Description
This Cashew Chicken recipe is a quick and delicious stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a savory sauce with crunchy cashews and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines vibrant bell peppers and onions with a balanced blend of soy, oyster sauce, and a hint of honey for sweetness. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy, flavorful meal to enjoy over rice or noodles.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and 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
Vegetables and Nuts
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 cup cashew nuts
Sauce and Cooking
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Make marinade: In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and chicken broth. Add the chicken pieces and toss well to evenly coat them with the marinade.
- Heat oil: Place a large skillet on high heat and add the vegetable oil, allowing it to get hot.
- Cook chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the hot skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and fully cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Stir-fry the vegetables until they are softened but still slightly crisp.
- Make sauce and combine: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the sauce mixture including honey. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens to a glossy finish.
- Add cashews: Stir in the cashew nuts and cook together for an additional 1 minute to allow flavors to meld and nuts to warm through.
- Serve: Serve immediately over steamed rice or cooked noodles for a complete meal.
Notes
- For added heat, consider adding a pinch of crushed red chili flakes during the vegetable sauté step.
- Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
- Cashews can be lightly toasted beforehand for extra crunch and flavor.
- Ensure the skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve a good sear.
