Chinese Chicken With Almonds
A flavorful Chinese stir-fry featuring tender chicken, crunchy water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and almonds in a savory broth with a hint of soy. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 1 can (8 oz.) sliced water chestnuts
- 1 can (8 oz.) sliced bamboo shoots ⓘ
- 1 large stalk celery ⓘ
- 3/4 c. sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chicken broth ⓘ
- 2 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp. cold water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. sliced almonds ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oil in a wok or 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Add chicken; stir-fry about 5 minutes or until no longer pink in the center.
- Reduce heat to medium.
- Add water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, celery, and mushrooms; stir-fry 3 to 5 minutes or until heated through.
- Stir in broth and soy sauce.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat.
- Cover and simmer for 6 minutes.
- Mix cornstarch and water; stir into the chicken mixture.
- Cook and stir about 30 seconds or until thickened.
- Sprinkle with sliced almonds before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the chicken in soy sauce and cornstarch for 30 minutes before cooking. You can substitute the almonds with cashews for a different texture. Fresh vegetables like bell peppers and snap peas can enhance the dish's color and taste, similar to other Chinese recipes. Adjust the soy sauce to your taste for added saltiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chinese Chicken With Almonds over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal. Pair it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a fresh cucumber salad for added crunch. This dish also pairs beautifully with Ginger Chicken With Pea Pods, making for a delightful dinner spread.
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 low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Chicken With Almonds contains roughly 324 calories, with 6g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (87% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1603mg per serving (70% 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 protein in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as shrimp cooks quicker than chicken, while beef may require a little longer to ensure tenderness.
What can I use instead of water chestnuts?
If you can't find water chestnuts, you can use jicama for a similar crunch. Alternatively, sliced cucumber can work, but will lack the same texture. Keep in mind that flavor may differ slightly, but it will still add freshness to the dish.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Certainly! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Make sure to check that your cornstarch is gluten-free, which most brands are. This way, you can enjoy a gluten-free version of this delicious dish.
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).