Are you craving a healthy, flavorful, and surprisingly quick dinner? Look no further! This Fresh Kitchen Almond Chicken recipe is your answer. It's a delightful blend of sweet and savory, crispy and tender, making it a perfect weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for guests. Forget takeout – homemade deliciousness is just minutes away! This recipe is packed with flavor and is surprisingly easy, perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want a healthy and satisfying meal. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet. This simple step ensures your chicken cooks evenly and prevents sticking.
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add the chicken pieces and toss until evenly coated. Make sure each piece is fully coated for optimal crispiness.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per side). Don't overcrowd the pan; work in batches if necessary for even browning.
Make the Sauce:
- While the chicken is cooking, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water until smooth.
Combine and Finish:
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Once the chicken is cooked, add the toasted almonds to the skillet. Pour the soy sauce mixture over the chicken and almonds, stirring to coat. Bring to a simmer.
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Gradually whisk in the cornstarch slurry, continuing to simmer until the sauce thickens (about 1-2 minutes).
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Transfer the chicken and almond mixture to the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and slightly caramelized. This step adds a beautiful glaze and enhances the flavors.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Almond Chicken:
- Toast your almonds: Toasting the almonds brings out their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan will steam the chicken instead of browning it. Cook in batches for best results.
- Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of honey. Conversely, for a sweeter flavor, add a tablespoon more.
- Add some veggies: Enhance this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables like broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
Variations:
- 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 the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Garlic Almond Chicken: Add 2-3 minced cloves of garlic to the skillet along with the chicken for extra garlic flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This delicious and easy almond chicken recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a satisfying lunch, or a delightful addition to your meal prep routine. Enjoy this healthy and flavorful dish – it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!