Chicken And Almond Stir-Fry(Makes 2 Servings)
A flavorful chicken stir-fry with crunchy almonds, fresh garlic, ginger, and crisp pea pods, perfect for a quick, satisfying Asian-inspired meal for two.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. boneless and skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 6 Tbsp. peanut oil ⓘ
- 3/4 c. slivered almonds
- 4 cloves fresh garlic ⓘ
- 1 1/2 Tbsp. soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. sesame seed
- 3/4 c. Chinese pea pods ⓘ
- 4 thin slices fresh ginger root ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sherry ⓘ
- 1 egg white ⓘ
- 2 servings rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut chicken breasts into 1 1/2 x 3/4-inch strips.
- Combine egg white, cornstarch, salt and sugar; pour over chicken.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Blanch slivered almonds by submersion in boiling water for two minutes.
- Fry almonds in 1 tablespoon peanut oil until golden brown. Do not burn or over fry!
- Remove almonds from wok and drain.
- Stir-fry chicken in 3 tablespoons oil until chicken turns white.
- Stir-fry pea pods in 1 tablespoon oil until crisp.
- Remove pea pods from wok and drain.
- Stir-fry crushed garlic and ginger slices in 1 tablespoon oil for 1 minute.
- Remove ginger and garlic from oil and discard.
- Add chicken, sherry, soy sauce, pea pods, and almonds to the flavored oil.
- Heat in a covered wok over low heat until hot.
- Serve over rice and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, ensure the chicken is well coated with the egg white and cornstarch mixture before frying. If you don’t have pea pods, snap peas or green beans make excellent substitutes. You can also use vegetable oil instead of peanut oil if you have nut allergies. For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce overnight for an even richer taste.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken And Almond Stir-Fry pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine or basmati rice, which helps soak up the savory sauce. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a light cucumber salad or steamed broccoli. You can also drizzle a bit of sesame oil on top for extra flavor.
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 until heated through, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chicken rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Almond Stir-Fry(Makes 2 Servings) contains roughly 2720 calories, with 71g protein, 299g carbohydrates, and 149g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (143% of the Daily Value), iron (122% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (97% of the Daily Value). 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 other types of nuts in this stir-fry?
Absolutely! While slivered almonds are traditional, you can substitute with cashews or walnuts for a different flavor profile. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly to avoid burning the nuts.
Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Yes, you can add red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil during the stir-frying process for an extra kick. Alternatively, serve with a side of Szechuan sauce for those who enjoy a spicy flavor.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and stir-fry just before serving for the best texture. The flavors meld beautifully when freshly cooked.
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).