Crispy Almond Chicken Breast from Panda Express features tender chicken breast pieces coated in a crunchy almond batter, tossed with roasted almonds and fresh vegetables in a savory, slightly sweet sauce, delivering a delightful combination of crispy texture and nutty flavor.
Equipments
- Mixing bowls
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Whisk
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Frying pan or wok
- Slotted spoon
- Sheet tray or plate (for draining)
- Paper towels
- Spatula
- Saucepan
- Grater or microplane (for aromatics, optional)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 1 cup roasted almonds
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup white onion
- 3 stalks green onion
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1-inch piece ginger
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
When preparing the Crispy Almond Chicken Breast from Panda Express, ensure you use fresh boneless, skinless chicken breast for the best texture and flavor. Roasted almonds add essential crunch, so have them ready before you start frying. Using a mix of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs creates the perfect crispy coating for the chicken. Fresh vegetables like green and red bell peppers, white onion, and green onions contribute to the dish's vibrant taste and appearance. Your home-cooked version of the Crispy Almond Chicken Breast will closely replicate Panda Express's iconic copycat menu item with these carefully selected ingredients.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces.
- Season chicken lightly with salt and ground white pepper.
- In a bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
- In another bowl, mix all-purpose flour and cornstarch.
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Dredge chicken pieces in flour mixture, shake off excess.
- Dip floured chicken into egg-milk mixture.
- Coat chicken in panko breadcrumbs.
- Pour vegetable oil into frying pan/wok, heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove chicken with slotted spoon and drain on paper towel-lined tray.
- Slice green and red bell pepper, white onion, and green onion.
- Mince garlic and grate or mince ginger.
- In a saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and chicken broth.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to sauce; bring to a simmer.
- Stir sauce and cook until sugar dissolves and sauce thickens slightly.
- In a clean frying pan or wok, add a small splash of oil.
- Sauté bell peppers and white onion over high heat for 1-2 minutes.
- Add roasted almonds, tossing to combine.
- Return crispy chicken to pan with vegetables and almonds.
- Pour sauce over chicken, tossing everything to coat evenly.
- Add green onions, toss briefly.
- Transfer to serving platter.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Crispy Almond Chicken Breast from Panda Express copycat menu delivers a deliciously crunchy and nutty flavor with tender chicken coated in almond batter and stir-fried with fresh vegetables. If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs can work well as a substitute to achieve a crispy texture. You can swap green and red bell peppers with other colorful vegetables like snap peas or carrots for a different flavor profile. When frying, use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature around 350degF (175degC) to keep the chicken crispy and avoid sogginess. If you want a lighter version, you can bake the coated chicken pieces on a greased sheet tray at 400degF (200degC) until golden and crisp.
Tips
Make sure the vegetable oil is heated to precisely 350degF (175degC) before frying the chicken to achieve the perfect crispy texture without absorbing excess oil. Coat each chicken piece thoroughly in flour, egg-milk mixture, and panko breadcrumbs to ensure a crunchy exterior. When preparing the sauce, simmer gently until the sugar fully dissolves and it thickens slightly for optimal flavor balance. Toss the cooked chicken, vegetables, and roasted almonds quickly in the sauce over high heat to preserve the vegetables' crispness and maintain your dish's vibrant texture.
Nutritions
Crispy Almond Chicken Breast from Panda Express provides a balanced source of protein derived from tender chicken breast, essential for muscle repair and satiety. Roasted almonds contribute healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats, and provide dietary fiber, vitamin E, and magnesium, supporting heart health. The use of fresh vegetables like bell peppers and onions adds antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and additional fiber for digestive health. Your meal also contains moderate carbohydrates from panko breadcrumbs and sugar in the sauce, which supply energy while maintaining a flavorful balance.
Storage
Store leftover Crispy Almond Chicken Breast in an airtight container to maintain its crunchy texture and prevent the sauce from making the breading soggy. Refrigerate the container promptly and consume within 2-3 days to ensure freshness and flavor. When reheating, use an oven or air fryer to restore the crispiness of the almond-coated chicken without compromising your meal's delightful nutty flavor.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute panko breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes or crushed rice crackers for an alternative crispy coating that adds unique texture. Using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and cornstarch in the dredging step enhances the nutty flavor while keeping the coating light. Try marinating the chicken pieces in soy sauce and ginger for 20 minutes before breading to boost umami taste and tenderness. Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to make the sauce vegetarian-friendly without sacrificing richness.
Allergies
Crispy Almond Chicken Breast contains common allergens such as almonds, eggs, milk, soy (from soy sauce), and wheat (from all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs). Your dish may trigger allergic reactions for individuals sensitive to tree nuts, dairy, eggs, gluten, or soy products. Always inform your server or check ingredient lists carefully if you have specific food allergies.
Why this recipe?
The Crispy Almond Chicken Breast from Panda Express offers a perfect balance of tender chicken coated in a crunchy, flavorful almond crust that creates a satisfying texture contrast. The dish features a savory blend of seasonings and roasted almonds that elevate the flavor profile, making it a favorite among customers seeking both taste and crunch. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to customize the ingredients to suit your taste preferences while replicating the restaurant-quality experience at home. Your homemade Crispy Almond Chicken Breast can capture the essence of Panda Express's popular menu item, delivering both deliciousness and enjoyment.