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Cashew Chicken Recipe

Cashew Chicken Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 28 reviews

Cashew Chicken is a flavorful and quick stir-fry dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a savory hoisin sauce, combined with crunchy roasted cashews and crisp water chestnuts. Perfectly balanced with garlic, sesame oil, and rice wine vinegar, this recipe is served over fluffy white rice for a satisfying and easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Marinade

  • 1 to 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Stir-fry Ingredients

  • 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, grated
  • 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
  • 1 8 oz can sliced water chestnuts, chopped

Sauce & Garnish

  • 2 Tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 5 Tablespoons hoisin sauce
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 3/4 cup roasted cashews
  • Green onions (optional garnish)
  • 2 cups cooked white rice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken, which will help thicken the sauce later and add a nice texture.
  2. Cook chicken and onions: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the coated chicken and finely chopped onions. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and the onions have softened.
  3. Add garlic and water chestnuts: Stir in the grated garlic and chopped water chestnuts. Sauté together for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant and the water chestnuts are warmed through, adding a delightful crunch.
  4. Incorporate vinegar: Pour in the rice wine vinegar and stir the mixture. Cook for an additional 1 minute to blend the tangy flavor with the chicken and vegetables.
  5. Add hoisin sauce and water: Stir in the hoisin sauce and water to create the savory sauce that coats the chicken. Cook for a few more minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  6. Finish with cashews: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the roasted cashews to add texture and a nutty flavor. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired for a fresh burst of color and mild onion flavor.
  7. Serve: Spoon the cashew chicken over cooked white rice and serve hot. Enjoy this flavorful and comforting meal!

Notes

  • Using chicken thighs adds more juiciness and flavor, but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
  • To make it gluten-free, substitute hoisin sauce with a gluten-free version or tamari.
  • For added vegetables, consider adding bell peppers or snap peas during cooking.
  • Roasting your own cashews enhances flavor but store-bought roasted cashews work well too.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic and hoisin sauce based on your preferred flavor intensity.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cashew chicken, stir-fry chicken, hoisin sauce chicken, easy dinner, Chinese-American recipe

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/cashew-chicken-recipe/