Chinese Walnut Chicken
A crispy, savory Chinese Walnut Chicken featuring tender chicken coated in a light batter, stir-fried with fragrant ginger, garlic, green onions, and crunchy walnuts for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp. cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. water ⓘ
- 1 egg white ⓘ
- 2 large chicken breasts, skinned, boned, and cut into 1-inch cubes ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. bourbon ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- 4 Tbsp. oil ⓘ
- 3 green onions, cut into 2-inch slivers ⓘ
- 2 slices fresh ginger root, minced ⓘ
- 1 garlic clove, minced ⓘ
- 3/4 c. chopped walnuts
- rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix together the cornstarch, water, and egg white in a bowl.
- Add the chicken cubes to the mixture and toss until thoroughly coated.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the coated chicken pieces and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining oil, then stir-fry the minced ginger and garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the chopped green onions and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, add soy sauce, bourbon, and sugar, and stir to combine.
- Add the chopped walnuts and cook for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
- Serve hot with rice.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken in the soy sauce, bourbon, and sugar for 30 minutes before cooking. If you don’t have bourbon, a splash of rice vinegar can work as a substitute. For added crunch, consider using toasted almonds instead of walnuts. Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that golden brown color, similar to what you’d find in Sizzling Stir-Fry Chicken 'N Peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Walnut Chicken hot over steamed rice for a complete meal. For a colorful plate, consider adding a side of sautéed vegetables or a crisp salad. This dish pairs beautifully with Lo Mein (Beef Or Chicken) for a delightful Asian-inspired feast. Garnish with extra green onions for a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to prevent drying out. Avoid freezing as the texture may suffer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chinese Walnut Chicken contains roughly 379 calories, with 17g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1720mg per serving (75% 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 chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and tenderness to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through compared to breasts.
What can I use instead of walnuts?
If you're allergic to walnuts or looking for an alternative, pecans or cashews can be great substitutes. They will provide a similar crunch and flavor profile, enhancing the overall dish while making it suitable for different tastes.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Certainly! To add some heat, consider incorporating sliced red chili peppers or a dash of chili oil when stir-frying the ginger and garlic. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference to keep the balance of flavors intact.
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).