Chicken Almond Ding: A Delicious Chinese-American Stir-Fry You Need to Try

Have you ever been scrolling through a restaurant menu and spotted something called “chicken almond ding” and wondered what the heck it is? Well, you’re not alone! I’ve been there too, and after falling in love with this tasty dish, I decided to dig deeper into what makes this stir-fry so special and how you can make it at home.

What Exactly Is Chicken Almond Ding?

Chicken almond ding is a popular Chinese-American stir-fry dish that combines tender pieces of chicken, crunchy toasted almonds, and a variety of colorful vegetables, all coated in a savory sauce. The name might sound unusual, but the “ding” part actually refers to food that’s diced or cut into small cubes – which is exactly how the chicken and veggies are prepared in this recipe.

Unlike many dishes you’ll find at your local Chinese restaurant, chicken almond ding isn’t actually a traditional Chinese dish. It’s a Chinese-American creation that emerged in the mid-20th century, joining other fusion favorites like General Tso’s chicken and crab rangoon.

What Makes Chicken Almond Ding So Special?

What I absolutely love about this dish is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. You get

• Tender chunks of marinated chicken
• The satisfying crunch of toasted almonds
• Crisp-tender vegetables
• A flavorful, savory sauce that brings everything together

It’s also incredibly versatile – you can customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand and it’s a great way to get a healthy. protein-packed meal on the table in under 30 minutes!

Key Ingredients in Chicken Almond Ding

A traditional chicken almond ding recipe includes

1. Chicken – Usually breast or thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
2. Almonds – Whole natural almonds, toasted for extra flavor
3. Vegetables – Commonly includes a mix of:
   • Bell peppers
   • Celery
   • Onions
   • Mushrooms
   • Snow peas
   • Broccoli florets
   • Water chestnuts (for extra crunch!)
4. Sauce ingredients – Typically made from:
   • Chicken broth
   • Soy sauce
   • Hoisin sauce
   • Rice vinegar
   • Cornstarch (for thickening)
   • Sugar
   • Garlic

How to Make Chicken Almond Ding at Home

I’ve made this dish countless times, and it’s become one of my family’s favorite weeknight meals. Here’s my go-to recipe that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1¼ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups mixed vegetables (broccoli florets, snow peas, bell peppers, mushrooms)
• 1 (8-ounce) can sliced water chestnuts, drained
• ½ cup whole natural almonds, toasted
• ¾ cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together chicken broth, cornstarch, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and hoisin sauce. Set aside.

2. Cook the chicken: Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper and add to the pan. Cook for about 3-5 minutes per side until browned and cooked through.

3. Add garlic: Toss in minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Cook the vegetables: Add all your veggies to the pan along with 2 teaspoons of water. Stir-fry for 4-5 minutes until crisp-tender. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Add the sauce: Pour in your sauce mixture, turn heat to high, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 1 minute until the sauce thickens.

6. Finish the dish: Stir in the toasted almonds and serve immediately, preferably over steamed rice.

Common Questions About Chicken Almond Ding

Can I use different nuts?

Absolutely! While almonds are traditional, cashews or peanuts work great too. Just make sure to toast them first for the best flavor and crunch.

Is chicken almond ding gluten-free?

The traditional recipe isn’t gluten-free because of the soy sauce, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.

What if I’m vegetarian?

No problem! You can substitute the chicken with tofu or even tempeh. Just make sure to press your tofu first to remove excess moisture and consider marinating it for extra flavor.

Can I make it spicy?

While chicken almond ding isn’t typically spicy, you can definitely add some heat! Try adding fresh chili peppers, red pepper flakes, or a dash of sriracha to kick things up a notch.

How do I toast almonds?

You’ve got three easy options:

1. In a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes (stir frequently!)
2. In a toaster oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes
3. In a conventional oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes

Just keep a close eye on them – nuts can burn quickly!

Why I Love Making Chicken Almond Ding

I’ve been making this recipe for years, and there are so many reasons it stays in my regular dinner rotation:

1. It’s quick – From start to finish, you can have dinner on the table in 25 minutes.
2. It’s healthy – Lean protein, tons of veggies, and heart-healthy nuts!
3. It’s customizable – Use whatever veggies are in season or that your family enjoys.
4. It makes great leftovers – If there’s any left (big if in my house!), it reheats beautifully.

One time I made this for my picky-eater nephew who “hates vegetables,” and he actually asked for seconds! There’s something about the combination of the flavorful sauce and varied textures that makes this dish a winner even with the toughest critics.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Almond Ding Every Time

After making this dish dozens of times, I’ve picked up some tricks:

• Prep everything before you start cooking. Stir-fries move quickly, so having all your ingredients ready is crucial.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook in batches to ensure everything browns properly.
• Cut ingredients to similar sizes so everything cooks evenly.
• Toast those almonds! It’s tempting to skip this step, but it makes a huge difference in flavor.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and temperature.

Meal Prep and Storage

Chicken almond ding is fantastic for meal prep! You can:

1. Cut all your proteins and veggies ahead of time and store separately
2. Make the sauce up to 3 days in advance
3. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days
4. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth

Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, try these tasty variations:

• Beef Almond Ding: Substitute thinly sliced flank steak for the chicken
• Shrimp Almond Ding: Use peeled and deveined shrimp (just add them at the end so they don’t overcook)
• Spicy Almond Ding: Add sliced jalapenos or a tablespoon of chili garlic sauce
• Extra Crunchy: Double the almonds and add extra water chestnuts

What to Serve with Chicken Almond Ding

This versatile dish pairs well with:

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Fried rice
• Lo mein noodles
• Cauliflower rice (for a low-carb option)
• A simple side salad with ginger dressing

Final Thoughts

Chicken almond ding might have a funny name, but it’s seriously delicious! This Chinese-American stir-fry has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s healthy, versatile, and satisfies my Chinese food cravings without having to order takeout.

The combination of tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and crisp vegetables all coated in a savory sauce is just unbeatable. Plus, it’s so easy to customize based on what you have in your fridge or what your family likes.

Next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner, give chicken almond ding a try. I bet it’ll earn a spot in your regular recipe rotation too!