Delicious Chinese Cashew Chicken Recipe Quick Easy Meal

Hey there, fellow food lover! Have you ever found a dish that just transports you back to a time and place filled with warmth and laughter? For me, that dish is definitely Chinese Cashew Chicken. I remember sitting around the dinner table with my family on a cozy Friday night, the aromas of garlic and soy sauce wafting through the air, dancing together in a flavorful embrace. My mom would serve it with a big bowl of rice, and we’d eagerly dive into our plates, eager for that crunch of cashews paired with tender chicken. This meal is not just food; it’s a hug on a plate that brings people together.

Whether it’s the bright, savory flavors or the satisfying crunch of the cashews, every bite is a celebration. So, let’s get cooking and recreate that beautiful moment together. I promise this recipe for Chinese Cashew Chicken will be your new go-to for a delightful weeknight dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy – perfect for busy weeknights!
• Budget-friendly – using simple ingredients without compromising flavor.
• Comforting, savory flavors – a dish that feels like a warm hug!
• Customizable – switch up the veggies or spices to make it your own!

Ingredients

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

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup raw cashews (feel free to toast them for extra crunch!)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (fresh garlic adds more punch than powdered)
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers (any color), sliced
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• ½ cup green onions, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s dive into the fun of cooking! Follow these simple steps:

1. Prep your chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well, ensuring each piece is coated. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes. This will infuse flavor and keep your chicken nice and tender!
2. Heat things up: In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough before adding the chicken, as this will help get that lovely sear!
3. Sauté the chicken: Add the marinated chicken to the pan in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you want that golden color! Cook for about 5-7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until browned.
4. Add the aromatics: Toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and your sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the veggies are crisp-tender.
5. Mix in the broccoli: Add the broccoli florets and a splash of water to help steam them slightly. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until they are vibrant green and just tender.
6. Finish with cashews: Stir in the cashews and green onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
7. Plate it: Serve your delicious Chinese Cashew Chicken hot over a bed of fluffy rice or your favorite grain. Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips & Variations

Feel free to play around with this recipe! Here are a few of my favorite twists:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a nice kick!
• Swap proteins: This dish also works well with shrimp or tofu if you’re looking for a different protein option.
• Add more veggies: Feel free to get creative! Snap peas, carrots, or zucchini could be fab additions.
• Make it extra saucy: Double the sauce ingredients if you love that savory goodness.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving your Chinese Cashew Chicken, I recommend a beautiful bed of steamed rice – white, brown, or even jasmine rice will do wonders. The fluffy grains soak up that savory sauce beautifully! For a twist, try it with quinoa for a nutty flavor. Add a side of stir-fried greens or a simple cucumber salad to brighten up the plate. And don’t forget a pot of hot green tea to wash it all down! It’s a meal that warms your soul and brings everyone together.

Storage Tips

Let’s talk leftovers! If you have any Chinese Cashew Chicken left (a rarity in my household), you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave, or you can heat it on the stovetop over medium heat. If you find it’s a little dry, just splash in a few drops of water or more soy sauce to bring back that saucy goodness. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before transferring it to your freezer-safe container!

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breast?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely before marinating. Cooking time may vary a bit, so keep an eye on it until it’s properly cooked through.

What if I don’t have cashews?

Don’t fret! Almonds or even peanuts can work in a pinch. Each will give you a different flavor and texture, but they’ll still be delicious!

Can I make this vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap out the chicken for extra-firm tofu or tempeh, and make sure your sauces are vegetarian-friendly. It’ll still taste amazing!

How can I make it gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and ensure your oyster sauce is gluten-free as well. Many brands offer alternatives!

What side dishes pair well with this dish?

It’s great on its own, but I love serving it with a side of steamed dumplings or a simple garden salad. You could also serve it alongside some garlic bread for a delightful fusion twist!

Conclusion

And there you have it—your very own Chinese Cashew Chicken, ready to serve and delight! I hope this recipe fills your kitchen with joyous smells and your heart with happy memories. Don’t forget to share your cooking adventures with me! I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you add any fun variations or your own twists? Let me know in the comments below, and happy cooking!

Delicious Chinese Cashew Chicken Recipe Quick Easy Meal

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Savor a quick easy meal with our flavorful Chinese cashew chicken recipe Perfect for busy nights this dish combines taste and convenience 154 chars

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

½ cup raw cashews

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon oyster sauce

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon ginger, minced

1 cup bell peppers, sliced

1 cup broccoli florets

½ cup green onions, chopped

Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well, ensuring each piece is coated. Let it marinate for about 15 minutes.

In a large wok or skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Make sure it’s hot enough before adding the chicken.

Add the marinated chicken to the pan in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, tossing occasionally, until browned.

Toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and sliced bell peppers. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the veggies are crisp-tender.

Add the broccoli florets and a splash of water. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until vibrant green and tender.

Stir in the cashews and green onions, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss until well combined.

Serve hot over a bed of rice or your favorite grain.

Notes

A warm and comforting dish of Chinese Cashew Chicken that brings flavorful ingredients together for a delightful weeknight dinner.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Fat: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 30g

Keywords: Chinese Cashew Chicken, Chicken Recipes, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Dinner, Comfort Food