Chinatown Almond Chicken
Chinatown Almond Chicken features tender chicken stir-fried with crunchy almonds and vibrant vegetables, infused with ginger and soy sauce for a flavorful, Asian-inspired meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. chicken breasts ⓘ
- 1/4 cup oil ⓘ
- 1 cup almond slices or slivers ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon ginger ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons sugar ⓘ
- 1/3 cup sherry or water
- 3 tablespoons water ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch ⓘ
- 2 (6 oz.) packages frozen pea pods, thawed or Chinese style vegetables, thawed or fresh pea pods, strung and blanched
Instructions
- Bone and cube the chicken breasts.
- Heat oil in a wok or large skillet; stir in almonds and cook for about 3 minutes.
- Add the chicken and cook just until the meat turns white.
- Mix ginger, sugar, sherry or water, soy sauce, and cornstarch to create the sauce.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and cook until thickened.
- Add thawed vegetables and stir-fry just until glazed and heated through.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and ginger before cooking. If you don't have sherry, water works as a suitable substitute. You can also replace almond slices with cashews for a different nutty flavor. To save time, use pre-sliced vegetables or frozen stir-fry mixes found in the freezer section. This dish is similar to Chicken Breasts Teriyaki in its quick cooking method.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over fluffy white rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. It pairs beautifully with steamed broccoli or a fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it with a side of egg rolls or spring rolls to enhance the Chinese cuisine experience. Explore more delicious Chinese recipes to complement this main dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinatown Almond Chicken contains roughly 1666 calories, with 13g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 176g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% 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 make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh, and use vegetable broth instead of water or sherry. Ensure you stir-fry until the tofu is golden and heated through. This vegetarian version will still be delicious and satisfying.
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).