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Delicious homemade cashew chicken served with rice and vegetables

Cashew Chicken

A tantalizing dish that captures the richness of savory chicken, the crunch of cashews, and the colorful freshness of vegetables, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Chinese
Calories: 230
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts Can substitute with chicken thighs for added richness.
  • 1 cup cashew nuts Feel free to use peanuts if preferred.
  • 1 unit bell pepper, sliced Any color works well.
  • 1 unit onion, sliced Consider using shallots for a milder taste.
  • 1 clove garlic, minced Use garlic powder in a pinch.
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch Arrowroot powder can be a substitute.
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce Tamari is great for a gluten-free option.
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce Vegetarian oyster sauce is available.
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil Optional but recommended.
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth Vegetable broth works well too.
  • 1/4 cup honey Maple syrup can replace it for a vegan version.
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil Olive oil can work in a pinch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, chicken broth, and honey. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss thoroughly to coat each piece with the sauce.
  2. Place a large skillet over high heat and add the vegetable oil, heating until hot but not smoking.
Cooking
  1. Add the sauce-coated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook them until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add the sliced bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables soften and become aromatic, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the remaining sauce mixture and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the ingredients.
  4. Stir in the cashew nuts and cook for an additional minute to warm through and blend flavors.
  5. Serve the Cashew Chicken immediately over steamed rice or noodles for a complete and hearty meal.

Notes

Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds for that extra touch. For meal prep enthusiasts, this dish keeps well in the fridge. Overcrowding the skillet can lead to steaming instead of browning the chicken. Adding all the sauce at once can lead to a watery dish; reserve some for later.