FREE 5-Ingredient Recipe EBook

• My Almond Chicken Is A Fast, Flavorful Weeknight Winner
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Almond Chicken
• My Recipe Tips
• Almond Chicken (30 Minutes) Recipe card
• Serving Ideas
• Recipe Reviews

My Almond Chicken Is A Fast, Flavorful Weeknight Winner

You all know I love making healthier versions of my favorite restaurant meals at home, and this almond chicken was no exception. I already had some chicken and veggies in the fridge, so I started with the same sauce I use in my chicken stir fry and made a few tweaks until it hit that perfect mix of flavor and comfort. The end result? A colorful, one-pan dinner that totally hits the spot. Here’s why I think you’ll love this almond chicken recipe:

• Crunchy almonds and crisp-tender veggies – I add the almonds at the end so they stay crisp, and cook the veggies just long enough to keep their color and bite. It’s the texture that makes this dish pop.
• Lighter than takeout, just as satisfying – It’s got all the bold, savory flavors you’d expect from your favorite stir fry, but made with simple, wholesome ingredients I actually feel good about.
• Fast, fresh, and filling – It takes about 30 minutes, uses pantry staples, and still feels like a real meal, not just something I threw together. Definitely one I make on repeat.

So if you’re craving something quick, cozy, and better than takeout, grab a pan and make it with me!

“Newest favorite meal! So much cheaper and a lot healthier. Scooped some on top of riced cauliflower (using your recipe for that as well). It was filling and all came together with minimal time and effort.”

-Lynn

More Reviews

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my almond chicken recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

For The Almond Chicken:

• Chicken Breast – I usually go with boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but chicken thighs work just as well if you prefer dark meat. Just cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly. You can also swap in beef or shrimp if that’s what you have on hand.
• Avocado Oil – This is my go-to for stir frying because it handles high heat really well, but olive oil works too if that’s what you’ve got.
• Veggies – I used a red bell pepper, snow peas, and a white onion. You can use any color bell pepper or any type of onion you like. Yellow and red both work well. Snap peas are an easy swap for snow peas if that’s what you have. Feel free to add more veggies too. Mushrooms (just cook them with the onions), broccoli , celery, carrots, bamboo shoots, or water chestnuts would all be great. Just use what you love or whatever’s in your fridge.
• Almonds – I like to buy them pre-sliced for convenience, but you can slice your own if you want. Slivered almonds work too. Or mix it up with cashews or peanuts instead.
• Green Onions – These go in at the end for a pop of color and flavor.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper

The Sauce:

• Chicken Broth – I like to use homemade broth when I have it, but low-sodium store-bought works just fine too. Bone broth is a great option if you want your almond chicken a little richer.
• Coconut Aminos – This is my go-to soy sauce swap since it’s gluten-free and a little lighter. You can totally use regular soy sauce if you don’t need it to be gluten-free.
• Garlic – Fresh garlic gives the best flavor, but 1/2 teaspoon of the jarred kind or 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder works if you’re in a rush.
• Ginger – Fresh ginger adds the most zing, but 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger works too.

How To Make Almond Chicken

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Saute the veggies. Heat the avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until it starts to look translucent, then toss in the bell pepper and sauté for another couple of minutes until slightly softened.
2. Cook the chicken. Add the chicken to the pan and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are browned on the outside and cooked through in the center.

1. Make the sauce. While the chicken cooks, whisk together the chicken broth, coconut aminos, garlic, ginger, and black pepper in a small bowl. Pour the sauce into the skillet and let it simmer until it thickens slightly and coats the chicken.
2. Finish the stir fry. Turn the heat up to medium-high. Stir in the snow peas, almonds, and chopped green onions, and cook for a few more minutes until everything is crisp-tender and heated through.
3. Serve. I like to spoon the almond chicken over rice or cauliflower rice , then top it with a handful of extra green onions for a little freshness. Serve it hot while everything’s still crisp and saucy.

