Easy Almond Chicken Recipe: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meal

Looking for a simple, flavorful, and satisfying meal that comes together in a flash? Look no further than this easy almond chicken recipe! Tender chicken pieces, coated in a light and crispy almond crust and served with a delightful sauce, create a dish that’s both elegant and family-friendly. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a fantastic option for entertaining – it’s sure to impress your guests with its sophisticated flavors and appealing presentation.

Why You’ll Love This Almond Chicken Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and a savory sauce is irresistible.
• Versatile: Serve it with rice, noodles, vegetables, or a salad for a complete meal.
• Healthy: A good source of protein and healthy fats.
• Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delectable almond chicken:

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts: 1.5 – 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes or strips. Chicken thighs can be substituted for a richer flavor, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
• Almonds: 1 cup slivered or sliced almonds. Whole almonds can be used if you pulse them in a food processor to create a coarse chop.
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup. This helps the almond coating adhere to the chicken. Gluten-free all-purpose flour blends work well as a substitute.
• Egg: 1 large egg, beaten. This acts as a binder for the almond coating.
• Milk: 2 tablespoons. Added to the egg for a smoother, more consistent coating. Water can also be used.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavor of the chicken.
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon. Adds a subtle savory note.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying. Canola oil or peanut oil also work well.

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup. Provides a savory umami flavor. Low-sodium soy sauce can be used to reduce the sodium content.
• Honey: 2 tablespoons. Adds sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce. Maple syrup can be substituted.
• Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons. Adds a tangy acidity that balances the sweetness of the honey.
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon. Adds a distinctive nutty flavor. A little goes a long way.
• Ginger: 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger). Adds a warm, spicy flavor.
• Garlic: 1 clove minced garlic (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder). Adds a pungent, savory flavor.
• Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon. Used to thicken the sauce.
• Water: 1/4 cup. Used to dissolve the cornstarch.
• Green Onions: 2 tablespoons chopped (for garnish). Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: 1 teaspoon (for garnish). Adds a nutty flavor and visual appeal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious almond chicken:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes or strips. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the coating adhere better.
2. Prepare the Almond Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the slivered or sliced almonds and all-purpose flour. Mix well to ensure the almonds are evenly coated with flour. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Prepare the Egg Wash: In another shallow dish, whisk together the egg and milk.
4. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, then dredge it in the almond mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Press the almond mixture gently onto the chicken to help it adhere.
5. Cook the Chicken: Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Remove and Drain: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
8. Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. This is your cornstarch slurry.
9. Cook the Sauce: Pour the soy sauce mixture into the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (drain any excess oil first). Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
10. Add Cornstarch Slurry: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency, about 1-2 minutes.
11. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked almond chicken to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
12. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cooking the chicken in batches ensures that it browns evenly and stays crispy. Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
• Use a Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Liking: Taste the sauce and adjust the ingredients to your preference. Add more honey for sweetness, rice vinegar for tanginess, or soy sauce for saltiness.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
• Add Vegetables: Toss in some stir-fried vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas for a more complete meal.

Serving Suggestions

This almond chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few suggestions:

• Rice: Steamed white rice, brown rice, or jasmine rice.
• Noodles: Lo mein noodles, udon noodles, or soba noodles.
• Vegetables: Stir-fried broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or bok choy.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette.
• Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls with peanut sauce.

Variations and Additions

Want to customize your almond chicken? Here are some ideas:

• Spicy Almond Chicken: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Lemon Almond Chicken: Add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Cashew Chicken: Substitute the almonds with cashews for a different nutty flavor.
• Pineapple Almond Chicken: Add chunks of pineapple to the sauce for a sweet and tangy twist.
• Orange Almond Chicken: Add orange zest and a splash of orange juice to the sauce for a citrusy and aromatic dish.

Make Ahead and Storage Tips

Make Ahead: You can prepare the almond coating and the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to cook, simply coat the chicken and follow the recipe instructions.

Storage: Leftover almond chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Note that the almond coating may lose some of its crispness upon reheating.

Almond Chicken Recipe

Here’s the complete recipe for easy almond chicken, consolidated for easy access:

Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 – 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes or strips
• 1 cup slivered or sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (or 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 1 clove minced garlic (or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes or strips. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
2. Prepare the Almond Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the slivered or sliced almonds, all-purpose flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well.
3. Prepare the Egg Wash: In another shallow dish, whisk together the egg and milk.
4. Coat the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, then dredge it in the almond mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Press the almond mixture gently onto the chicken.
5. Cook the Chicken: Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Remove and Drain: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
7. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
8. Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth.
9. Cook the Sauce: Pour the soy sauce mixture into the same skillet you used to cook the chicken (drain any excess oil first). Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat.
10. Add Cornstarch Slurry: Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly until the sauce has thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
11. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Add the cooked almond chicken to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
12. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately over rice, noodles, or your favorite side dishes.

Enjoy Your Homemade Almond Chicken!

This easy almond chicken recipe is a winner every time! It’s quick, delicious, and satisfying, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or a special occasion. Experiment with different variations and side dishes to create your own unique twist on this classic dish. Bon appétit!