Easy Almond Chicken Stir Fry: Your 30-Minute Weeknight Chinese Takeout Favorite

Craving the delicious flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout without the wait? This Easy Almond Chicken Stir Fry recipe is your answer! Bursting with vibrant celery, sweet yellow bell peppers, aromatic ginger and garlic, fresh green onions, and of course, crunchy sliced almonds, it delivers that irresistibly classic American-style Asian taste. What makes it even better? This incredibly flavorful dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for those busy weeknight dinner routines.

The Story Behind This Almond Chicken Recipe

Growing up, American-style Chinese food was a regular treat in my household. My parents, and naturally I, developed a deep love for the cuisine. Recently, my favorite local Chinese restaurant sadly closed its doors, leaving a void for one of my go-to dishes: their Almond Chicken. While this recipe isn’t an authentic Chinese or even a strictly traditional Chinese-American dish, it’s my personal rendition, carefully crafted to recreate those beloved flavors and textures that my taste buds craved. What started as a quest to satisfy a craving turned into a truly delicious and surprisingly simple recipe that I’m thrilled to share.

10 Interesting Facts about Chinese American Food

Chinese American cuisine has a rich and fascinating history, shaped by immigrant experiences and American tastes. Here are some intriguing facts about this unique culinary tradition:

• **American Innovations:** Many popular “Chinese” dishes, like General Tso’s Chicken and Chop Suey, were actually invented in America by Chinese immigrants adapting their cooking to local ingredients and palates.
• **Holiday Tradition:** Christmas Day is famously one of the most popular days for Americans to order Chinese American food, often seen as a secular holiday meal option.
• **Its Own Identity:** Chinese American food has evolved so distinctly that it’s recognized as its own unique cuisine, separate from traditional Chinese culinary traditions.
• **San Francisco’s Legacy:** The oldest continuously established Chinatown in the United States is located in San Francisco, a hub of early Chinese immigration and culinary innovation.
• **The Birth of a Classic Salad:** California is credited as the birthplace of the popular 1960s dish known as the Chinese Chicken Salad, a personal favorite of mine!
• **Grubhub’s Top Pick:** According to data from Grubhub, General Tso’s Chicken consistently ranks as the most popular Chinese American dish across the United States.
• **West Coast Beginnings:** Chinese American food first made its appearance in California during the mid-1800s, coinciding with the Gold Rush and the arrival of Chinese laborers.
• **First Chinese Restaurant:** Insider reports that the first known Chinese restaurant in the U.S. opened in San Francisco in 1849, catering to the growing Chinese population.
• **Orange Chicken’s Origin:** The widely adored Orange Chicken was created in 1987 by a Panda Express chef, Chef Andy Kao, as a variation of General Tso’s Chicken for American tastes.
• **A Legacy of Culinary Excellence:** Did you know that Philip Chiang, co-founder of the popular chain P.F. Chang’s, is the son of the legendary Cecilia Chiang of The Mandarin, a pivotal figure in introducing authentic Mandarin cuisine to America? You can read more in this interview.

Why You Will Love This Easy Almond Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

This Easy Almond Chicken Stir Fry isn’t just another recipe; it’s a solution for a delicious and hassle-free meal. Here’s why it’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen:

• **Effortlessly Quick:** In just 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table. This speed makes it ideal for hectic weeknights when time is a luxury.
• **Incredible Flavor:** The dish boasts a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami, enhanced by the fresh crunch of celery, the subtle sweetness of bell peppers, the pungent kick of ginger and garlic, and the irresistible nutty texture of almonds. It’s a symphony of tastes that truly satisfies.
• **Nutritious & Wholesome:** Unlike some heavier takeout options, this homemade stir-fry is packed with lean protein from the chicken and a generous amount of fresh vegetables. It’s a healthier choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
• **Simple Preparation:** While some vegetable chopping is involved, the process is straightforward. We highly recommend having all your ingredients prepped and ready (mise en place) before you start cooking, as stir-fries come together incredibly fast.
• **Customizable:** This recipe is a fantastic base! Easily adapt it by adding other favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level to suit your preference.

Easy Almond Chicken Stir Fry Ingredients

The beauty of this Almond Chicken Stir Fry lies in its simple yet impactful ingredients. You’ll find most of these readily available at your local grocery store, ensuring a fuss-free cooking experience.

For the Chicken:

• **1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast:** Cut into uniform 2-inch strips or 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
• **1 tablespoon cornstarch:** This is key for creating a tender, slightly crispy coating on the chicken, which also helps the sauce adhere.
• **½ teaspoon kosher salt:** To season the chicken before cooking.

For the Stir-fry Vegetables & Aromatics:

• **1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil:** Or use garlic-flavored oil for an extra layer of flavor.
• **3 garlic cloves:** Finely chopped, these provide a pungent, savory base.
• **1 whole yellow bell pepper:** Thinly sliced into 2-inch strips, adding sweetness and a pop of color.
• **½ large head of celery (about 6-7 large stalks):** Chopped into large ½-inch slices at an angle, delivering that signature crunch.
• **4 large green onions:** Sliced thinly at an angle for a mild oniony bite and fresh garnish.
• **⅓ cup blanched almonds or slivered almonds:** These are the star of the “Almond Chicken,” providing a delightful texture and nutty flavor.

