Description
Savory cashew chicken elevates weeknight dinners with a delightful blend of tender meat and crunchy nuts. Crisp vegetables and a rich sauce create a perfect balance, promising a satisfying meal that brings Chinese-inspired flavors right to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup cashews
Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1/2 cup green onions
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 inch fresh ginger
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes, ensuring uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Mince garlic and grate fresh ginger to prepare aromatic base for the dish.
- Chop red and green bell peppers into uniform thin strips, creating colorful vegetable components.
- Whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, cornstarch, and black pepper in a small bowl to create a smooth marinade.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Add chicken cubes to the hot pan, searing each piece until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate minced garlic and ginger into the cooking chicken, releasing their fragrant essence.
- Toss bell pepper strips into the wok, stir-frying for 2-3 minutes to maintain crisp texture.
- Pour prepared sauce over chicken and vegetables, stirring continuously to coat evenly and create glossy finish.
- Sprinkle cashews into the mixture, allowing them to warm and slightly toast.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the dish for additional depth of flavor.
- Garnish with chopped green onions just before serving.
- Serve immediately over steamed rice, ensuring each portion has a balanced mix of chicken, vegetables, and cashews.
Notes
- Choose chicken breasts with minimal fat for leaner protein and easier cutting into uniform cubes.
- Use high-heat cooking method like wok to achieve perfect golden-brown chicken exterior while maintaining tender inside.
- Toast cashews separately before adding to dish for enhanced nutty flavor and crunchier texture.
- Consider using low-sodium soy sauce for healthier version without compromising authentic taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg