Chicken Almond Ding is a quick, healthy stir-fry packed with tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a savory sauce. This dish is perfect for a fast weeknight dinner and can be served over rice for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Packed with Flavor: The combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar creates a savory and slightly sweet sauce.
- Healthy: This dish is full of protein-rich chicken and crisp vegetables, making it a nutritious option for the whole family.
- Customizable: Add your favorite vegetables or adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, mushrooms)
- 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained
- ½ cup Blue Diamond Whole Natural Almonds, toasted
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and hoisin sauce. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables and water chestnuts to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan, turn the heat up to high, and bring to a boil. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
- Finish: Stir in the toasted almonds and serve immediately over rice.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or fresh chilies to the sauce for extra heat.
- More Veggies: Add other vegetables like carrots, baby corn, or snap peas for additional flavor and crunch.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs will work well and add extra flavor and moisture to the dish.
Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be used, though fresh veggies provide the best texture and flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Increase the amount of soy sauce or hoisin sauce, or add fresh chopped chilies to the stir-fry.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While stir-fry is best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
Conclusion
Chicken Almond Ding is a quick, flavorful, and healthy stir-fry that’s perfect for busy nights. The combination of savory sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy almonds makes it a delicious and satisfying meal your family will love.
Print
Chicken Almond Ding
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Chicken Almond Ding is a quick and healthy stir-fry featuring tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and crunchy almonds, all tossed in a savory-sweet sauce. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and can be served over rice for a complete, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli, snow peas, bell peppers, mushrooms)
- 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, drained
- ½ cup Blue Diamond Whole Natural Almonds, toasted
- ¾ cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the chicken broth, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and hoisin sauce. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes per side.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables and water chestnuts to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Add the Sauce: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan, increase the heat to high, and bring to a boil. Cook for 1 minute until the sauce thickens.
- Finish: Stir in the toasted almonds and serve immediately over rice.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or fresh chilies to the sauce for extra heat.
- More Veggies: Add carrots, baby corn, or snap peas for additional flavor and crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Stir-Fry, Chicken
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
