Cashew Chicken Recipe

Cashew Chicken is a popular stir-fry dish in Asian and American-Chinese cuisine that features tender pieces of chicken, roasted cashews, and vegetables (like bell peppers, onions, or broccoli) cooked in a savory sauce. The sauce is typically a combination of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, garlic, and sometimes a bit of sugar or honey for sweetness. It often has a balance of salty, sweet, and umami flavors, with the crunchy cashews adding a nice texture contrast to the tender chicken and vegetables.

Here’s a delicious recipe for Cashew Chicken:

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the Stir-Fry:
  • 1 cup cashews (roasted and unsalted)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
  • 3 green onions, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
• For the Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. Mix well and let marinate for about 15-20 minutes.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, honey (if using), sesame oil, and the cornstarch-water mixture. Set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed. Add the garlic, ginger, and vegetables (bell peppers and broccoli). Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
5. Combine Everything:
   • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the cashews and pour the sauce over everything. Stir well to coat and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
6. Garnish and Serve:
   • Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve hot over rice or noodles.

Enjoy!

This Cashew Chicken recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a weeknight dinner! Feel free to customize the vegetables or adjust the sauce to your taste.