Chicken Almond
Chicken Almond is a savory stir-fry featuring tender chicken strips glazed with soy sauce, complemented by crunchy water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and toasted almonds. This dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, perfect for those who enjoy Chinese-inspired cuisine with a nutty twist.
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken breast ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp salt ⓘ
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1/4 cup chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 can bamboo shoots, drained ⓘ
- 1 can water chestnuts, sliced ⓘ
- 1 cup diced celery ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp monosodium glutamate ⓘ
- 1/3 Tbsp cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 cup cold water ⓘ
- 1/2 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Skin uncooked chicken breasts and cut into thin strips.
- Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons soy sauce and marinate for 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, beat flour, salt, and eggs until smooth to make the batter.
- Dip chicken strips into the batter and fry in hot oil (370°F) until browned.
- Remove chicken from oil and keep warm.
- Add chicken broth to the skillet.
- Mix in bamboo shoots, sliced water chestnuts, diced celery, and 2 tablespoons monosodium glutamate.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and cook for 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, blend cornstarch with cold water, then add to the chicken mixture, stirring constantly until thickened and bubbling.
- Add the cooked chicken, slivered almonds, and salt to taste.
- Cut lettuce into strips and toss with the mixture just before serving over hot, fluffy rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken. You can substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option or use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version. If you find monosodium glutamate hard to source, you can omit it or use a bit more soy sauce for added flavor. Consider preparing Egg Drop Soup With Peas as a complementary dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Chicken Almond over a bed of hot, fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce. Pair it with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. For a complete dining experience, consider serving it alongside Pork And Soy Sauce With Onions to offer a variety of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or chicken broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Almond contains roughly 707 calories, with 13g protein, 152g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking. This will help maintain the chicken's texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for bamboo shoots?
If you can't find bamboo shoots, sliced bell peppers or carrots can be a good alternative. They will add crunch and a bit of sweetness to the dish, while still keeping with the overall flavor profile.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of chili sauce to the chicken mixture while cooking. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference to create a flavor that suits your palate.
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).