Imagine a sizzling skillet of tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and vibrant bell peppers, all glazed with a rich, savory oyster sauce that will make your taste buds dance! This Chinese-inspired Cashew Chicken recipe is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that transforms your kitchen into a gourmet restaurant in just 40 minutes. Whether you're a busy home cook or a weekend chef looking to impress, this dish promises restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken thighs, sliced
- 1 cup cashews
- 1/4 cup oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Slice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces and set them aside in a bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine the oyster sauce, soy sauce, and cornstarch. Mix well until the cornstarch is fully dissolved. This will be your marinade.
- Pour the marinade over the sliced chicken and toss to ensure that all pieces are well coated. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes to enhance the flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the vegetables. Slice the bell pepper into thin strips and chop the green onions, separating the white parts from the green.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add the vegetable oil. Allow the oil to heat up until it shimmers.
- Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the sliced bell pepper and the white parts of the green onions to the skillet. Stir-fry for an additional 3-4 minutes until the bell peppers are tender-crisp.
- Next, add the cashews to the skillet and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the cashews to toast slightly and absorb the flavors.
- Finally, sprinkle the green parts of the green onions over the dish for garnish. Give everything a good stir to mix the flavors well.
- Remove the skillet from heat and serve the Cashew Chicken with Oyster Sauce hot, over steamed rice or noodles if desired.
Tips
- Marinating is Key: Don't rush the marinating process. Those 10-15 minutes allow the chicken to absorb the oyster and soy sauce flavors deeply.
- High Heat Matters: Use a wok or large skillet and ensure it's hot before adding chicken. This helps achieve that perfect golden-brown sear.
- Cut Uniformly: Slice chicken and bell peppers into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Toast Cashews Carefully: When adding cashews, keep them moving to prevent burning and enhance their nutty flavor.
- Fresh Ingredients Make a Difference: Use fresh green onions and high-quality oyster sauce for the best taste.
- Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in a single layer to promote proper browning and prevent steaming.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 120mg
