Almond Chicken Gravy Recipe | Rich & Creamy
Craving a comforting, restaurant-style dish at home? My Almond Chicken Gravy Recipe is the perfect answer. This dish combines juicy chicken breasts with a rich, nutty almond-based gravy that’s both savory and satisfying. The roasted almond flavor blends beautifully with soy sauce and chicken broth, giving this recipe an irresistible balance of crunch, creaminess, and umami. Served over fresh lettuce leaves and garnished with green onions, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Chicken Preparation
Preparing the chicken the right way ensures it’s juicy on the inside and crisp on the outside. Here’s how I do it:
- Season the Chicken: Lightly season the boneless chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper. This simple seasoning enhances the natural flavors of the chicken without overpowering the almond gravy.
- Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat two tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken so it sears properly.
- Fry the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 6–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The outside should be crisp and golden while the inside stays tender.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the chicken from the pan and place it on a paper towel to absorb any excess oil. Resting the chicken briefly also helps it stay juicy before adding the gravy.
Gravy Preparation
The almond gravy is the star of this dish, rich, creamy, and full of nutty flavor. Follow these steps:
Mixing the Base
In a saucepan, combine 1 cup chicken broth, 1/4 cup soy sauce, and 1 cup almond slices. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 8–10 minutes. This allows the almonds to soften and release their flavor into the broth.
Thickening the Gravy
In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water to make a slurry. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering almond mixture, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Let the gravy cook for another 2–3 minutes until it thickens to a silky texture.
Final Touch
Taste the gravy and adjust the seasoning if needed. The soy sauce usually adds enough saltiness, but you can add a pinch of black pepper for extra depth.
Serving the Almond Chicken Gravy
Once the chicken and gravy are ready, it’s time to bring everything together beautifully.
- Plate with Lettuce: Start by placing a layer of fresh lettuce leaves on your serving platter. This adds a refreshing crunch and makes the presentation more appealing.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place the fried chicken breasts neatly on top of the lettuce. You can slice the chicken into strips before serving if you prefer bite-sized pieces.
- Pour the Gravy: Spoon the warm almond gravy generously over the chicken. The thick, nutty sauce will coat the crispy chicken, creating a perfect balance of textures.
- Garnish with Green Onions: Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions over the top. The freshness of green onions complements the richness of the almond sauce.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Roast the Almonds: Lightly roast the almond slices before adding them to the gravy for a deeper, nutty flavor.
- Marinate for Tenderness: For extra-juicy chicken, marinate the breasts in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for 30 minutes before frying.
- Swap Proteins: You can substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a different twist on this dish.
- Creamy Upgrade: Stir in 2 tablespoons of cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a creamier almond gravy.
Storage Instructions
Keeping it Fresh
Store leftover almond chicken gravy in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure the gravy is entirely cooled before refrigerating.
Freezing Option
If you’d like to freeze it, keep the chicken and gravy separately. Freeze the gravy in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat gently on the stove while whisking to bring back its silky texture.
Almond Chicken Gravy Recipe
Ingredients
Video
Notes
Required Kitchen Tools
When preparing almond chicken gravy, having the right tools makes the process smoother:- Large Skillet or Frying Pan: To fry the chicken breasts until golden and crispy.
- Saucepan: For simmering the almond gravy to perfection.
- Whisk: Helps blend cornstarch slurry into the gravy without lumps.
- Tongs: Useful for flipping chicken evenly during frying.
- Serving Platter: To layer lettuce, chicken, and almond gravy attractively before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make almond chicken gravy without frying the chicken?
Yes, definitely! If you’d like a lighter version, you can bake or grill the chicken instead of frying. I sometimes bake the chicken at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until cooked through, then pour the almond gravy over it. It’s healthier but still full of flavor.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. I often use boneless chicken thighs because they’re juicier and more forgiving than chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly since thighs may take a little longer.
Can I make almond chicken gravy without soy sauce?
Yes! If you’re avoiding soy, you can use tamari (gluten-free option) or even coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste. It still blends perfectly with the almond base.
Can I prepare almond chicken gravy ahead of time?
Yes, I often make the gravy a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to serve, I reheat it on the stove, whisk it smooth, and pour it over freshly cooked chicken.
How do I make the gravy creamier?
If you prefer a richer, creamier almond chicken gravy, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream, coconut milk, or even almond milk at the end. It makes the sauce velvety without losing the nutty flavor.
Can I substitute almonds with cashews?
Yes, cashews are an excellent alternative. They make the sauce slightly sweeter and creamier. I sometimes do half almonds and half cashews for a unique twist.
Is almond chicken gravy freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes very well. I recommend freezing the gravy and chicken separately. The gravy can be frozen for up to 1 month in an airtight container. When reheating, whisk gently to restore its smooth texture.
What side dishes go best with almond chicken gravy?
I usually serve it with steamed basmati rice, naan, or parathas. It also tastes amazing with garlic bread or mashed potatoes if you’re in the mood for fusion-style comfort food.
Conclusion
My Almond Chicken Gravy Recipe is a proper comfort food that blends crisp, juicy chicken with a silky, nutty gravy that’s packed with flavor. It’s simple enough for a weekday dinner but elegant enough to serve on special occasions. The best part? It comes together in under an hour, making it a go-to recipe when you’re craving something hearty, homemade, and restaurant-quality.
Whether you enjoy it with steamed rice, naan, or simply over fresh lettuce, this dish never fails to impress. Try it once, and I promise it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection.
So, grab your skillet, roast those almonds, and let’s make dinner unforgettable tonight!
Sophia Smith is a passionate home baker and dessert enthusiast who loves sharing her favorite recipes, baking tips, and kitchen secrets. Through Roses Baking Passion, she inspires others to bake with love and creativity every day.
