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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1/2 cup raw cashews - 1 red bell pepper, sliced - 1 green bell pepper, sliced - 1 carrot, julienned - 2 green onions, chopped These main ingredients give your cashew chicken its rich flavor and texture. Chicken thighs work best because they stay juicy during cooking. The raw cashews add a nice crunch, while the colorful bell peppers and carrot provide sweetness and color. Green onions add a fresh taste at the end. - 1/4 cup soy sauce - 1 tablespoon cornstarch - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 1 tablespoon honey - Salt and pepper to taste This marinade makes your chicken tender and tasty. Soy sauce brings saltiness and umami. Cornstarch helps to thicken the sauce and gives the chicken a nice coating. Sesame oil adds a nutty flavor, while honey gives a hint of sweetness. Use salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. - Cooked white rice - Presentation Tips Serve your cashew chicken over warm, cooked white rice. This balances the flavors and adds a filling component. For presentation, use a large round bowl. Top with extra chopped green onions for color and sprinkle a few cashews on the side for extra crunch. This makes the dish look inviting and delicious! {{ingredient_image_1}} - In a bowl, mix 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. - Add 1 pound of chicken pieces to the bowl. Toss until the chicken is coated. Let it marinate for at least 20 minutes. - Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Add the marinated chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown. - In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of sesame oil. - Sauté 3 cloves of minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of minced ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Then add 1 sliced red bell pepper, 1 sliced green bell pepper, and 1 julienned carrot. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender but crisp. - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with 1/2 cup of raw cashews and 2 chopped green onions. - Stir well and cook for an additional 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Serve hot over cooked white rice, making sure to spoon the chicken and cashew mixture generously over the rice. For the best taste, use high-quality soy sauce like Kikkoman. I also love using local honey for natural sweetness. Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Always choose fresh chicken, crisp veggies, and raw cashews. These small choices lead to bold flavors. Stir-frying is key to this dish. Use a hot skillet or wok to cook fast. This keeps the chicken juicy and the veggies crisp. To avoid overcooking, add the bell peppers and carrot after the chicken. Stir-fry them for just a few minutes. You want them tender but still crunchy. Serving is as important as cooking. Use a large round bowl for a nice look. Spoon the chicken and cashew mix over cooked white rice. Top it with extra chopped green onions for color. A few extra cashews on the side add a nice crunch. Pro Tips Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 20 minutes to enhance the flavor. For best results, marinate for 1-2 hours in the refrigerator. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger will provide a more vibrant flavor. If possible, grate the ginger and mince the garlic just before cooking. Adjust the Crunch: For extra crunch, toast the cashews in the skillet before adding them to the dish. This will enhance their nutty flavor and provide a delightful texture. Try Different Vegetables: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like snap peas, broccoli, or zucchini for added nutrition and color to your dish. {{image_2}} You can switch the chicken for shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a sweet taste. Tofu offers a soft texture and soaks up flavors well. Both options keep the dish light and tasty. You can add broccoli or snap peas for a twist. Broccoli adds crunch and color, while snap peas give a fresh, sweet flavor. Mixing in these veggies makes the dish even healthier and more colorful. If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. Tamari has a similar taste but is made without wheat. This swap ensures everyone can enjoy the dish without worry. To keep your cashew chicken fresh, store leftovers in the fridge. Use airtight containers to prevent moisture loss. This will help maintain flavor and texture. Cool the chicken to room temperature before sealing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, you have two good options: the microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the chicken in a bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between. For stovetop reheating, use a non-stick skillet. Add a splash of water or a bit of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Heat over medium, stirring until warm. If you want to freeze cashew chicken, first cool it completely. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. To thaw, move the container to the fridge overnight. For quicker thawing, place it in a bowl of cold water. After thawing, reheat as mentioned above to keep it tasty and fresh. You can enjoy Authentic Cashew Chicken with a few simple side dishes. Here are some good choices: - Steamed white rice - Fried rice with vegetables - Fresh green salad with a light dressing - Stir-fried broccoli or snap peas These sides will balance the flavors of the dish. They add texture and nutrients to your meal. Yes, you can make this dish in advance. Here are some easy tips for meal prep: - Marinate the chicken up to a day ahead. This boosts flavor. - Cook the chicken and vegetables, then store them in the fridge. - Keep the cashews separate until serving. They stay crunchy this way. Reheat the dish on the stovetop for best flavor. You can add a splash of water to keep it moist. Authentic Cashew Chicken is not very spicy. It has a nice balance of sweet and savory flavors. If you want some heat, you can adjust it easily: - Add red pepper flakes for a little kick. - Serve with a spicy sauce on the side. Feel free to make it as mild or as spicy as you like. Enjoy experimenting! Authentic cashew chicken combines tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and vibrant veggies. Follow the step-by-step guide for a tasty dish that's easy to make. Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and consider fun variations, like shrimp or tofu. With proper storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy this meal multiple times. Remember, cooking is fun, and experimenting with ingredients makes it unique. Enjoy crafting your own version of this delicious dish!

Crunchy Cashew Chicken Delight

A delightful stir-fry featuring tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and colorful vegetables, served over rice.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.5 cup raw cashews
  • 1 unit red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 unit green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 unit carrot, julienned
  • 2 unit green onions, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 0.25 cup soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • to taste unit salt and pepper
  • as needed unit cooked white rice, for serving

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix the soy sauce, honey, and cornstarch together, then add the chicken pieces. Toss until the chicken is well-coated and let it marinate for at least 20 minutes.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of sesame oil. Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the sliced bell peppers and carrot to the skillet and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but still crisp.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the cashews and green onions. Stir well to combine everything.
  • Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve hot over a bed of cooked white rice, ensuring the chicken and cashew mixture is generously spooned over the rice.

Notes

Serve the dish in a large round bowl with a sprinkle of extra chopped green onions on top for color and texture. A few extra cashews can be placed on the side for a delightful crunch.
Keyword cashew, chicken, quick meal, stir-fry