Description
Cashew Chicken is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that is full of flavor and texture, combining tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and fresh vegetables in a savory sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, divided
- ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup unsalted roasted cashews
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss chicken pieces with cornstarch to create a light coating. This helps the chicken stay tender and absorb the sauce better.
- Heat 1 tbsp oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the remaining 1 tbsp oil to the pan.
- Stir-fry bell peppers for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
- Return the chicken to the pan.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and veggies, stirring to coat.
- Stir in cashews and cook for 2 more minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or noodles.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add more red pepper flakes.
- This dish pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.
- Adjust the sweetness by choosing between honey or brown sugar.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-fry
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg