If you're a fan of easy Chinese chicken recipes that bring all the sweet, savory, and nutty goodness of your favorite takeout meals straight to your dinner table, you're going to love this Chinese Takeout-Style Almond Chicken and Peppers. It's a fantastic blend of crisp-tender vegetables, juicy chicken, and crunchy roasted almonds, all coated in a rich, flavorful almond gravy. This dish is a delightful homage to classic almond boneless chicken recipes, and it gives off major Chinese garlic chicken and chicken almond ding vibes while holding its own with a unique homemade twist. It’s comforting, quick, and so satisfying—you might not even call your local takeout spot after trying it.
Chinese Takeout-Style Almond Chicken and Peppers
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Chinese
Wok or large skillet A non-stick wok works best for quick and high-heat stir-frying. If you don’t have one, a large frying pan will do the trick.
Mixing bowls For marinating the chicken and prepping the sauce.
Tongs or spatula Essential for tossing the ingredients evenly in the wok.
Measuring cups & spoons To make sure your sauce is well-balanced.
Knife and Cutting Board For prepping the vegetables and chicken.
Rice Cooker or Saucepan If you're planning to serve this over rice.
For the Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces (you can also use thighs if you prefer juicier meat)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine or dry sherry
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
For the Sauce (Gravy)
- 1 cup chicken broth low sodium
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon cold water
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional: 1 teaspoon almond extract for a deeper almond flavor
Stir-fry Ingredients
- 1 red bell pepper sliced into thin strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced into thin strips
- 1 green bell pepper sliced into thin strips
- 3 scallions chopped (green and white parts separated)
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger grated
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For Garnish
- 1/3 cup roasted unsalted almonds slivered or roughly chopped
- Sesame seeds optional
- Extra scallions
Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, cornstarch, and sesame oil. Let it sit for about 10–15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This step helps tenderize the chicken and give it that signature smooth texture found in many Asian style chicken dishes.
Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together chicken broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, white pepper, and almond extract (if using). Add the cornstarch slurry and stir until fully combined. This mixture is the heart of your almond chicken gravy recipe, rich and savory with a subtle sweetness.
Sear the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in your wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 4–6 minutes, until golden and just cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
Stir-Fry the Veggies
Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the same wok. Toss in the garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the scallions. Sauté for about 30 seconds, then add all the sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until just tender but still crisp.
Combine Everything
Return the chicken to the wok. Pour in the sauce and bring everything to a simmer. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and coats the chicken and vegetables—this should take about 2–3 minutes.
Add the Almonds
Sprinkle in the roasted almonds and toss everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If you’re after a bolder flavor profile, a splash of Chinese lemon chicken recipe influence—like a hint of lemon juice or zest—can brighten it up.
Garnish and Serve
Top with sesame seeds and the green parts of the scallions. Serve hot over jasmine rice or lo mein noodles.
Pairings
This dish is incredibly versatile and plays well with both lighter and richer sides. Here are some pairing ideas:
- Steamed Jasmine or Basmati Rice: The ideal neutral base to soak up that nutty, savory almond chicken gravy.
- Garlic Green Beans: Adds crunch and complements the almond fried chicken Chinese with gravy flavors beautifully.
- Egg Drop Soup or Hot and Sour Soup: For a complete Chinese takeout-style meal.
- Simple Cucumber Salad: Toss sliced cucumbers with rice vinegar, a pinch of sugar, and sesame oil for a cool, crisp contrast.
- Chinese Chicken Wings Recipe: Want to go all out? Pair with sticky wings for a perfect Asian zing chicken recipes combo.
FAQs
1. What kind of chicken should I use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the most commonly used, especially for easy almond chicken Chinese recipes, but boneless thighs are also excellent if you prefer a juicier and slightly richer texture. The key is cutting the meat into even, bite-sized pieces for fast, even cooking.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store the sauce and chicken/veggie mix separately for the best texture when reheating. You can also freeze the cooked dish for up to a month.
3. Can I turn this into a crispy version like almond boneless chicken?
Yes! For an almond boneless chicken recipe twist, coat the chicken in cornstarch or tempura batter and shallow-fry until golden before tossing it in the sauce. This gives it that irresistible crunchy texture reminiscent of many takeout favorites.
4. How does this compare to honey walnut chicken or chinese honey chicken?
While honey walnut chicken is sweeter and includes a creamy, mayonnaise-based sauce, this almond chicken recipe leans more savory with a balanced nutty undertone. Still, both dishes fall under the umbrella of easy Asian chicken recipes that bring restaurant-quality results to your home kitchen.
5. Can I swap out the almonds?
If you have a nut allergy or want something different, toasted cashews or even sunflower seeds can work well. But if you're aiming for that authentic almond chicken Chinese flavor, roasted almonds are your best bet.
