Description
Cashew Chicken is a flavorful and quick stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken pieces, crunchy cashews, and colorful bell peppers cooked in a savory soy-based sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe combines simple ingredients with easy steps to deliver a satisfying meal that balances protein, nuts, and vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
Vegetables
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
Nuts
- 1 cup crispy cashews, unsalted
Sauces & Seasonings
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
Oils
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Chop the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy stir-frying.
- Marinate: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Mix well to coat and let it marinate for 15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderize the meat.
- Sauté garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and stir-fry for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken turns golden brown and is cooked through.
- Add vegetables and nuts: Stir in the sliced bell peppers and 1 cup of crispy cashews. Continue cooking for about 3 minutes until the bell peppers are tender but still crisp.
- Add sauce and finish: Mix the remaining soy sauce with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar until dissolved, then pour over the chicken mixture. Stir everything together until the chicken, vegetables, and cashews are evenly coated and the sauce thickens slightly. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels; adjust seasoning to taste.
- Cashews can be toasted if you prefer extra crunch.
- Bell peppers add sweetness and color, but you can substitute or add other vegetables like snow peas or broccoli.
- Marinating with cornstarch helps create a velvety coating on the chicken when stir-fried.
- Serve this dish over steamed rice or noodles for a complete meal.
