How To Make Chinese Almond Chicken

Chinese almond chicken is a classic Cantonese-style stir-fry made with tender chicken pieces, crisp vegetables, and a rich, savory almond sauce.
 
It’s one of those beloved Chinese takeout favorites that’s actually surprisingly easy to recreate at home with the right ingredients.
 
The dish gets its name from the toasted almonds that add a wonderful crunch and nutty flavor to every bite.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to make Chinese almond chicken that tastes just like your favorite restaurant version, you’re in the right place.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make Chinese almond chicken step by step, including the ingredients you’ll need and tips for getting that perfect stir-fry texture.
 
Let’s get cooking.
 

How to Make Chinese Almond Chicken at Home

Learning how to make Chinese almond chicken at home comes down to three key elements: preparing the chicken properly, making a flavorful sauce, and toasting those almonds just right.
 
Here’s what makes this Chinese almond chicken recipe work so well.
 

1. Start with the Right Chicken

To make Chinese almond chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces.
 
Chicken thighs stay juicier during cooking, while breasts are leaner and absorb the sauce beautifully.
 
Velveting the chicken is the secret to that silky texture you get in Chinese restaurants.
 
Simply coat the chicken in a mixture of cornstarch, soy sauce, and a splash of rice wine, then let it sit for about fifteen minutes before cooking.
 

2. Perfect the Stir-Fry Sauce

The sauce is what brings Chinese almond chicken together.
 
You’ll need chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, a little sugar, and cornstarch to thicken it.
 
Some versions of Chinese almond chicken sauce add a touch of sesame oil for depth and rice vinegar for brightness.
 
Whisk everything together before you start cooking so it’s ready to pour right when the chicken is browned.
 

3. Toast the Almonds Properly

Almonds are the star ingredient in Chinese almond chicken, so don’t skip the toasting step.
 
Spread sliced or slivered almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat and stir frequently until they turn golden and fragrant.
 
This takes just a few minutes, but it transforms the almonds from flat and bland to rich and crunchy.
 
Toasted almonds are what give Chinese almond chicken its signature nutty character.
 

Ingredients for Chinese Almond Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to make Chinese almond chicken for about four servings.
 
For the chicken and marinade, gather one pound of diced chicken, one tablespoon of cornstarch, one tablespoon of soy sauce, and one teaspoon of rice wine.
 
For the sauce, grab half a cup of chicken broth, two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of oyster sauce, one teaspoon of sugar, and one teaspoon of cornstarch.
 
You’ll also need two tablespoons of oil, minced garlic, fresh ginger, sliced celery, sliced water chestnuts, and about half a cup of sliced almonds.
 
A handful of diced green onions makes a lovely garnish for your Chinese almond chicken at the end.
 

Cooking Chinese Almond Chicken Step by Step

Now let’s talk about how to make Chinese almond chicken from start to finish.
 

1. Marinate the Chicken

Toss the diced chicken with cornstarch, soy sauce, and rice wine in a bowl.
 
Let it rest for fifteen minutes while you prep everything else.
 

2. Heat the Wok and Sear the Chicken

Get your wok or large skillet very hot and add the oil.
 
Stir-fry the chicken in a single layer until it’s golden and cooked through, then remove it and set it aside.
 

3. Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

In the same pan, quickly stir-fry the garlic and ginger until fragrant.
 
Add the celery and water chestnuts and cook for a couple of minutes so they stay crisp.
 

4. Add the Sauce and Combine

Pour in the sauce mixture and let it bubble and thicken.
 
Return the chicken to the pan and toss everything so each piece is coated in that glossy sauce.
 

5. Finish with Toasted Almonds

Stir in most of the toasted almonds right before serving, saving a few to scatter on top.
 
Garnish with green onions and serve your Chinese almond chicken hot over steamed rice.
 

Tips for the Best Chinese Almond Chicken

A few small details make a big difference when you make Chinese almond chicken.
 
Don’t crowd the pan when searing the chicken, since overcrowding steams the meat instead of browning it.
 
Have all your ingredients chopped and ready before you turn on the heat, because stir-frying moves fast.
 
If you like a saucier Chinese almond chicken, double the sauce ingredients without changing anything else.
 
And add the almonds at the very end so they keep their crunch instead of going soft in the sauce.
 

So, How Do You Make Chinese Almond Chicken?

You make Chinese almond chicken by marinating diced chicken for tenderness, stir-frying it until golden, simmering it in a savory soy and oyster sauce, and finishing it with freshly toasted almonds.
 
With that velveting trick and a hot wok, this Chinese almond chicken recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen.
 
Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if Chinese almond chicken becomes a regular in your dinner rotation.