Tasty Recipe for Almond Chicken and Fresh Slaw You’ll Love

 

This flavorful fusion dish has roots in Chinese cuisine but was adapted in the West to include roasted or breaded chicken topped with nutty sauces or crushed almonds. Over time, it evolved into many versions, from fried takeout favorites to lighter, fresher recipes like this one. If you're after the best almond chicken recipe, this one hits all the marks!

On a gray plate, cooked chicken breast with an almond crust next to a salad of red onion, red pepper, and cabbage.

Almond Chicken and Fresh Slaw

If you've ever wondered how to make almond chicken that's both healthy and delicious, you're in for a treat. This dish blends the savory crunch of toasted almonds with juicy oven-roasted chicken and a bright, crunchy slaw. It's an authentic almond chicken recipe that’s simple enough for weeknights but special enough to share.

Ingredients for almond chicken & slaw recipe: chicken breasts, cabbage, almonds, bell peppers, onions, olive oil, and spices.

Ingredients for Almond Chicken & Fresh Slaw.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted almonds, toasted

  • 1 clove garlic

  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

  • 3/4 teaspoon lemon zest, grated

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • 2 chicken breast halves (about 8 ounces), boneless and skinless

For the Slaw:

  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced

  • 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded

  • 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced

  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon vinegar of your choice

  • Salt, to taste

  • Pepper, to taste

How to make Almond Chicken & Fresh Slaw

For the Chicken:

  • Preheat the oven to 425°F.

  • In a food processor, combine the toasted almonds, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, rosemary, and salt. Pulse until a thick, coarse paste forms.

Almonds, garlic, rosemary, lemon juice, salt, and oil in a food processor. These form the almond paste for the almond chicken.

Almond paste ingredients in a food processor.

 
Ingredients for the almond paste pulsed in a food processor.

Ingredients for almond paste pulsed in food processor until they form a coarse paste.

  • Place the chicken breast halves in a baking dish. Spread the almond mixture evenly over the top of each piece, pressing gently to coat.

A glass baking dish with two chicken breast halves covered in almond paste.

Chicken breast halves in baking dish with almond mixture spread evenly over the top of each piece.

  • Roast in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.

  • Remove from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

9 x 13" baking dish covered loosely with foil. Inside, almond chicken breasts are resting.

Fully cooked chicken tented loosely with foil.

For the Slaw:

  • In a large bowl, combine the sliced bell pepper, shredded cabbage, and red onion.

  • Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

red pepper, cabbage, and red onion in bowl.

Ingredients for fresh slaw.

  • Toss until everything is well coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate to chill before serving.

Bell peppers, cabbage, red onions, oil and vinegar combined in a wooden bowl.

Ingredients for fresh slaw combined with oil and vinegar.

THE RECIPE

Almond Chicken & Fresh Slaw

Almond Chicken & Fresh Slaw

Yield: 4
Author: Veronica Allende
Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 25 MinInactive time: 10 MinTotal time: 50 Min

Almond chicken is a delicious fusion dish with roots in Chinese and Western cuisines. Traditionally inspired by Chinese almond-flavored sauces and crunchy nut toppings, this dish gained popularity for its balance of tender chicken and nutty richness. Over time, almond chicken evolved into a beloved global favorite, combining flavor, texture, and a touch of elegance!

Ingredients

Chicken
  • 1/2 cup unsalted almonds, toasted
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 3/4 teaspoon lemon zest, grated
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 chicken breast halves (about 8 ounces), boneless and skinless
Slaw
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 2 cups green cabbage, finely shredded
  • 1/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon vinegar of your choice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

For the Chicken
  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.
  2. In a food processor, combine the toasted almonds, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, rosemary, and salt. Pulse until a thick, coarse paste forms.
  3. Place the chicken breast halves in a baking dish. Spread the almond mixture evenly over the top of each piece, pressing gently to coat.
  4. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and juices run clear.
  5. Remove from the oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
For the Slaw
  1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced bell pepper, shredded cabbage, and red onion.
  2. Drizzle with olive oil and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Toss until everything is well coated. Serve immediately or refrigerate to chill before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

339

Fat

24 g

Carbs

9 g

Protein

22 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is this an authentic almond chicken recipe?

Yes, it honors the traditional Chinese-American fusion roots while using whole ingredients and a fresh twist.

Q. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Just adjust cooking time slightly depending on thickness.

Q. What kind of almonds should I use?

Go for unsalted, toasted almonds. You can toast them yourself for better flavor.

Q. Is this almond chicken recipe gluten-free?

It is! Just double-check your vinegar and other condiments if you’re sensitive.

Whether you're exploring new dinner ideas or just craving something crisp and satisfying, this almond chicken and fresh slaw combo checks all the boxes - flavorful, wholesome, and easy to make. The nutty crust on the chicken brings just the right crunch, while the slaw adds color, texture, and a zesty finish. Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something nourishing but not complicated. Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy chicken!

 

Meet Dr. Veronica Allende,

Founder of HealthWealth

Inspired by her Puerto Rican roots & Moroccan family, Dr. Veronica Allende blends culture, wellness & heart into every recipe. Her mission? To make healthy eating feel joyful, simple & full of meaning.



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