Cashew Chicken

Typically, when I order cashew chicken from my local Chinese takeout for my brother, it includes water chestnuts. Personally, I hate water chestnuts, so I do not include them in this recipe. If you happen to like them, you can always add 1/2 c canned water chestnuts, drained and chopped. Also, if you happen to see some egg rolls at your local grocery store, give them a try. It adds to that takeout-at-home vibe.

Looking for other dinner ideas for chicken? Try my easy curry chicken or parmesan-crusted chicken thighs.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Serves 4 people

Ingredients

Sauce

1/2 c low sodium soy sauce

1 tbsp rice vinegar

1 tbsp brown sugar, packed

2 tbsp oyster sauce

1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil

1/2 tsp ground ginger

Chicken

3 tbsp vegetable oil

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into small cubes

salt, to taste

1 tbsp chopped garlic

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1/4 c water or sherry

2 tbsp cornstarch

1 c unsalted cashews (definitely use unsalted!)

2 whole green onions, thinly sliced (if desired)

cooked rice for serving (if desired)

Preparation

In a bowl or measuring cup, mix together the soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, oyster sauce, sesame oil, and ground ginger. Set aside.

Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat and add the chicken in a single layer. Sprinkle with a small amount of salt, then leave it alone for 3 to 5 minutes to give the chicken a chance to brown. When the chicken has turned golden, stir it around so that it can brown on all sides. Throw in the garlic and stir to combine. Stir in the bell pepper and let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

While the pan is still hot, pour in the water (or sherry), scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen all the flavorful bits. Turn the heat to medium-low and pour in the sauce mixture, then mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup water to make a slurry and pour it in. Stir the sauce for about a minute to thicken (it will thicken quickly), then add the cashews and stir to coat everything with the sauce, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.

Finally, sprinkle on the green onions (if desired).

Serve cashew chicken with cooked rice and an egg roll, if desired.

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