Almond-Crusted Chicken



4 small skinless, boneless chicken breast halves (1 to 1-1/4 lb. total)
1 egg, lightly beaten
2 Tbsp. buttermilk
1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
1/2 cup panko (Japanese-style bread crumbs) or fine dry bread crumbs
2 tsp. snipped fresh rosemary
1/4 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. peanut oil or canola oil
1 shallot, chopped
8 cups fresh spinach leaves
1/4 tsp. salt
Freshly ground black pepper
Fresh mint leaves (optional)

1. Place one chicken breast half between sheets of plastic wrap. With flat side of meat mallet, pound chicken to 1/4- to 1/2-inch thickness. Repeat with the remaining breast halves.
2. In shallow dish whisk together egg and buttermilk. In another shallow dish combine almonds, panko, rosemary, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Dip chicken breasts, one at a time, in egg mixture, turning to coat. Allow excess to drip off, then dip chicken pieces in almond mixture, turning to coat.
3. In 12-inch nonstick skillet cook chicken, half at a time if necessary, in hot oil over medium heat for 4 to 6 minutes or until no longer pink, turning once halfway through cooking. Remove chicken from skillet; keep warm.
4. In same skillet cook shallot in drippings 3 to 5 minutes or just until tender, stirring frequently. Add spinach and 1/4 teaspoon salt; cook and toss about 1 minute or just until spinach is wilted. Serve chicken with wilted spinach. Sprinkle pepper and mint.

Makes 4 servings.