Chicken Almond Broccoli Stir Fry

Chicken Almond Broccoli Stir Fry

2 Tablespoons Cornstarch, plus more for coating Chicken

1 teaspoon Ground Ginger

2/3 Cup Unsweetened Pineapple Juice

2/3 Cup Soy Sauce

1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

1 teaspoon Sesame Oil

1  lb  Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts, cut into bite-size pieces

2  Cloves  Garlic, minced

3/4  Cup  Whole Raw Almonds

1/3 to 1/2  Cup  Water

1 to 2  Large  Carrots, peeled and bias-cut

4  Cups  Broccoli Florets (1-2 heads, depending on how large they are--and how well you like broccoli!)

1 large Red Bell Pepper, cut into 1-inch chunks

2  stalks  Celery, bias-cut

1/4  of an  Onion, cut into large chunks, optional

Hot Cooked Rice

In a small bowl, mix together the 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch, Ground Ginger, Pineapple Juice, Soy Sauce, and Red Pepper Flakes; set aside.

Place the Chicken in a shallow dish (a pie plate works great); gently sift Cornstarch over the Chicken until lightly coated on all sides (do not coat heavily or until thoroughly white--the Chicken juices should absorb most of the Cornstarch).  In a large non-stick skillet or wok coated with non-stick spray,  stir-fry the Chicken and Garlic until juices begin to run clear.  Transfer to another dish, cover with foil and set aside.

In the same pan, stir-fry the Carrots and Almonds in the Water until almost crisp-tender and most all the Water is evaporated; add the Broccoli and continue to stir-fry for another 2 minutes.  Transfer to another dish, cover with foil and set aside.

In the same pan, stir-fry the Red Bell Pepper, Celery,  and Onion until all the Water has evaporated, the Bell Pepper is crisp-tender and starting to char, and the Onion is softened.

Carefully return the Chicken, Carrots, and Almonds to the pan and add the Pineapple-Soy mixture.  Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes, or until Sauce has thickened.  Drizzle with Sesame Oil.  Serve over Hot Cooked Rice.

Serves 6

Especially yummy when the Broccoli is Garden-Fresh and just picked two hours ago!

Perfected by the Author in her own Test Kitchen.  Approved by her Husband and Children; Enjoyed by You.