Crispy Almond Chicken Breast

Crispy Almond Chicken Breast is a delightful dish that combines juicy chicken with a crunchy, puffy coating. Inspired by the beloved Panda Express recipe, this version is not just easy to make but also perfect for various occasions, whether it’s a family dinner or a weekend gathering. The unique blend of flavors and textures makes it an irresistible choice for any meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Delicious Flavor: The savory glaze combined with crunchy almonds elevates the taste of the chicken.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and common ingredients, anyone can whip up this dish in no time.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even a snack—it’s suitable for any occasion.
• Healthy Option: Using low sodium soy sauce and almond flour makes it a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken.
• Family Favorite: The crispy texture and rich flavor are sure to please both kids and adults alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking, gather your kitchen tools. Having the right equipment will streamline your process and ensure delicious results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Heavy-bottomed pot
• Skillet or wok
• Cooling rack
• Baking sheet

Importance of Each Tool

• Large bowl: Ideal for marinating the chicken and mixing the dredge ingredients seamlessly.
• Heavy-bottomed pot: Ensures even heat distribution for frying, preventing burnt spots on your chicken.
• Cooling rack: Allows excess oil to drip off the chicken while keeping it crispy.

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade

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

Dredging Mixture

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

Sauce and Toppings

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

How to Make Crispy Almond Chicken Breast

Step 1: Marinade the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together:
1. 1 egg
2. 1 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
3. ¼ tsp baking soda
4. ½ tsp salt
5. ¼ tsp pepper

Add the cut chicken breast pieces to the marinade, mix well, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Step 2: Prepare the Dredge

In another large bowl, combine:
1. ¼ cup almond flour
2. ¼ cup all purpose flour
3. 1½ cups crispy rice cereal
4. ¼ tsp salt
5. ¼ tsp pepper

Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined.

Step 3: Batter the Chicken in Dredge

Once marinated, take each piece of chicken from the marinade:
1. Let excess marinade drip off.
2. Roll each piece in the dredging mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
3. Place on a plate or baking sheet until all pieces are coated.

Step 4: Fry the Chicken

Heat frying oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to about 350°F:
1. Carefully add a few pieces of breaded chicken without overcrowding.
2. Maintain a frying temperature between 315°F – 350°F while frying for about 3–4 minutes until golden brown.
3. Check internal temperature reaches at least 155°F before removing from oil.
4. Transfer fried chicken onto a cooling rack; lightly salt if desired.

Step 5: Toast the Almonds

In a skillet or wok over medium heat:
1. Add sliced almonds and toast for about 5 minutes.
2. Stir often until they turn lightly golden and fragrant.
3. Remove from heat and transfer to a clean bowl.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:
1. Minced garlic
2. Minced ginger
3. Remaining soy sauce (2 tbsp)
4. Oyster sauce (1 tbsp)
5. White sugar (1½ tbsp)
6. Corn starch (1 tbsp)
7. Low sodium chicken broth (⅓ cup)
8. Season with salt and pepper as needed

Pour this mixture into the same skillet used for almonds:
1. Simmer over medium heat while whisking constantly for about 2–3 minutes until thickened.

Step 7: Assemble

If serving right away:
1. Combine fried chicken, toasted almonds, sauce, and half of thinly sliced green onions in a large bowl or wok.
2. Toss everything together until evenly coated in sauce.
3. Transfer to serving dish, garnish with remaining green onions, serve warm, and enjoy!

This Crispy Almond Chicken Breast recipe is sure to impress with its delightful crunch and savory taste!

How to Serve Crispy Almond Chicken Breast

Crispy Almond Chicken Breast is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, main course, or snack, these suggestions will elevate your meal.

As an Appetizer

• Small Portions: Serve smaller pieces of chicken on toothpicks for easy snacking.
• Dipping Sauce: Pair with sweet chili sauce or soy sauce for extra flavor.

