Crispy Almond Boneless Chicken Delight
Crispy Almond Boneless Chicken Delight is a unique and beloved dish that merges Chinese culinary elements with American flavors, tracing its origins to the vibrant city of Detroit. This dish, a nostalgic favorite from family gatherings, features tender, skinless chicken breasts coated in a light, crispy batter, deep-fried to golden perfection, and served atop a refreshing bed of shredded lettuce. The dish is generously drizzled with a savory sauce enriched with mushrooms and almonds, creating a delightful combination of textures and flavors that’s both satisfying and reminiscent of cherished childhood memories. Whether enjoyed at home or served at a festive gathering, this dish is sure to impress and evoke fond memories for anyone lucky enough to savor it.
6
Servings
250
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
Skinless chicken breasts
2 whole (boned and cut in half)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (to season chicken)
Dry sherry
1 tablespoon (for marinating chicken)
Cornstarch
7 tablespoons (divided (4 tablespoons for sauce and 3 tablespoons for batter))
Water
7 tablespoons (divided (3 tablespoons for sauce and 1 tablespoon for batter))
Chicken broth
3 cups (for sauce)
Chopped mushrooms
1 1/2 cups (optional for sauce)
Butter
3 tablespoons (for sauce)
Soy sauce
2 teaspoons (for sauce)
Chicken bouillon granules
3 teaspoons (for sauce)
Flour
3 tablespoons (for batter)
Baking powder
1/2 teaspoon (for batter)
Egg
1 (beaten for batter)
Vegetable oil
for frying (enough to cover the bottom of the skillet or wok)
Shredded lettuce
for serving (as a bed for chicken)
Almonds
to taste (slivered for garnish)
Green onion
to taste (finely chopped for garnish)
Instructions
1
Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, mix together 4 tablespoons of cornstarch and 3 tablespoons of water until you have a smooth paste.
2
Gradually whisk in the 3 cups of chicken broth, followed by the 1 1/2 cups of chopped mushrooms (if using), 3 tablespoons of butter, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, and 3 teaspoons of chicken bouillon granules.
3
Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Allow it to boil for 1 minute before reducing the heat to low to keep warm.
4
Prepare the batter: In a medium mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, 3 tablespoons of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, the beaten egg, and 1 tablespoon of water. Mix until the batter is smooth and well combined.
5
Coat each piece of chicken breast with the prepared batter, ensuring they are evenly covered.
6
Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
7
Carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the hot oil, cooking them for 5 to 7 minutes or until they are golden brown, turning them halfway through for even cooking.
8
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.
9
Slice the fried chicken diagonally into strips and carefully reassemble them into original breast shapes on a platter lined with shredded lettuce.
10
Sprinkle the dish with slivered almonds and finely chopped green onions for an added crunch and flavor.
11
Finally, generously spoon the warm sauce over the chicken before serving immediately to enjoy the delightful combination of textures and tastes.
Nutrition Information
13.5
Fat
11.7
Carbs
20
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Almond Boneless Chicken Delight?
It is a unique Chinese-American dish featuring tender, skinless chicken breasts coated in a light, crispy batter, deep-fried and served with a savory mushroom and almond sauce over lettuce.
Where did this dish originate?
This dish traces its origins to the city of Detroit, where it is a beloved regional favorite.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for two whole skinless chicken breasts that are boned and cut in half.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
What are the primary ingredients for the sauce?
The sauce consists of chicken broth, cornstarch, mushrooms, butter, soy sauce, and chicken bouillon granules.
How do you prepare the chicken batter?
The batter is made by mixing 3 tablespoons of cornstarch, 3 tablespoons of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, one beaten egg, and 1 tablespoon of water.
What temperature should the frying oil reach?
The vegetable oil should be heated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long should the chicken be fried?
The chicken should be cooked for 5 to 7 minutes or until golden brown, turning halfway through.
How is the dish presented for serving?
The fried chicken is sliced diagonally into strips, reassembled into breast shapes, and placed on a bed of shredded lettuce.
What garnishes are added to the dish?
The dish is topped with slivered almonds and finely chopped green onions for crunch and flavor.
Are mushrooms required for the sauce?
Mushrooms are listed as an optional ingredient for the sauce, used if you prefer the added texture and flavor.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 13.5 grams of fat.
How much protein does this dish provide?
The dish provides 20 grams of protein per serving.
What are the carbohydrate counts for this recipe?
There are 11.7 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is dry sherry used in the recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of dry sherry is used for marinating the chicken.
How do you thicken the almond chicken sauce?
The sauce is thickened by creating a slurry of cornstarch and water before whisking in the chicken broth.
What kind of oil is best for frying this chicken?
Vegetable oil is recommended for frying the chicken to achieve the proper texture.
What is the texture of the chicken after cooking?
The chicken results in a light, crispy exterior with a tender interior.
How many total ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 17 total ingredients required to prepare this dish.
Is the chicken seasoned before battering?
Yes, the chicken is seasoned with salt and marinated with dry sherry before the coating process.
How much butter is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of butter to enrich the savory sauce.
Does the recipe include soy sauce?
Yes, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce are added to the sauce mixture for a savory profile.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe requires 3 cups of chicken broth for the sauce base.
Can I use chicken bouillon in the sauce?
Yes, 3 teaspoons of chicken bouillon granules are used to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
Why is the chicken sliced diagonally?
Slicing diagonally is a traditional presentation style that allows the sauce to better cover the meat.
What is the purpose of baking powder in the batter?
Baking powder helps create a light and airy texture in the fried coating.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a nostalgic favorite for family gatherings and festive occasions.
How much cornstarch is needed in total?
A total of 7 tablespoons of cornstarch is used, divided between the sauce and the batter.
When should the sauce be added to the chicken?
The warm sauce should be generously spooned over the chicken immediately before serving.