Introduction

Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is a delightful and vibrant dish that combines tender chicken pieces with crunchy vegetables and toasted cashews. This recipe is not only quick to prepare but also packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep. With a savory sauce that ties all the ingredients together, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Chicken Breast – 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces
Cashews – 1 cup, roasted and unsalted
Bell Pepper – 1 cup, sliced (any color)
Broccoli Florets – 1 cup
Carrots – 1 cup, julienned
Green Onions – 1/2 cup, sliced
Soy Sauce – 1/4 cup
Honey – 2 tablespoons
Garlic – 2 cloves, minced
Ginger – 1 tablespoon, minced
Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon
Cooking Oil – 2 tablespoons

Prep Time

The preparation time for the Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is approximately 15 minutes. This includes slicing the vegetables, cutting the chicken, and preparing the sauce. Having all your ingredients prepped beforehand will make the cooking process seamless and enjoyable.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cook time for this dish is about 10 minutes, making the total time approximately 25 minutes from start to finish. This recipe yields about 4 servings, perfect for a family meal or leftovers for lunch the next day. Enjoy this delicious stir fry that brings both flavor and convenience to your table!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.

Make the Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and cornstarch until well combined. Set aside.

Prepare Vegetables

Chop the broccoli into small florets, slice the bell peppers, and thinly slice the onions and garlic.

Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the Vegetables

Once the chicken is cooked, add the prepared vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender-crisp.

Add the Sauce

Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the skillet. Stir well to ensure everything is coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened.

Finish with Cashews

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cashews, mixing well to combine.

Serve

Serve the cashew chicken stir-fry immediately over cooked rice or noodles for a delicious meal.

Notes

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations

Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or snap peas for extra flavor and texture.

Gluten-Free Option

Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version of this recipe.

Meal Prep

This dish is great for meal prep. Cook in advance and divide into portions for easy reheating throughout the week.

Cook techniques

Stir-Frying

Stir-frying is a high-heat cooking method that requires constant stirring to ensure even cooking. It is ideal for quickly cooking ingredients while retaining their crunch and flavor.

Marinating

Marinating helps in infusing flavors into the chicken and tenderizing the meat. A good marinade usually contains acid, oil, and various seasonings.

Chopping and Slicing

Properly chopping and slicing your vegetables and chicken into uniform pieces ensures even cooking and a well-presented stir-fry.

Cooking in Batches

To prevent overcrowding in the pan, cook ingredients in batches. This allows each piece to fry properly without steaming.

Using a Wok

A wok is ideal for stir-frying as its shape allows for quick, even cooking and easy movement of ingredients.

FAQ

Can I use other nuts instead of cashews?

Yes, other nuts like peanuts or almonds can be used as substitutes for cashews in this recipe.

What vegetables can I add to the stir-fry?

You can add a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, carrots, or snap peas, depending on your preference.

How do I store leftover stir-fry?

Store leftover stir-fry in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make the dish gluten-free.

How long does it take to cook the stir-fry?

The stir-fry typically takes about 10-15 minutes to cook, depending on the heat level and the thickness of the ingredients.

Conclusion

This Cashew Chicken Stir Fry is a delightful dish that perfectly balances flavor and nutrition. With its combination of tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and crunchy cashews, it’s sure to please everyone at the dinner table. This easy recipe can be customized to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile option for busy weeknights or special occasions.

More recipes suggestions and combination

Vegetable Stir Fry

Try a colorful vegetable stir fry with bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas for a light and healthy meal.

Chicken Sweet and Sour

For a sweet twist, make a sweet and sour chicken stir fry with pineapple and bell peppers.

Beef Stir Fry

Substitute chicken with beef, using flank steak or sirloin for a hearty alternative.

Mixed Nuts Stir Fry

Add a variety of nuts such as almonds, peanuts, and pecans for an extra crunch and flavor complexity.

Spicy Stir Fry

Incorporate chili paste or fresh jalapeños for a spicy kick that will elevate the flavors.

Quinoa Side Dish

Serve the stir fry over quinoa instead of rice for a protein-packed meal.

Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry

Marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce before cooking for a sweet and savory flavor profile.