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Chinese Cashew Chicken

Chinese Cashew Chicken is a flavorful stir-fry dish combining tender chunks of chicken with crisp vegetables and crunchy cashews. This Chinese-American cuisine favorite features a savory-sweet sauce made with soy sauce, honey, and a touch of chili. Quick to prepare in about 35 minutes, it's a balanced meal that's both satisfying and adaptable to personal tastes. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this dish offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine American, Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet or wok
  • 1 Cutting board
  • 1 Sharp knife
  • 1 Measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 to taste Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 1 whole red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 cup frozen shelled edamame
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup roasted, unsalted cashews

Sauce

  • ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar optional
  • 1 to taste Asian garlic chili sauce
  • ½ tbsp ground ginger or fresh ginger, grated

Optional Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp sesame oil for additional flavor
  • 1 to taste yellow or black sesame seeds for garnish
  • 2 whole green onions, sliced, for garnish
  • 1 to taste fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • In a large ziplock bag, mix the chicken cubes, cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Shake to coat evenly
  • Heat the olive oil (and sesame oil if using) in a large skillet over medium-high heat
  • Add the coated chicken to the skillet. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until the chicken is 90% cooked
  • Add the broccoli florets, bell pepper slices, edamame, and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp
  • While the vegetables are cooking, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl
  • Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables. Add the cashews
  • Let simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats all the ingredients
  • If desired, garnish with sesame seeds
  • Serve hot, optionally garnished with slices of green onions and fresh parsley

Notes

  • Feel free to add or substitute vegetables according to your preference. Some suggestions include snap peas, carrots, or water chestnuts.
  • The calorie count is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portions.
  • For a spicier dish, increase the amount of Asian garlic chili sauce or add red pepper flakes to taste.
Keyword Cashew Chicken, Chicken, Chinese-American