What is Almond Chicken Chinese? The Ultimate Guide to This Popular Dish

Have you ever found yourself staring at a Chinese restaurant menu, wondering what exactly “almond chicken” is? You’re not alone! As someone who’s spent years exploring Chinese cuisine, I can tell you that almond chicken is one of those dishes that varies widely depending on where you order it, but it’s always delicious.

In this comprehensive guide we’ll dive into everything you need to know about Chinese almond chicken – from its origins and authentic preparation to nutrition facts and how to make it at home. Let’s get started!

The Origins of Almond Chicken

Almond chicken, sometimes called “almond boneless chicken” or “ABC,” is a classic Chinese-American dish that originated in Cantonese cuisine before being adapted for American tastes. Unlike many traditional Chinese dishes, almond chicken prominently features nuts – specifically almonds – which have been cultivated for thousands of years

Interestingly, almonds aren’t native to China. They originated in regions stretching across Central Asia, the Middle East, and parts of the Mediterranean. Archaeological evidence shows almonds were one of the earliest domesticated fruit trees, with domestication dating back about 5,000 years!

The inclusion of almonds in Chinese cooking represents the beautiful culinary exchange that has happened throughout history along trade routes like the Silk Road.

What Exactly Is Chinese Almond Chicken?

Chinese almond chicken typically consists of

• Battered and deep-fried chicken pieces (usually white meat)
• A savory brown gravy made with chicken stock
• Sliced or slivered almonds
• Vegetables (commonly mushrooms, water chestnuts, bamboo shoots, and onions)
• Served over rice or crispy noodles

The dish balances several flavor profiles and textures:

• Crunchy (from the almonds and sometimes the chicken coating)
• Tender (the chicken meat)
• Savory (the gravy)
• Slightly sweet (from the almonds)

Regional Variations of Almond Chicken

Like many Chinese-American dishes, almond chicken has evolved differently across regions:

Detroit-Style Almond Chicken

In Detroit, “war su gai” or “almond boneless chicken” is hugely popular. It features:

• A thick, crispy batter around the chicken (almost like a chicken tender)
• A thicker brown gravy
• Served on a bed of iceberg lettuce
• Topped with green onions and almonds

West Coast Style

In California and other western states, the dish often has:

• More vegetables
• A lighter, clearer sauce
• Sometimes includes water chestnuts for extra crunch

Traditional Cantonese Version

The more traditional version found in authentic Cantonese restaurants might have:

• Sliced chicken rather than chunks
• A lighter sauce with rice wine
• More subtle flavors
• Less batter or no batter at all

How Does Almond Chicken Taste?

I tried almond chicken for the first time at a local Chinese restaurant and fell in love immediately! The dish has a wonderful combination of textures and flavors:

• The chicken is tender and juicy
• The sauce is savory with slight umami notes
• The almonds provide a nutty crunch and slight sweetness
• The vegetables add freshness and additional texture

What makes this dish special is the contrast between the crunchy almonds and the tender chicken, all brought together by the savory gravy.

Health Benefits of Almond Chicken

Restaurant versions of almond chicken can be high in fat and sodium, especially if the chicken is deep-fried. However, almond chicken does have some health benefits:

Benefits from Almonds

Almonds are nutrient powerhouses! According to nutrition research, almonds provide:

• Heart-healthy unsaturated fats that may help lower bad cholesterol
• Vitamin E (around 7.27 mg per ounce, about half your daily requirement)
• Magnesium (about 76.5 mg per ounce)
• Protein (6g per ounce)
• Fiber (3.5g per ounce)

Studies have linked almond consumption to:

• Improved heart health
• Better blood sugar management
• Reduced cancer risk
• Weight management support
• Bone health benefits

Making Almond Chicken Healthier

You can enjoy a healthier version of almond chicken by:

• Stir-frying instead of deep-frying the chicken
• Using less oil
• Adding more vegetables
• Serving with brown rice instead of white rice
• Using low-sodium soy sauce and broth

How to Make Authentic Almond Chicken at Home

If you want to make this tasty dish yourself, here is my favorite recipe that always makes dinner guests happy:

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 egg white
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the sauce:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

For the stir-fry:

• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1/2 cup sliced bamboo shoots
• 1/4 cup sliced water chestnuts
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece ginger, minced

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: Mix chicken pieces with egg white, cornstarch, soy sauce, salt, and white pepper. Let sit for 15-30 minutes.

2. Toast the almonds: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast almonds until golden (about 3-5 minutes), stirring frequently to prevent burning. Set aside.

3. Cook the chicken: Either deep-fry the chicken pieces until golden brown (traditional method) or stir-fry in a wok with 2 tablespoons oil (healthier option). Remove and set aside.

4. Put the sauce together. If you need to, add a little more oil to the same wok. Stir-fry garlic and ginger for 30 seconds. Add mushrooms and cook for 2 minutes. Bring the water chestnuts and bamboo shoots to the pan and stir-fry for one more minute.

5. Combine everything: Pour in the sauce ingredients (except cornstarch slurry) and bring to a simmer. Add cornstarch slurry and stir until sauce thickens. Return chicken to the wok and add most of the almonds, saving some for garnish.

6. Serve: Plate the almond chicken over steamed rice, garnish with remaining almonds and green onions.

Almond Chicken vs. Other Popular Chinese Dishes

How does almond chicken compare to other Chinese favorites?

Common Questions About Almond Chicken

Is almond chicken authentically Chinese?

However, almond chicken as we know it in America comes from Chinese-Americans who changed the recipe to suit Western tastes.

Is almond chicken healthy?

Restaurant versions can be high in sodium and calories due to deep-frying and sauce ingredients. However, the dish contains nutritious ingredients like almonds and vegetables. Homemade versions can be made much healthier.

Can I make almond chicken with tofu instead?

Absolutely! Firm tofu makes an excellent vegetarian substitute. Just make sure to press it well and either deep-fry or bake until crispy before adding to the sauce.

What’s the difference between almond chicken and cashew chicken?

While similar, cashew chicken typically has a lighter sauce, uses cashews instead of almonds (obviously!), and often includes different vegetables like bell peppers and celery.

Where to Find the Best Almond Chicken

If you’re looking to try this dish, I recommend checking out:

• Family-owned Chinese restaurants rather than large chains
• Places that specialize in Cantonese cuisine
• Restaurants in areas with established Chinese-American communities (like Detroit for the famous “war su gai” version)

When ordering, don’t be afraid to ask how the dish is prepared, as regional variations can be significant!

Final Thoughts

Chinese almond chicken is a perfect example of how culinary traditions evolve and adapt as they travel across cultures. With its delightful combination of crunchy almonds, tender chicken, and savory sauce, it’s no wonder this dish has become a staple on Chinese-American menus.

Whether you’re ordering it at a restaurant or trying your hand at making it at home, almond chicken offers a delicious way to experience the fusion of Chinese cooking techniques with Western ingredients and tastes.

This article was last updated in September 2025 with the latest information about Chinese almond chicken.