My Recipe Tips

• I try to keep the chicken pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly and stay juicy. It also helps everything come together faster.
• The snow peas go in at the end so they stay crisp, not soggy. If you’re adding other veggies like broccoli or carrots, I’d toss those in earlier since they take a bit longer.
• If you’re using chicken breast, make sure it hits 165 degrees F in the center, or 175 degrees F if you’re using thighs. I usually grab my instant read thermometer and check a couple pieces to be sure.
• I prefer not to use any thickeners here, but you can if you like. The classic choice is to add 1-2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the sauce mixture, or you can use a cornstarch substitute .
• If you like a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha with the sauce. I usually keep this almond chicken recipe mild for the kids, but spice lovers can definitely turn it up.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Stir Fry:

• 2 tbsp Avocado oil ▢
• 1 lb Boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces) ▢
• 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1 medium Onion (diced) ▢
• 1 medium Red bell pepper (diced) ▢
• 1/2 cup Snow peas ▢
• 1/3 cup Almonds (sliced) ▢
• 2 medium Green onions (chopped, plus more for garnish if desired) ▢

Sauce:

• 1/2 cup Chicken broth, reduced sodium ▢
• 2 tbsp Coconut aminos ▢
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced) ▢
• 1 tsp Fresh ginger (minced) ▢
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. In a large skillet , heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat, until shimmering. Add the onion and saute for about 3 minutes , until translucent. Add the bell pepper and cook for 2 more minutes .
2. Add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes , or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk the sauce ingredients; chicken broth, coconut aminos, garlic, ginger, and the black pepper.
4. Add the sauce to the pan and simmer over low heat for 10-12 minutes , until the sauce has reduced and thickened.
5. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add in the snow peas, almonds, and chopped green onions. Mix well and cook for 3 more minutes .
6. Serve over rice or cauliflower rice . Garnish with additional chopped green onions, if desired.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best flavor, perfect the texture, and make this almond chicken your own.
• Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Reheat: I like to reheat almond chicken in a skillet so everything stays crisp, but the microwave works too if you’re short on time.
• Freeze: You can freeze the chicken and veggies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Almond Chicken

Serving Ideas

This Chinese almond chicken recipe is already packed with veggies, so it’s a full meal all on its own, but I still like to change up how I serve it. Most of the time, I spoon it over rice, cauliflower rice , or even shirataki noodles to make it a little more filling.

If I’m in the mood for something fun or lighter, I’ll turn it into lettuce wraps instead. Butter lettuce or big romaine leaves both work great. And if you like a little kick, a drizzle of spicy mayo on top is super delicious.

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Almond Chicken (30 Minutes)

My easy almond chicken recipe makes a 30-minute dinner with tender chicken, veggies, crunchy almonds, and a flavorful garlic ginger sauce.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/almond-chicken/

Ingredients

Stir Fry:

• 2 tbsp Avocado oil
• 1 lb Boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1 medium Onion (diced)
• 1 medium Red bell pepper (diced)
• 1/2 cup Snow peas
• 1/3 cup Almonds (sliced)
• 2 medium Green onions (chopped, plus more for garnish if desired)

Sauce:

• 1/2 cup Chicken broth, reduced sodium
• 2 tbsp Coconut aminos
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 tsp Fresh ginger (minced)
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper

Instructions

1. In a large skillet , heat the avocado oil over medium-high heat, until shimmering. Add the onion and saute for about 3 minutes , until translucent. Add the bell pepper and cook for 2 more minutes .
2. Add the chicken pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes , or until the chicken is cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl whisk the sauce ingredients; chicken broth, coconut aminos, garlic, ginger, and the black pepper.
4. Add the sauce to the pan and simmer over low heat for 10-12 minutes , until the sauce has reduced and thickened.
5. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add in the snow peas, almonds, and chopped green onions. Mix well and cook for 3 more minutes .
6. Serve over rice or cauliflower rice . Garnish with additional chopped green onions, if desired.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1 cup

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best flavor, perfect the texture, and make this almond chicken your own.
• Store: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
• Reheat: I like to reheat almond chicken in a skillet so everything stays crisp, but the microwave works too if you’re short on time.
• Freeze: You can freeze the chicken and veggies in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)