Recipe: Homemade Chinese Cashew Chicken

Craving some delicious Chinese takeout, but not in the mood to go out or order in? Why not try making your own homemade Chinese cashew chicken? This popular dish combines tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and a savory sauce that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Don't worry, it's easier to prepare than you might think. Let's get started with this simple yet flavorful recipe.

Ingredients:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small chunks

1 ½ tablespoons vegetable oil

½ cup unsalted cashews

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 small onion, sliced thinly

3 cloves of garlic, minced

2 teaspoons cornstarch

¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons oyster sauce

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

½ cup chicken broth

Freshly chopped scallions (to garnish)

Cooked white rice (to serve)

Instructions:

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch, soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chicken broth until the cornstarch dissolves. Set aside.

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken chunks and stir-fry until golden brown and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the remaining ½ tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add minced garlic and sliced onions, and sauté until they become fragrant and slightly softened.

Next, add the bell peppers and cashews to the skillet and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes, until the peppers are crisp-tender.

Reduce the heat to medium-low, and add the reserved sauce mixture to the skillet. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and evenly coats the chicken, vegetables, and cashews. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss everything together until well combined. Stir-fry for another minute to heat the chicken through.

Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped scallions.

Serve the homemade Chinese cashew chicken over a bed of cooked white rice and enjoy!

This recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and flavor profiles. The tender chicken pairs beautifully with the crunchy cashews, while the colorful combination of bell peppers and onions adds a delightful freshness to the dish. The savory sauce ties everything together, making each bite truly delightful. The scallions add a nice touch of freshness and color to the final presentation.

Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add some heat by including a few dashes of chili flakes or Sriracha sauce. For a healthier option, you can use low-sodium soy sauce or even coconut aminos instead. The versatility of this recipe allows you to cater to your own preferences or dietary needs.

Making your own Chinese cashew chicken at home not only saves you money but also allows you to personalize the dish to suit your liking. Plus, you can control the quality of ingredients used and ensure a healthier option without any added preservatives. So, why not give it a try? You'll be amazed at how easy and delicious this homemade Chinese cashew chicken can be!