Warr Shu Gai (almond Boneless Chicken)

Ingredients

2 whole chicken breasts, skinned, boned and cut in half
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon dry sherry
4 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons water
3 cups chicken broth
1 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms (optional)
3 tablespoons chicken fat or butter
2 teaspoons soy sauce
3 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
3 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 egg, beaten
1 tablespoon water
Vegetable oil for frying
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/3 cup toasted, slivered almonds
1 green onion, finely chopped (green and white parts)

Instructions

Sprinkle chicken with salt and sherry. Set aside 15 min. Prepare sauce: In a small saucepan, stir together cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir in chicken broth, mushrooms (if desired), chicken fat, soy sauce and bouillon granules. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Let boil 1 minute. Keep warm. Prepare batter: Beat together cornstarch, flour, baking powder, egg and water until smooth. Coat each piece of chicken with batter. Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or wok to the depth of 1/2 inch; heat to 375 degrees. Cook coated chicken pieces in oil, turning once, until golden -- 5 to 7 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Cut chicken diagonally into strips. Reassemble strips in chicken breast shapes and place on a bed of shredded lettuce. Sprinkle with almonds and green onion. Spoon sauce over chicken and serve immediately. Makes four to six servings.