Slow Cooker Almond Chicken

Almond Chicken Recipe for Slow Cookers | Delicious and Easy

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

Slow Cooker Almond Chicken is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. This recipe combines tender chicken, crunchy almonds, and savory bacon in a flavorful sauce that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

The origins of Slow Cooker Almond Chicken are not well-documented, but it is believed to have originated in Chinese cuisine. The combination of chicken, almonds, and soy sauce is a classic flavor profile in Chinese cooking, and this dish puts a modern twist on that traditional combination.

Ingredients

1 can of chicken broth (14 oz / 397 g)
1 slice of diced bacon
2 tbsp of butter
0.75 – 1 lb (454 g) of boneless chicken breast, cut into 1" pieces
1.5 cups of diagonally sliced celery
1 small onion, sliced
1 can of sliced mushrooms, drained (4 oz / 113 g)
2 tbsp of soy sauce
0.5 tsp of salt
hot cooked rice
0.67 cups of toasted slivered almonds

How to prepare

Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker.
Cover and set to high heat.
In a large skillet, heat bacon and butter. Add chicken pieces and brown them quickly on all sides.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the browned chicken to the slow cooker.
Saute celery, onion, and mushrooms in the skillet until they become slightly limp.
Add the contents of the skillet to the slow cooker along with soy sauce and salt. Stir well.
Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours.
Serve over hot fluffy rice and garnish with toasted almonds.

Variations

Substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast for a richer flavor.
Add diced bell peppers or water chestnuts for extra crunch and texture.
Use cashews or peanuts instead of almonds for a different nutty flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to brown the chicken before adding it to the slow cooker to lock in the flavor and juices.

- Toasting the almonds before adding them to the dish will enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.

- For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of cream or coconut milk to the dish before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Slow Cooker Almond Chicken over hot fluffy rice for a complete and satisfying meal. You can also pair it with steamed vegetables or a side salad for added nutrition.

Cooking Techniques

Slow cooking allows the flavors of the ingredients to meld together and develop over time, resulting in a rich and flavorful dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version of this dish. You can also use turkey or pork instead of chicken for a different twist.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to cook. This dish also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish Slow Cooker Almond Chicken with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle some extra toasted almonds on top for added crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

Slow Cooker Almond Chicken pairs well with steamed rice, quinoa, or noodles. You can also serve it with a side of stir-fried vegetables or a light salad.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

This recipe contains approximately 400 calories per serving.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This recipe contains approximately 20 grams of fats per serving.

Proteins

This recipe contains approximately 30 grams of proteins per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Slow Cooker Almond Chicken is a good source of vitamin B6, vitamin C, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains nuts (almonds) and soy sauce, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Slow Cooker Almond Chicken is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Slow Cooker Almond Chicken is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a cozy night in. With a balance of flavors and textures, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately captivated. It was a chilly autumn evening, and I was flipping through an old cookbook that I had inherited from my own grandmother. The pages were yellowed and dog-eared, evidence of the countless times she had used it in her own kitchen. As I turned the pages, a recipe for Slow Cooker Almond Chicken caught my eye. The warm, comforting flavors of almonds, chicken, and spices seemed to leap off the page and beckon me to try it.

I had always been passionate about cooking, thanks to my grandmother's influence. She was a wonderful cook, and I had spent many hours by her side in the kitchen, watching and learning as she whipped up delicious meals for our family. She had a knack for combining simple ingredients in creative ways, creating dishes that were both comforting and memorable. It was from her that I had inherited my love of cooking and my desire to experiment with new recipes.

As I read through the recipe for Slow Cooker Almond Chicken, I could almost smell the tantalizing aromas that would fill my kitchen as it cooked. The instructions were simple and straightforward, calling for just a few basic ingredients that I already had on hand. I decided then and there that I had to give it a try.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients for the Slow Cooker Almond Chicken and set to work. I followed the recipe carefully, taking care to measure out each ingredient precisely and to follow the cooking instructions to the letter. As the chicken simmered away in the slow cooker, filling the house with its mouthwatering scent, I felt a sense of anticipation building within me.

Finally, the time came to lift the lid off the slow cooker and see the results of my efforts. The chicken was perfectly cooked, tender and juicy, and the sauce had thickened to a rich, flavorful gravy. I took a bite, and my taste buds exploded with delight. The almonds added a satisfying crunch, and the spices melded together in perfect harmony. I knew then that this recipe was a keeper.

I shared the Slow Cooker Almond Chicken with my family that evening, and they all raved about how delicious it was. My husband declared it to be one of the best meals I had ever cooked, and my children eagerly asked for seconds. I felt a swell of pride in my chest, knowing that I had successfully recreated a recipe that had captured my imagination from the moment I had first laid eyes on it.

From that day on, Slow Cooker Almond Chicken became a staple in our household. I would make it on lazy Sunday afternoons, when the scent of simmering chicken and spices would fill the air and make our mouths water in anticipation. I would make it for special occasions, when I wanted to impress guests with a dish that was both elegant and comforting. And I would make it just because, whenever the mood struck me and I wanted to treat my family to a delicious meal.

Over the years, I have made Slow Cooker Almond Chicken countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have tweaked the recipe here and there, adding my own personal touches to make it truly my own. I have shared the recipe with friends and family, who have all fallen in love with its warm, comforting flavors.

As I sit here now, reflecting on the journey that led me to discover Slow Cooker Almond Chicken, I am filled with gratitude for the countless hours I spent in my grandmother's kitchen, learning the art of cooking from a true master. I am grateful for the simple pleasures that cooking has brought into my life, and for the joy of sharing delicious meals with the people I love.

And most of all, I am grateful for that fateful day when I stumbled upon the recipe for Slow Cooker Almond Chicken, a dish that captured my heart and became a beloved part of my culinary repertoire. It is a reminder of the power of good food to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish both body and soul. And for that, I will always be thankful.