If you're looking for a quick and easy dinner recipe packed with flavor, look no further than Chinese almond chicken. In 30 minutes or less, you can whip up a delicious meal that the whole family will love. With tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and a savory sauce, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in your meal rotation.
Gather all of the ingredients you'll need
Before you start cooking, make sure to gather all of the ingredients you need.
For this easy Chinese almond chicken recipe, you'll need:
- boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- cornstarch
- vegetable oil
- slivered almonds
- sliced green onions
For the sauce soy sauce:
- rice vinegar
- honey
- sesame oil
Read the recipe thoroughly before shopping for the ingredients to avoid any last-minute runs to the store. Once you have everything on hand, it's time to get started!
Prepare the chicken by cutting it into small, bite-sized pieces
The first step in making Chinese almond chicken is preparing the chicken.
Begin by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. Cutting the chicken into smaller pieces ensures it cooks evenly and quickly, allowing you to make this delicious dish in 30 minutes or less.
Next, use a sharp knife to cut through the chicken smoothly and avoid shredding the meat. Once you have finished cutting all the chicken, set it aside while you prepare the other ingredients for your easy Chinese almond chicken recipe.
Coat the chicken in a mixture of cornstarch and salt
- After cutting the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces, it's time to coat them in a mixture of cornstarch and salt. It creates a crispy coating on the chicken when cooked, helping keep the meat tender and juicy.
- Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch and half a teaspoon of salt in a bowl. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl with the mixture and toss until each piece is coated evenly. Set aside the coated chicken while you heat your oil in a frying pan or wok.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown.
To start cooking the chicken:
- Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it's hot.
- Once the oil is hot enough, add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet and cook them for around three to four minutes on each side or until golden brown.
- Keep occasionally stirring to ensure that they cook evenly on all sides, and be careful not to overcrowd the skillet as this could lead to uneven cooking.
- Remove the cooked chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
This delicious Chinese almond chicken can be served with rice or noodles for a quick and tasty meal, perfect for any night of the week!
A flavorful sauce makes Chinese almond chicken so delicious, and you can easily make it at home in minutes.
- While the chicken is cooking, combine soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, cornstarch, and water in a separate bowl.
- Mix well to ensure that all the ingredients are incorporated evenly. Once the chicken is cooked, pour the sauce over it and toss to coat each piece thoroughly.
The savory-sweet flavor of the sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of the chicken for a mouthwatering dish that you'll surely love!
Final Thought
Chinese almond chicken is a classic dish often served in Chinese restaurants. It consists of chicken pieces fried in an irresistibly sweet and savory sauce with crunchy almonds for texture. It's commonly served over white rice; the dish becomes filling and flavorful with its combination of spices. Many Chinese food lovers adore Chinese almond chicken's combination of flavors - perfect for a quick weeknight meal or special occasions.
