Description
A flavorful stir-fried dish combining tender chicken pieces, crunchy cashews, and crisp vegetables in a savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, it can be served with steamed rice or noodles. Variations exist in both Chinese and Thai cuisine, each with its own signature flavor.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (serves 4):
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon rice wine or dry sherry
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon fish sauce (optional for Thai version)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
For the Stir-Fry:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- ¾ cup roasted cashew nuts
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 small chili, sliced (optional for heat)
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Marinate Chicken
Combine chicken pieces with soy sauce, cornstarch, and rice wine. Let sit 10–15 minutes.
Step 2: Prepare Sauce
Mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and chicken broth in a small bowl. Set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry
Heat oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and onion; stir-fry 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Add marinated chicken and cook until lightly browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Sauce
Add bell peppers and stir-fry 2–3 minutes until slightly tender. Pour in sauce and stir to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Finish with Cashews
Add roasted cashews and green onions. Stir for 1–2 minutes and remove from heat. Serve immediately with steamed rice.
Notes
- For Thai flavor, add a splash of lime juice and a pinch of chili flakes.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful results.
- Toast cashews lightly in a dry pan for extra crunch and aroma.
- Can be made ahead: Prepare sauce and marinate chicken in advance, stir-fry just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Stir-Fry
- Method: Stir-Fried
- Cuisine: Chinese / Thai