinach

Steps:

In a shallow dish, combine the bread crumbs, almonds, salt and pepper. Add chicken, one piece at a time, and turn to coat. , In a large nonstick skillet, cook chicken in 2 teaspoons oil over medium heat for 4-5 minutes on each side or until juices run clear. Remove and keep warm., In the same pan, cook shallots in remaining oil until tender. Stir in the broth, preserves, vinegar and rosemary. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 5-6 minutes or until thickened., Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, bring 1/2 in. of water to a boil. Add spinach; cover and boil for 3-5 minutes or until wilted. Drain; serve with chicken and sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 349 calories, Fat 13g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 63mg cholesterol, Sodium 476mg sodium, Carbohydrate 31g carbohydrate (19g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 29g protein.