Fried Chicken With Walnuts
Fried Chicken With Walnuts offers a delightful combination of crispy chicken and toasted walnuts, enhanced by savory soy sauce and a hint of wine. Perfect for those who enjoy rich flavors and crunchy textures, this dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Toast walnuts at 300°F for 10 to 15 minutes until fragrant.
- Cut chicken into 1/2-inch cubes.
- Mix chicken with egg white, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, and minced ginger.
- Stir-fry the chicken in hot oil in a wok or skillet for 3 minutes until the color changes.
- Add white wine and soy sauce to the chicken.
- Cook for 2 or 3 minutes.
- Add the remaining cornstarch mixed with water and the toasted walnuts.
- Mix well and stir until heated through.
- Serve over steamed rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving. If you don't have walnuts, pecans or cashews can be excellent substitutes. To enhance the flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes with the soy sauce and ginger before cooking. Ensure the oil is hot enough to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust on the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with Chinese Style Rice for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for added color and nutrition. For a fun twist, consider serving with Tsoi Yan Beng (Sesame Cakes) as a delightful appetizer.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to maintain the texture. Avoid reheating too long to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fried Chicken With Walnuts contains roughly 1102 calories, with 50g protein, 161g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (100% of the Daily Value), iron (81% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (76% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 944mg per serving (41% 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 skin-on chicken for this recipe?
While skinless chicken breast is traditional for this dish, using skin-on chicken can add extra flavor and moisture. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as skin-on pieces may require a little longer to cook through. Adjust your cooking time accordingly to ensure even cooking.
Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Press and cube the tofu, and then follow the same steps, ensuring to adjust the cooking times as necessary. This provides a similar texture and allows the dish to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
What can I serve with Fried Chicken With Walnuts?
Consider serving this dish with stir-fried vegetables or a light cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, pair it with noodles or fried rice. You could also include a side of spring rolls or Chinese Egg Roll Pancakes for a complete feast.
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).