Almond Chicken and Vegetables

🥘 Almond Chicken and Vegetables 🥦

Almond Chicken and Vegetables is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with a medley of fresh vegetables and crunchy almonds. This delightful recipe is often associated with Chinese cuisine and offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

📜 History:
The exact origin of Almond Chicken and Vegetables is not well-documented, but it is widely recognized as a Chinese-American dish. It likely emerged in the United States as part of the adaptation and fusion of traditional Chinese flavors to suit American palates. Almonds are a common ingredient in Chinese cuisine, and when combined with chicken and vegetables, they create a harmonious and satisfying dish.

🥘 Components:
Here are the key components of Almond Chicken and Vegetables:

1. Chicken: You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces.

2. Vegetables: Common vegetables used in this dish include bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, and snap peas. You can customize the vegetable selection to your preference.

3. Almonds: Sliced almonds are used to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish.

4. Sauce: The sauce typically includes ingredients like soy sauce, chicken broth, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch to create a savory and slightly thickened sauce.

5. Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and sometimes a touch of sugar or honey are used to season the dish to perfection.

🍽️ Preparation Steps:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing Almond Chicken and Vegetables:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce and a pinch of pepper. Let it marinate for about 15-30 minutes.

2. Blanch the Almonds: In a separate pot of boiling water, blanch the sliced almonds for about 1-2 minutes, then drain and set them aside.

3. Stir-Fry: Heat a wok or large skillet over high heat with some oil. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until it turns golden brown and is no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

4. Vegetables: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed, and stir-fry the vegetables until they are crisp-tender. This usually takes a few minutes.

5. Sauce: Combine the sauce ingredients (soy sauce, chicken broth, garlic, ginger, and cornstarch) in a bowl. Pour the sauce over the cooked vegetables and stir until it thickens.

6. Combine: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix it with the vegetables and sauce. Stir in the blanched almonds.

7. Final Touch: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like a bit of sweetness, you can add a touch of sugar or honey at this stage.

8. Serve: Serve your Almond Chicken and Vegetables over a bed of steamed rice or noodles, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro.

⏲️ Time Needed:
The total time required to prepare Almond Chicken and Vegetables typically ranges from 30 to 45 minutes, making it a relatively quick and satisfying meal option.

Enjoy your homemade Almond Chicken and Vegetables! 🍽️🥢😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Almond Chicken and Vegetables:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – approximate values):

• Calories: 300-400 kcal
• Protein: 25-30 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20-25 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 3-5 grams
• Sugars: 5-7 grams
• Fat: 15-20 grams
• Saturated Fat: 2-3 grams
• Cholesterol: 50-60 mg
• Sodium: 800-1000 mg
• Vitamin A: 20-30% of Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 70-90% of DV
• Calcium: 4-6% of DV
• Iron: 10-15% of DV

Health Information:

1. Protein: Almond Chicken and Vegetables is a good source of lean protein from chicken, which is essential for muscle repair and overall body function.

2. Vegetables: This dish is packed with a variety of vegetables, providing a range of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. The colorful vegetables offer antioxidants that help protect your cells from damage.

3. Healthy Fats: Almonds add healthy fats to the dish, including monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy. They also provide vitamin E, which is an antioxidant.

4. Low in Saturated Fat: This dish is generally low in saturated fat, which is good for heart health. Be mindful of the amount of oil used in cooking.

5. Sodium Content: The sodium content may vary depending on the soy sauce and chicken broth used. Consider using reduced-sodium options to control salt intake.

6. Carbohydrates: The carbohydrates come from the vegetables and any rice or noodles served with the dish. It provides energy and fiber for digestion.

7. Vitamins and Minerals: Almond Chicken and Vegetables is rich in vitamins like Vitamin A and Vitamin C, which support immune health and skin health.

8. Fiber: The dietary fiber from vegetables and possibly brown rice or whole-grain noodles can aid in digestion and help you feel full and satisfied.

9. Calories: The calorie content can vary based on portion size and ingredients used. It’s generally a balanced meal option, but portion control is key if you’re watching your calorie intake.

Remember that the specific nutritional content of your Almond Chicken and Vegetables may vary depending on factors such as the choice of vegetables and the amount of sauce used. Adjusting ingredients can help you tailor the dish to your dietary preferences and needs.