Description
This Cashew Chicken recipe is a quick and wholesome meal combining tender chicken thighs with crunchy roasted cashews and a perfectly balanced savory sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, it features a delightful blend of sweet, salty, and umami flavors with fresh vegetables, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Adaptable and flavorful, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Nuts
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup roasted cashews
Sauce
- 1/3 cup grape juice (natural)
- 2 tbsp vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (natural)
- 1/2 tsp natural gelling agent
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 3 green onions, sliced
Oils
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp cooking oil (for searing chicken)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut boneless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces, lightly season with salt, and set aside to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Cook the chicken: Heat cooking oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown on all sides and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the pan and keep warm.
- Sauté vegetables and aromatics: In the same skillet, add a splash more cooking oil, then toss in minced garlic, diced bell peppers, and sliced green onions. Stir-fry until fragrant and slightly softened, about 3 minutes.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, mix grape juice (natural), vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), soy sauce (natural), and natural gelling agent. Pour the sauce into the skillet, stirring constantly until it thickens into a glossy glaze.
- Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat it well with the sauce. Add roasted cashews and a drizzle of sesame oil. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for tender and juicy results compared to breasts.
- Roasting cashews before adding deepens flavor and enhances crunch.
- Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent to control sauce thickness.
- Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook for a smooth workflow.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect texture and freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Cashew Chicken, quick dinner, gluten free, stir-fry, chicken thighs, roasted cashews