Crunchy Almond Raspberry Chicken

Chicken with a crunchy almond crust and a crimson raspberry sauce. From Midwest Living, and one of the best recipes I've ever attempted!

• Ready In: 35 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 4  boneless skinless chicken breast halves
• 1  egg
• 2  tablespoons milk
• 1 (6 ounce) can  smoked almonds, coarsely ground
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 4  ounces  brie cheese, cut into slices
• 1  teaspoon  finely shredded  orange rind (optional)
• 1 1⁄2 cups red raspberries
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 1⁄3 cup honey
• 1  tablespoon cornstarch
• 2  tablespoons cold water

Directions

1. In a medium saucepan, bring raspberries, water, and honey to boiling; cook over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes or until raspberries begin to break up.
2. In a small bowl, stir together cornstarch and cold water until smooth, then stir into raspberry mixture.
3. Cook and stir the mixture until it's thickened and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and season to taste with some salt and black pepper.
5. Cover the sauce, and keep it warm.
6. Place each breast half between 2 pieces of plastic wrap.
7. Lightly pound each chicken piece to about 1/8 inch thick.
8. In a bowl, beat egg and milk together.
9. Place coarsely ground almonds in a shallow dish.
10. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture.
11. Coat both sides with almonds, pressing the nuts gently into chicken.
12. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil.
13. Cook the chicken, 2 pieces at a time, over medium heat for 10 to 12 minutes or until almond coating is golden brown and chicken no longer is pink.
14. Turn chicken once halfway through cooking time.
15. Place chicken on a baking sheet; top each piece with a slice of Brie.
16. Bake in a 350 degree F oven for 2 to 3 minutes or until the cheese is softened.
17. Remove from oven.
18. Place one piece of chicken, cheese side up, on each plate.
19. Top each serving with warm Raspberry Sauce and sprinkle with proange peel, if using.