For the Cornstarch Slurry (Sauce):

• **½ cup chicken broth:** The liquid base for our savory sauce.
• **1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce:** For umami and salty notes, without overpowering.
• **1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar:** Adds a crucial touch of tang and brightness.
• **½ teaspoon ginger powder:** Provides a warm, zesty undertone that complements the garlic.
• **¼ teaspoon white pepper:** Offers a subtle heat and classic Asian flavor.
• **2 teaspoons cornstarch:** To thicken the sauce, giving it that glossy, desirable stir-fry consistency.
• **½ teaspoon kosher salt:** To perfectly balance the flavors of the sauce.

How to Make Almond Chicken Stir Fry Step-by-Step

Achieving a perfect stir-fry is all about preparation and high heat. Follow these steps for a quick and delicious result:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

Begin by slicing your boneless, skinless chicken breast into uniform 2-inch strips or 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking. Place the chicken in a medium bowl, then toss it with the cornstarch and kosher salt until each piece is lightly coated. The cornstarch helps to tenderize the chicken and gives it a lovely, slightly crispy texture when stir-fried, while also allowing the sauce to cling beautifully. Set the seasoned chicken aside while you prepare the vegetables.

2. Prepare the Vegetables and Aromatics:

This step is crucial for a speedy stir-fry. Thinly slice the green onions on an angle and set them aside. Next, chop the celery stalks at an angle into approximately ½-inch pieces. For the yellow bell pepper, remove the core and seeds, then slice it into uniform 2-inch strips. Combine the chopped celery and bell pepper in a bowl. Finally, mince your garlic cloves finely and place them in a separate small bowl. Having all your ingredients prepped and within reach (known as “mise en place”) will make the cooking process seamless and fast.

3. Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry for the Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: chicken broth, low-sodium soy sauce, seasoned rice vinegar, ginger powder, white pepper, cornstarch, and kosher salt. Using a small whisk or a fork, mix these ingredients thoroughly until the cornstarch is completely dissolved and there are no lumps. This slurry is what will thicken your stir-fry sauce to that perfect glossy consistency. Set it aside.

4. Stir-fry the Chicken:

Heat a wok or an extra-large nonstick pan over medium to high heat. Add 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil (or garlic-flavored oil for enhanced taste) and allow it to heat until it’s shimmering and glistening. Carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot pan, making sure not to overcrowd it. Stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken pieces are shiny, cooked through, and have developed a slight browning on the edges. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside, leaving any residual oil.

5. Stir-fry the Vegetables:

If needed, add another ½ tablespoon of oil (or more, if your pan seems dry) to the same pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped celery, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Begin stir-frying these vegetables vigorously for about 3-4 minutes. You want the celery to become bright green and crisp-tender, not soft. The bell peppers should also retain a slight bite, and the garlic should be fragrant but not burnt.

6. Combine and Thicken the Sauce:

Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Give your prepared cornstarch slurry a quick stir again (as cornstarch can settle) and pour it into the pan. Continue to stir all the ingredients together vigorously. The sauce will begin to thicken almost immediately, coating the chicken and vegetables in a glossy, flavorful glaze. Continue cooking for about 1 minute, ensuring the sauce reaches your desired thickness.

7. Add Almonds and Serve:

Remove the pan from the heat. Sprinkle the sliced almonds evenly over the stir-fry and give it one final stir to distribute them. The residual heat will warm the almonds, enhancing their nutty flavor and adding that essential crunch. Serve your Easy Almond Chicken Stir Fry immediately over steamed rice and enjoy the homemade goodness!

How to Serve This Easy Almond Chicken Stir Fry

The beauty of this Almond Chicken Stir Fry is its versatility. While it’s fantastic on its own, here are some classic and creative serving suggestions:

• **Classic Rice Pairing:** The most traditional way to enjoy Chinese American dishes is over a bed of fluffy steamed white rice (like jasmine rice) or hearty brown rice. The rice perfectly soaks up the savory sauce.
• **Noodle Delight:** For a heartier meal, serve this stir-fry with your favorite stir-fried noodles or lo mein. If opting for noodles, we recommend doubling the sauce recipe so you have plenty to coat the noodles generously.
• **Low-Carb Option:** If you’re watching your carbohydrate intake, this stir-fry can easily be enjoyed as a stand-alone dish. It’s also delicious served over cauliflower rice or alongside a simple green salad.
• **Flavor Boosters:** Enhance your serving with a drizzle of low-sodium soy sauce or a dash of sesame oil. For those who love a bit of heat, a dollop of Asian chili garlic sauce or a spoonful of crunchy chili crisp adds an irresistible spicy kick and textural contrast.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storing and reheating your Easy Almond Chicken Stir Fry properly will ensure its deliciousness for days to come:

• **Storage:** To maintain the best texture and prevent the rice from getting too soggy, it’s best to store any remaining stir-fry and steamed rice separately. Transfer them into airtight glass containers with tight-fitting lids. This dish will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• **Reheating in the Microwave:** For a quick reheat, place the stir-fry (and rice separately) in microwave-safe containers. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until thoroughly warmed.
• **Reheating on the Stovetop:** For a more authentic stir-fry experience, reheat the chicken and vegetables in a nonstick pan over medium heat with a tiny splash of water or chicken broth. Stir frequently until heated through. Add the rice in the last minute to warm it up. This method helps the vegetables retain some of their crispness. Always ensure food is heated thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions about Almond Chicken Stir Fry

I genuinely hope you enjoy this Easy Almond Chicken Stir Fry as much as my family and I do! It’s a testament to how quick, flavorful, and satisfying homemade meals can be.

If you tried this recipe, please help other readers by commenting below and sharing some stars! We 🫶🏼 appreciate your feedback and support!

All content and photographs ©Claudia’s Table and claudiastable.com

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