With Rice

• Steamed White Rice: The simplicity of steamed rice complements the savory glaze perfectly.
• Fried Rice: For a complete meal, serve it alongside fried rice mixed with vegetables.

In Wraps

• Lettuce Wraps: Use large lettuce leaves to wrap crispy chicken for a fresh and crunchy bite.
• Tortilla Wraps: Add chicken to a tortilla with veggies and sauce for a satisfying wrap.

Salad Topping

• Mixed Green Salad: Top a bed of greens with the crispy chicken and drizzle with sesame dressing.
• Caesar Salad: Incorporate the chicken into a classic Caesar for an exciting twist.

On Noodles

• Lo Mein: Serve over lo mein noodles tossed in soy sauce for a filling dish.
• Rice Noodles: Combine with rice noodles and vegetables for a light meal option.

How to Perfect Crispy Almond Chicken Breast

Achieving the perfect Crispy Almond Chicken Breast requires attention to detail. These tips will help you enhance your cooking technique.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken and ingredients lead to better flavor and texture.
• Marinate Thoroughly: Letting the chicken marinate longer enhances the taste and tenderness.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep frying oil at a consistent temperature for optimal crispiness.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Frying in small batches prevents steaming and ensures even cooking.
• Toast the Almonds Well: Properly toasting almonds adds depth of flavor to the dish.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve right after cooking while it’s still crispy.

Best Side Dishes for Crispy Almond Chicken Breast

Pairing your Crispy Almond Chicken Breast with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Steamed Broccoli: A healthy side that balances the richness of the chicken.
2. Fried Rice: Flavored rice adds texture and pairs well with the savory glaze.
3. Garlic Noodles: These add an aromatic element that enhances your dining experience.
4. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw provides freshness and a nice contrast to the crispy chicken.
5. Egg Rolls: These fried delights make a great appetizer or side that complements Asian flavors.
6. Coconut Rice: Sweet coconut rice offers a delightful contrast to the savory chicken.
7. Sesame Green Beans: Lightly sautéed green beans sprinkled with sesame seeds add color and crunch.
8. Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup is comforting and rounds out your meal nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crispy Almond Chicken Breast, there are a few common pitfalls to avoid. Here are the mistakes you should steer clear of:

• Over-marinating the chicken: While marinating adds flavor, leaving chicken too long can make it mushy. Aim for 30 minutes to a few hours for the best texture.
• Skipping the dredging process: Not coating the chicken properly can lead to soggy pieces. Ensure each piece is well-covered in the rice mixture for that perfect crispy texture.
• Crowding the frying pan: Adding too many pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, leading to uneven cooking. Fry in small batches to maintain consistent heat.
• Ignoring oil temperature: Cooking at the wrong temperature can result in greasy or undercooked chicken. Use a thermometer to keep oil between 315°F and 350°F.
• Not toasting almonds: Skipping this step means missing out on enhanced flavor and crunch. Toast them lightly for maximum taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let the chicken cool completely before sealing it to prevent moisture buildup.

Freezing Crispy Almond Chicken Breast

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months.
• Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper if stacking to prevent sticking.

Reheating Crispy Almond Chicken Breast

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place chicken on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until hot and crispy.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, covering with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm, but be aware this may not retain crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil. Cook chicken for about 5-7 minutes, turning frequently until heated through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Crispy Almond Chicken Breast:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness. Just ensure they are boneless and skinless.

How do I achieve extra crispy coating?

For an even crispier texture, double-dredge your chicken by dipping it back into the egg mixture and then again into the rice cereal mixture before frying.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free as well.

What side dishes pair well with Crispy Almond Chicken Breast?

This dish pairs nicely with steamed vegetables, fried rice, or even a fresh salad for balance.

How long does it take to prepare Crispy Almond Chicken Breast?

The total time is about 70 minutes, including both prep and cooking time.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Almond Chicken Breast is not only delicious but also versatile enough for different occasions. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, it’s sure to impress anyone who tries it. Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your choice of vegetables or adjusting the sauces according to your taste!