Cashew chicken is a popular and flavorful dish that typically combines tender chicken pieces with cashew nuts and a savory sauce. Here’s a simple recipe for making cashew chicken at home:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup cashew nuts
- 1 cup broccoli florets (optional)
- 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooked rice for serving
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce and let it marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Toast the Cashews:
- In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the cashews until they are golden brown. Set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add the marinated chicken pieces and stir-fry until they are cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Cook Vegetables:
- In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil if needed. Add garlic, bell pepper, and broccoli (if using). Stir-fry for a few minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, and chicken broth. If you want a thicker sauce, mix in a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the sauce mixture.
- Combine and Finish:
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the vegetables.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables, stirring to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through and coated with the sauce.
- Add Cashews and Green Onions:
- Stir in the toasted cashews and chopped green onions. Cook for an additional minute.
- Serve:
- Serve the cashew chicken over cooked rice.
Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if necessary. This homemade cashew chicken is a delicious and satisfying dish that you can easily customize to your taste preferences. Enjoy!
