What is Chinese almond chicken?

This iconic Cantonese dish features golden, crispy breaded chicken topped with a savory almond sauce. Paired with crunchy slivered almonds, it embodies the harmony of texture and flavor in authentic Cantonese cooking. It uses two soy sauces for color and flavor.

What are the key ingredients for Chinese almond chicken?

The main ingredients are chicken, almonds, bamboo shoots, and two soy sauces. Dark and light soy sauce are used.

What is the significance of Chinese almond chicken?

It has a rich history in Cantonese cuisine. It’s also popular in American-Chinese restaurants. It shows the mix of Cantonese cooking and American tastes.

How do the two types of soy sauce contribute to the dish?

Dark soy sauce adds color, while light soy sauce adds flavor. Together, they create a perfect balance.

What are the options for the type of oil used in Chinese almond chicken?

You can use peanut or sunflower oil. Both oils give the dish a unique flavor.

Chinese Almond Chicken: Classic Cantonese Comfort Food

Name: Elevate Your Meals with Chinese Almond Chicken Magic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 egg white; 1/4 cup cornstarch; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 cup water; 1 cup vegetable oil (for frying); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon oyster sauce; 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry); 1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted; 2 green onions, chopped; 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Description

Chinese Almond Chicken is a crispy, golden-fried dish with tender chicken pieces coated in a light batter, served with a flavorful brown sauce and topped with crunchy almonds. This popular dish is a delicious blend of textures and flavors, making it a favorite for takeout-style meals at home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 egg white
1/4 cup cornstarch
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup water
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon oyster sauce
1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (slurry)

For Garnish:

1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted
2 green onions, chopped
1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with salt, white pepper, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together egg white, cornstarch, flour, baking powder, and water until smooth.

Step 3: Fry the Chicken

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok over medium-high heat.
Dip the marinated chicken pieces into the batter, coating evenly.
Fry the chicken in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 3–4 minutes per batch). Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a separate pan, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium heat.
Add garlic and ginger, stirring for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth. Stir well.
Add the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Add the fried chicken to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce.
Sprinkle toasted almonds, green onions, and sesame seeds on top.

Step 6: Serve

Serve immediately with steamed rice or noodles.

Notes

For extra crispiness, fry the chicken twice.
Toast almonds in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes to enhance flavor.
Adjust sauce thickness by adding more or less cornstarch slurry.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-frying, Deep-frying
Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: ~410 kcal
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 65mg