Chicken Almond Vermicelli
A flavorful chicken and vegetable vermicelli stir-fry with crunchy almonds and savory sauce, perfect for a quick, satisfying Asian-inspired meal suitable for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
- 8 oz. vermicelli or thin spaghetti ⓘ
- 2 chicken bouillon cubes ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. boiling water
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 12 oz. boned breast of chicken, cut into thin strips ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 1/2 c. sliced, fresh mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 c. diagonally sliced celery ⓘ
- 1 c. sliced green onion ⓘ
- 1/2 c. sliced water chestnuts
- 2 c. broccoli florets ⓘ
- 1 c. slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook vermicelli in boiling, salted water until tender, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a small bowl, dissolve chicken bouillon cubes in boiling water to make a broth.
- In a bowl, mix cornstarch with soy sauce to create a slurry.
- In a large skillet or wok, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add chicken strips and cook until browned and cooked through.
- Add sliced mushrooms, celery, green onions, and water chestnuts; cook for a few minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Pour in the prepared broth and soy-cornstarch mixture; cook until the sauce thickens.
- Stir in cooked vermicelli, broccoli florets, and slivered almonds; toss to combine and heat through.
- Serve hot, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute the chicken with tofu or shrimp, which will work well in this dish. If you prefer a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. To enhance flavor, add minced garlic and ginger while sautéing the vegetables. Consider incorporating bell peppers or snap peas for extra crunch. This dish is reminiscent of other Chinese recipes, making it versatile and adaptable.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Almond Vermicelli hot, garnished with additional green onions for a fresh touch. It pairs beautifully with a side of steamed rice or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. This dish can also be enjoyed as a standalone meal or alongside other favorites like Stir-Fry Vegetables With Chicken for a delightful spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Chicken Almond Vermicelli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a microwave or a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out. Stir gently until heated through, ensuring the vermicelli retains its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Almond Vermicelli contains roughly 1422 calories, with 22g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 92g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (111% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (52% of the Daily Value), and protein (43% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2439mg per serving (106% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of noodles in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute vermicelli with other noodles such as rice noodles, soba, or even whole wheat spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type to ensure they are cooked perfectly.
What vegetables can I add to enhance the dish?
Feel free to add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, snap peas, or carrots. These not only add color but also extra nutrients and crunch, making the dish more vibrant and enjoyable.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best served fresh, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and vegetables, and store them separately. When ready to serve, simply reheat and combine with the noodles and sauce for a quick meal.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).