Description
Cashew Chicken is a quick and delicious stir-fry that combines tender chicken breasts with crunchy cashew nuts, sweet bell peppers, and savory garlic in a rich, flavorful sauce. This family favorite recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner and can be served over rice or noodles for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Sauce Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup honey
Vegetables and Nuts
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup cashew nuts
Cooking Oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
- Marinate chicken: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Add the chicken pieces and toss thoroughly to coat them evenly with the marinade. This helps tenderize the chicken and build flavor.
- Heat oil: Place a large skillet over high heat and add the vegetable oil, letting it heat up until shimmering but not smoking.
- Cook chicken: Add the marinated chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper, sliced onion, and minced garlic. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Make sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Add the honey and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add cashews: Stir in the cashew nuts and cook for an additional minute to warm them through and blend all the flavors.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the cashew chicken immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and hearty meal.
Notes
- For added crunch and flavor, lightly toast the cashews before adding them to the dish.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add a pinch of red chili flakes or sliced fresh chilies during the vegetable sauté step.
- This recipe works well with other vegetables such as snap peas or broccoli for variation.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to achieve a nice sear and prevent sticking.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content if desired.
