Irresistible Cashew Chicken: A Flavorful Delight Recipe

The moment you take a bite of cashew chicken, the delightful crunch of toasted nuts mingles with the tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, creating an irresistible symphony of flavors. Picture this: a mouthwatering aroma wafts through your kitchen, promising a delicious meal that’s both comforting and exotic.

I still remember the first time I made cashew chicken; my friends thought I had transformed into a culinary wizard. The joy on their faces as they devoured every last bite was priceless. This dish fits perfectly for cozy dinners or lively gatherings, offering an incredible flavor experience that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

When I served this dish during family game night, everyone piled their plates high, proving that great food really does bring people together.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts; adjust based on how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.

• Cashews: Opt for roasted unsalted cashews for the best crunch; they add a rich, nutty flavor.

• Fresh Vegetables: Bell peppers and broccoli are fantastic; choose vibrant colors for visual appeal.

• Garlic: Fresh cloves enhance the aroma; don’t skimp on this essential flavor booster.

• Ginger: Fresh ginger adds warmth and complexity to the dish; grate it finely for even distribution.

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce helps control saltiness without sacrificing flavor.

• Cornstarch: A little magic here thickens the sauce beautifully; mix it with water to create a slurry before adding.

• Sesame Oil: A drizzle enhances the overall flavor profile with its unique nuttiness.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Prepare Your Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients and chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Dice vegetables into colorful chunks that will pop in your dish.

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes for maximum flavor absorption.

Sauté Aromatics: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant—about 30 seconds—and enjoy that intoxicating aroma.

Cook Chicken: Toss in marinated chicken; cook until browned on all sides—about 5-7 minutes—until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Add Veggies and Cashews: Mix in bell peppers and broccoli along with roasted cashews. Stir-fry everything for another 3-5 minutes until veggies are tender-crisp.

Create Your Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry. Pour this over your stir-fried masterpiece and stir well until thickened—about 1-2 minutes.

Enjoy serving your cashew chicken over rice or noodles while sharing stories around the table!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken to infuse flavor, then stir-fry it over high heat to achieve that perfect crispiness while simultaneously tossing in your veggies for optimal freshness.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out cashews for peanuts or add some heat with chili flakes. Experimentation can lead to delightful surprises that tailor the dish to your taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat gently in a pan to maintain texture, or use a microwave on low power for quick warming.

Cooking this cashew chicken reminds me of that time my friend tried to impress his date with his ‘famous’ cooking skills—let’s just say there were more laughs than culinary masterpieces that night!

FAQ

What can I substitute for cashews in cashew chicken?

You can replace cashews with peanuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.

How do I make cashew chicken spicy?

Add chili paste or red pepper flakes during cooking for a spicy kick.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely before marinating and cooking for best results.

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Cashew Chicken

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Cashew chicken is a delightful blend of tender chicken, crunchy roasted cashews, and fresh vegetables, all coated in a savory sauce. This quick and easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, providing an irresistible flavor experience that leaves everyone wanting more. With its vibrant colors and aromatic spices, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece.

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
• 1 cup roasted unsalted cashews
• 1 cup bell peppers (diced, mixed colors)
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger (grated)
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

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Instructions

1. Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces and dice vegetables.
2. In a bowl, mix the chicken with soy sauce and cornstarch. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add garlic and ginger until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Add marinated chicken; cook until browned on all sides (5-7 minutes) until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
5. Stir in bell peppers, broccoli, and cashews; stir-fry for another 3-5 minutes until tender-crisp.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, and cornstarch slurry; pour over the stir-fried mixture and stir until thickened (1-2 minutes).

• Author: DANIEL LAWSON
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stir-frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (about 240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 75mg