Imagine a dish that combines the zesty brightness of orange, the crunch of toasted cashews, and perfectly tender chicken - all served over a bed of fluffy rice. This Orange Cashew Chicken isn't just another weeknight meal; it's a culinary adventure that transforms your kitchen into a gourmet Chinese restaurant in just 45 minutes! Whether you're craving something exotic or looking to impress your dinner guests, this recipe promises to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup cashews
- 1 cup orange juice
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by cutting chicken breast into 1-inch cubes. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Ensure the pan is hot before adding chicken.
- Add chicken cubes to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Pour orange juice and soy sauce into the skillet. Stir to coat chicken and create a light sauce, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add cashews to the skillet and toss with chicken, allowing them to lightly toast and absorb the sauce flavors for 1-2 minutes.
- If using freshly cooked rice, fluff with a fork. For pre-cooked rice, briefly warm in microwave or on stovetop.
- Plate the cooked rice, topping with orange cashew chicken mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions.
- Serve immediately while hot, ensuring even distribution of sauce, chicken, and cashews over rice.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your skillet is hot before adding chicken to achieve that perfect golden-brown sear.
- Chicken Doneness: Always check that chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety and juicy meat.
- Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with the orange juice before adding to create a more luxurious coating.
- Cashew Crunch: Toast cashews briefly to enhance their nutty flavor, but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Rice Hack: For extra flavor, consider using chicken broth instead of water when cooking your rice.
- Fresh is Best: Use freshly squeezed orange juice if possible for a more vibrant citrus flavor.
- Garnish Generously: Don't skip the green onions - they add a fresh, sharp contrast to the rich chicken.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 552kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 93mg
