Almond Chicken
Whenever I think of comfort food, Almond Chicken comes to mind. This dish brings back memories of family dinners where everyone gathered around the table, the aroma wafting through the air. It’s a dish that not only fills your stomach but also warms your heart. Picture this: succulent pieces of chicken tossed with vibrant vegetables and a delightful almond crunch, all enveloped in a rich, savory sauce. What’s even better? It’s quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion when you want to impress. I love how the flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that feels both comforting and exciting. Each bite is a balance of textures and tastes, leaving you craving more.
Recipe Snapshot
20 mins
10 mins
10 mins
Medium
320 kcal
28 g
Keto, Paleo, Whole30
16 g
Wooden Spoon, Peeler, Skillet, Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife
What’s Great About This Almond Chicken
Heartwarming Flavors
What sets Almond Chicken apart is its delightful combination of flavors. The tender pieces of chicken, coated in cornstarch, give it a subtly crispy texture that’s simply irresistible. Pair this with the crunch of sliced almonds, and you have a perfect contrast that adds both flavor and texture. The sauce, a wonderful blend of soy sauce and oyster sauce, brings a savory depth that will have your taste buds dancing. It’s a dish that proves how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary.
Quick and Easy
One of the reasons I adore Almond Chicken is just how quick it is to make. In less than thirty minutes, you can serve up a meal that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare. This is a lifesaver for those hectic evenings when you want something delicious without spending too long in the kitchen. The prep and cooking steps are straightforward, making it approachable even for beginner cooks.
Healthy and Nutritious
Not only is Almond Chicken a treat for your taste buds, but it’s also a healthy option. With lean chicken breasts and plenty of colorful vegetables like baby carrots and sugar snap peas, it’s packed with nutrients. The use of almond adds healthy fats, making each serving feel satisfying without being overly indulgent.
Customizable Goodness
This recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily swap in your favorite vegetables or adjust the sauce to suit your taste. Maybe you want a touch more sweetness or a hint of spice? Feel free to experiment! This dish adapts beautifully to what you have on hand, making it a staple in my household.
A Family Favorite
Whenever I make Almond Chicken, my family lights up. It’s one of those meals that brings everyone together, and there’s always a moment of silence as we savor the first bites. The satisfaction on their faces reminds me why I love cooking. It’s not just about the food; it’s about creating memories and sharing love through every dish.
Ingredients for Almond Chicken
When it comes to the ingredients for Almond Chicken, each plays a unique role in building flavor and texture. The star of the dish is undoubtedly the chicken, which forms the hearty base. The vibrant sugar snap peas and baby carrots not only add color but also a refreshing crunch. Lastly, the sliced almonds bring a nutty richness that complements the savory sauce perfectly, making every bite a delightful experience.
- 12oz (350g) skinless and boneless chicken breasts – The main protein, tender and juicy, perfect for stir-frying.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps to create a light coating on the chicken for a crispy texture.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons oil – Used for stir-frying; I prefer a neutral oil for this dish.
- 1-inch (2.5cm) ginger, peeled and sliced into pieces – Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that elevates the dish.
- 1 cup sugar snap peas, or snow peas – Provides a fresh crunch and a pop of color.
- 1/2 cup baby carrots, sliced into pieces – Sweet and tender, they balance out the savory elements.
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds – Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce – A key ingredient that adds depth and umami.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – Enhances the savory flavor of the dish.
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce.
- 1/2 tablespoon sugar – Balances the savory and salty notes in the dish.
- 5 tablespoons water – Used to adjust the sauce consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil – Adds a fragrant finish to the dish.
Step by Step Instructions for Almond Chicken
Making Almond Chicken is a fun and engaging process. Let’s break down the steps to ensure you get that perfect result. Follow along, and I promise you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Start by rinsing the chicken under cold water. Pat it dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear when cooking. Once dried, cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes, ensuring they’re uniform for even cooking. Transfer the pieces to a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix it well so that each piece is evenly coated. This coating will help the chicken crisp up beautifully when you fry it.
In another small bowl, mix all the ingredients for the brown sauce together. Combine 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, and 5 tablespoons of water. Stir until the cornstarch and sugar are fully dissolved. Set this sauce aside for later.
Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil. Swirl it around to coat the surface. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the sliced ginger. Stir-fry it until it becomes aromatic, releasing its wonderful fragrance.
