Crispy Almond Chicken Breast

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’ve arrived at the right place! This Crispy Almond Chicken Breast recipe is a delightful copycat of the popular dish from Panda Express, but with a twist you’ll adore. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something quick yet satisfying, or for those special family gatherings where everyone is craving something delicious.

What truly makes this recipe special is not just the crispy texture and savory glaze but also how it brings people together. Picture this: juicy chicken pieces coated in a light, crunchy rice cereal coating, tossed with almonds, and drizzled in a tangy sauce. It’s so good that you might just find yourself making it every week!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & Easy: This dish takes just over an hour from prep to plate, making it perfect for busy evenings.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the crispy chicken and sweet-savory sauce.
• Make Ahead: Marinade the chicken overnight to save time on cooking day.
• Delicious Flavor Combo: The combination of almonds, garlic, and ginger creates a taste that’s out of this world!
• Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for this amazing dish! Each one plays a vital role in creating that beloved flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Marinade

• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• 1½ lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into 2-inch pieces)

For the Dredge

• ¼ cup almond flour
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1½ cups crispy rice cereal
• Salt and pepper

For Frying

• Frying oil

For the Sauce

• 2-3 cloves garlic (minced)
• ¼ inch knob ginger (minced; about ½ tsp)
• 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1½ tbsp white granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp corn starch
• ⅓ cup low sodium chicken broth

For Garnishing

• ¼ cup sliced almonds
• 1-2 green onions (thinly sliced; for garnish)
• Salt and pepper

Variations

This Crispy Almond Chicken Breast recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to experiment with these ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using boneless turkey breast or tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Change up the nuts: If almonds aren’t your favorite, cashews or peanuts can add a different crunch.
• Add some veggies: Toss in some bell peppers or snap peas for added color and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce if you’re looking for an extra kick!

How to Make Crispy Almond Chicken Breast

Step 1: Marinade the Chicken

Start by whisking together the egg, soy sauce, baking soda, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This marinade not only flavors the chicken but also helps tenderize it. Add your cut chicken pieces to this mixture and let them soak up all those yummy flavors. Aim for at least 30 minutes—if you’re able to marinate overnight, even better!

Step 2: Prepare the Dredge

In another bowl, mix together almond flour, all-purpose flour, crispy rice cereal, salt, and pepper. This dredging mixture is crucial as it creates that perfect crunchy coating when fried. Make sure it’s well combined so each piece of chicken gets evenly coated.

Step 3: Batter the Chicken in Dredge

After marinating, take each piece of chicken out, letting any excess marinade drip off. Roll it in your dredge mixture until fully coated. This step ensures each bite is packed with flavor and crunch!

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Pour enough frying oil into a heavy-bottomed pot so that there’s about 1-2 inches of oil. Heat it up to around 350°F—this temperature is key for achieving that golden-brown color without overcooking the chicken. Fry small batches of chicken for about 3-4 minutes until they’re crispy and cooked through (aiming for an internal temp of 155°F). Transfer them to a cooling rack afterward to keep them crispy.

Step 5: Toast the Almonds

In a skillet or wok over medium heat, toast sliced almonds for about five minutes until they’re fragrant and lightly golden. This step enhances their flavor significantly! Once done, transfer them to a clean bowl and set aside.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl combine garlic, ginger, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, corn starch, broth, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth! Pour this mixture into your skillet over medium heat where you toasted your almonds. Simmer while whisking constantly until thickened—this should only take about 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Assemble

For serving immediately: Add your crispy chicken pieces back into the wok along with toasted almonds and half of your green onions. Toss everything together until evenly coated in that luscious sauce. Transfer it all to a serving bowl and top with remaining green onions—your Crispy Almond Chicken Breast is ready to shine at dinner!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Almond Chicken Breast

Creating the perfect Crispy Almond Chicken Breast is all about attention to detail! Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out amazing every time.

• Choose the right oil: Using a high smoke point oil like vegetable or canola oil ensures that your chicken fries up crispy without burning. This helps maintain the lightness and crunch you’re looking for!
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy chicken. Fry in small batches to achieve that perfect golden brown finish.
• Let it rest: After frying, allow your chicken to rest on a cooling rack rather than paper towels. This prevents steam from making the bottoms soggy, keeping every bite crunchy.
• Adjust the glaze thickness: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer until it reaches your desired consistency. A thicker glaze clings better to the chicken, enhancing its flavor.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the flour mixture for an extra flavor boost. A little paprika or garlic powder can take this dish over the top!

How to Serve Crispy Almond Chicken Breast

Serving your Crispy Almond Chicken Breast is just as important as preparing it! With a few simple touches, you can elevate this dish into an impressive meal that will wow your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Sliced Green Onions: A simple sprinkle adds a fresh, colorful touch and enhances the dish’s flavor.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
• Cilantro Leaves: Fresh cilantro offers a bright contrast and aromatic touch that balances the richness of the chicken.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce while complementing the flavors of the chicken.
• Stir-Fried Vegetables: Colorful veggies such as bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas add crunch and nutrition, creating a balanced meal.
• Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the chicken and brings a crisp texture.
• Quinoa Pilaf: This nutty grain dish adds protein and fiber while offering an interesting twist compared to traditional rice options.

Now that you have all these serving ideas, you’re ready to impress with your homemade Crispy Almond Chicken Breast! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Crispy Almond Chicken Breast recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can make a large batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week, making it an excellent choice for busy nights or quick lunches. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious creation.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing.
• Place the chicken in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the sauce and almonds separate until ready to serve to maintain crunchiness.

Freezing

• Cool the chicken completely before freezing.
• Place chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid (about 1 hour).
• Transfer frozen chicken to an airtight freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the oven: preheat oven to 350°F, place chicken on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
• If reheating from frozen, add extra time as needed.

FAQs

Got questions? No problem! Here are some common queries about making Crispy Almond Chicken Breast.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast for Crispy Almond Chicken Breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well too; just adjust cooking time as they may take slightly longer than breast meat.

What makes this Crispy Almond Chicken Breast so crunchy?

The combination of crispy rice cereal and almond flour creates a delightful crunch that perfectly complements the tender chicken inside.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version of Crispy Almond Chicken Breast, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free.

Can I bake Crispy Almond Chicken Breast instead of frying it?

Yes! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F. Arrange breaded chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Crispy Almond Chicken Breast! It’s not only a delightful twist on a classic dish but also offers incredible flavor and texture that everyone will love. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or treating yourself to something special, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy every bite, share it with your loved ones, and happy cooking!