Imagine a dish that combines the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and crunchy in every single bite – this Sweet and Spicy Cashew Chicken with Peppers is about to become your new obsession! Forget boring weeknight dinners and prepare to transform your kitchen into a gourmet Asian-inspired culinary experience that will have everyone begging for seconds. With golden-brown chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and a sauce that packs a punch of flavor, this recipe is your ticket to a restaurant-quality meal made right at home in just 25 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cubed
- 1 cup cashews
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp chili flakes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions
- Prepare all ingredients by cutting chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes, slicing bell pepper into thin strips, and measuring out all sauce ingredients.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet or wok over medium-high heat until oil is shimmering and hot.
- Add cubed chicken to the hot skillet, spreading pieces evenly to ensure proper browning. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken turns golden and is nearly cooked through.
- Add sliced bell peppers to the skillet and sauté with chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing peppers to become slightly tender but still retain some crispness.
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, and chili flakes to create a vibrant sweet and spicy sauce.
- Pour sauce mixture over chicken and peppers, stirring to coat all ingredients evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow sauce to caramelize slightly.
- Add cashews to the skillet, tossing gently to incorporate and toast them lightly with the chicken and peppers.
- Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to slightly thicken.
- Serve hot over steamed rice or cauliflower rice, garnishing with additional chili flakes if desired.
Tips
- For the most tender chicken, cut your chicken breast into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Make sure your skillet or wok is hot before adding chicken to achieve that perfect golden-brown sear.
- Don't overcrowd the pan – this helps the chicken brown instead of steam, creating more flavor.
- Use fresh chili flakes for the most vibrant heat, and adjust the amount to suit your spice tolerance.
- Toast the cashews briefly in the pan to enhance their nutty flavor and add an extra layer of crunch.
- Let the dish rest for a minute after cooking to allow the sauce to slightly thicken and flavors to meld together.
- For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 95mg