Next, add the coated chicken pieces to the pan. Stir-fry them until the surface turns white, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Keep stirring to ensure even cooking and to develop a lovely golden color.
Once the chicken is nearly cooked, introduce the sugar snap peas and baby carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together so that the veggies get coated with the flavors of the ginger and chicken. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.
Now it’s time to pour in the prepared brown sauce. Stir well to combine everything, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are coated with the sauce. As it cooks, you’ll notice the sauce thickening, which means it’s coming together beautifully.
Cook for about 2 to 3 more minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the sauce clings nicely to the ingredients. If you find the sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more water to reach your desired consistency.
Finally, add the sliced almonds to the skillet. Stir them in gently, allowing them to heat through for about a minute. This will enhance their flavor and give your dish that extra crunch.
Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, it’s time to serve! Dish out the Almond Chicken onto plates and enjoy immediately while it’s hot.
Things Worth Knowing
- Ensure High Heat: Cooking on high heat allows for quick stir-frying while keeping the ingredients crisp. This is essential for a great texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making a larger batch, consider cooking in two batches to maintain that perfect sear on the chicken.
- Fresh Ingredients Matter: Using fresh vegetables and ginger will enhance the overall flavor of the dish significantly.
- Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to include your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or broccoli, for a personal twist on the dish.
Substitutions and Tips
Cooking is all about making it your own! Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Almond Chicken turns out just right.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop.
- Freezing: If you want to prepare in advance, freeze the cooked dish in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Flavor Enhancements: Feel free to add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for an added crunch and flavor boost.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with tofu for a plant-based version that retains all the flavors.
- Spice Level: Add some red pepper flakes or fresh chili to give it a spicy kick if you prefer heat.
Perfect Pairings for Almond Chicken
When it comes to serving Almond Chicken, there are numerous delicious options to enhance your meal experience.
- Steamed Rice: Serve over fluffy steamed rice, which absorbs the savory sauce beautifully.
- Quinoa: For a healthier option, quinoa works great and adds a nutty flavor that complements the dish.
- Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette balances the hearty Almond Chicken perfectly, adding brightness.
- Occasions: This dish is excellent for casual family dinners or special gatherings, making it very versatile.
- Seasonal Pairings: In the spring, consider serving with fresh asparagus or snap peas for a seasonal touch.
- Leftover Ideas: Enjoy leftover Almond Chicken in a wrap or with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a quick lunch.
FAQ
Conclusion
In summary, Almond Chicken is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken with a savory sauce and a crunch from almonds, making it truly special. I encourage you to try making this dish at home; it’s quick, easy, and packed with flavor that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to bring your family together around the dinner table. Enjoy cooking and savor every delicious bite!
Almond Chicken
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by rinsing the chicken under cold water. Pat it dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear when cooking. Once dried, cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes, ensuring they’re uniform for even cooking. Transfer the pieces to a bowl and add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix it well so that each piece is evenly coated. This coating will help the chicken crisp up beautifully when you fry it.
- In another small bowl, mix all the ingredients for the brown sauce together. Combine 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1/2 tablespoon of sugar, and 5 tablespoons of water. Stir until the cornstarch and sugar are fully dissolved. Set this sauce aside for later.
- Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat and add 1 1/2 tablespoons of oil. Swirl it around to coat the surface. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the sliced ginger. Stir-fry it until it becomes aromatic, releasing its wonderful fragrance.
- Next, add the coated chicken pieces to the pan. Stir-fry them until the surface turns white, which usually takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Keep stirring to ensure even cooking and to develop a lovely golden color.
- Once the chicken is nearly cooked, introduce the sugar snap peas and baby carrots to the skillet. Stir everything together so that the veggies get coated with the flavors of the ginger and chicken. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp.
- Now it’s time to pour in the prepared brown sauce. Stir well to combine everything, ensuring that the chicken and vegetables are coated with the sauce. As it cooks, you’ll notice the sauce thickening, which means it’s coming together beautifully.
- Cook for about 2 to 3 more minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors of the sauce. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is cooked through and the sauce clings nicely to the ingredients. If you find the sauce is too thick, don’t hesitate to add a splash more water to reach your desired consistency.
- Finally, add the sliced almonds to the skillet. Stir them in gently, allowing them to heat through for about a minute. This will enhance their flavor and give your dish that extra crunch.
- Once everything is well-mixed and heated through, it’s time to serve! Dish out the Almond Chicken onto plates and enjoy immediately while it’s hot.
